Clinton: Palestinian reconciliation only if Hamas recognizes Israel

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Egyptian-brokered efforts to bring about Palestinian reconciliation will only work if Hamas recognizes Israel, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reportedly said on Friday. AFP cited a Voice of America radio report which quoted Clinton as saying "I believe that it's important, if there is some reconciliation and a move toward a unified authority, that it's very clear that Hamas knows the conditions that have been set forth by the quartet, by the Arab summit." "They must renounce violence, recognize Israel, and abide by previous commitments, she said of Hamas, "otherwise, I don't think it will result in the kind of positive step forward either for the Palestinian people or as a vehicle for a reinvigorated effort to obtain peace that leads to a Palestinian state."