Subscribe to Print Edition | Thu., May 22, 2008 Iyyar 17, 5768 | | Israel Time: 06:12 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Peres Conference Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Damascus-based Hamas political leader Khaled Meshal. (AP) Last update - 19:31 21/05/2008 Hamas: Israel-Syria talks won't affect our 'strategic' ties with Damascus By News Agencies Tags: Syria, Hamas, Israel, U.S. A Hamas official said on Wednesday that the militant Palestinian group does not oppose the Israel-Syria peace negotiations announced earlier in the day, but stressed that the talks would not affect the organization's relationship with Syria. "These negotiations will not be reflected on the nature of the relationship between Hamas and Syria. These relations are strategic and strong," said Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas official in Gaza. A Advertisement significant Israeli stipulation for peace is that Damascus cut its ties with Palestinian Militant groups, some of which maintain offices in Syria. Hamas' political leader Khaled Meshal is himself based in Damascus. "Syria has occupied land and as an independent state it has the right to look into the way it sees suitable to regain its occupied land," Abu Zuhri stated. The Hamas official continued: "Our policy is that we do not intervene with the policies of other countries and in their internal affairs. At the same time we stress Hamas's own policies regarding not recognizing the Israeli occupation and not holding negotiations with them." Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is currently involved his own peace talks with Israel, responded favorably to the announcements. "We are hearing news about Syria and Israel, we hope that the two parties will reach a peaceful solution," Abbas said. The senior negotiator for Abbas' Palestinian Authority, Saeb Erekat, also welcomed the news. "We want to reach a comprehensive peace and therefore we support talks between Israel and Syria," he said. Meanwhile, the White House said on Wednesday it does not object to the indirect talks between Israel and Syria, and was not surprised by that development. "The United States is not participating. This decision was undertaken by Israel, we were not surprised by it, and we do not object to it," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said. "We hope that this is a forum to address various concerns we all have with Syria - Syria's support of terrorism, repression of its own people, and so we will see how this progresses," she said. David Welch, a senior U.S. State Department official, said: "I think Turkey played a good and useful role in this regard. Israel and Turkey have apprised us in the past of these discussions and kept us informed." The European Union, for its part, welcomed the announcements by Israel and Syria. "I welcome what appears to be encouraging news about the Israeli-Syrian track," said Marc Otte, the EU's special representative for the Middle East. The EU official added: "The Turkish government has to be commended for its efforts to facilitate contacts between the two parties. The EU has always supported a comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Arab conflict and continues to work in this direction." Related articles: Shas: Syria still in axis of evil; Labor MK: Olmert using spin to deflect from probe ANALYSIS / Small piece of land could scupper Israel-Syria talks Palestinian official: Israel, Hamas still at odds over truce terms Bookmark to del.icio.us   Say what you want French court: Claim that Al-Dura tape doctored isn`t libelous. Peace in our time Olmert: Peace talks with Syria are a 'national duty'.   1.   Meshal on strategic relations with Syria..! 20:47  |  Stephen. 21/05/08   2.   hyena and hamarse will be burned - watch 20:53  |  frenz 21/05/08   3.   No Problem - Israel Eager to Appease 21:05  |  Tod Zuckerman 21/05/08   4.   Why Should They "Object"? 23:51  |  Yanatan 21/05/08   5.   Whistling in the wind 00:39  |  Mark Lincoln 22/05/08   6.   Let`s be realistic here... 03:54  |  Johnboy 22/05/08

Read & React Al Gore: Israel should lead the way in renewable energy Responses: 127 Olmert to U.S.: Impose naval blockade on Iran Responses: 280 Israel, Syria to begin indirect peace talks Responses: 247 Shein and Berkowitz: The demise of the European left Responses: 152 Rosner's Domain 8 short comments on the Israel-Syria peace talks 5 questions: Does Israel need rescue? Goldberg vs. Boot. I'm going to stay neutral! Rosner's Guests: Israel not likely to invade Gaza soon Can Obama win over Jewish voters? (WTR) More Headlines 04:52 PM: Talks with Syria are 'historic breakthrough' 02:21 ANALYSIS: What will come first, peace treaty or indictment? 04:11 Rice: Israeli-Palestinian track more likely to produce results 04:30 Gag order lifted on contents of Shula Zaken's date book 04:39 Poll: More Israelis object to Golan accord than to J'lem deal 04:51 PM got Erdogan's help, softened up Bush, and sent in Turbowicz 05:25 Sources: Not enough evidence to indict Olmert for bribery 21:36 8 short comments on the Israel-Syria peace talks 01:37 Ankara hopes for a direct Israel-Syria meeting next month 05:33 Head of Jewish Agency immigration dept. quits 22:18 Lebanese relieved as standoff ends; Hezbollah supporters celebrate 21:41 Ex-chief rabbi Eliyahu's condition deteriorates further after stroke 21:02 French court: Claim that Al-Dura tape doctored isn`t libelous 00:49 Man U defeats Chelsea FC in Champions League final Previous Editions Select Day 21 may 20 may 19 may 18 may 16 may 15 may 14 may 13 may 12 may 11 may 09 may 08 may

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