Swedish envoy offers tentative support for new PA

Sweden's top diplomat offered cautious support for the new Palestinian Authority government Sunday, but said further steps are needed before the Hamas-Fatah coalition can be given full international recognition. Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said he welcomed the unity agreement between the Islamist Hamas and the more moderate Fatah. He noted that "significant steps have been taken" toward complying with three key international demands _ that the Palestinians renounce violence, recognize Israel and commit to peace agreements.