[State Department] Acting deputy State Department spokesman Gordon Duguid said Friday, "The United States is a longstanding and firm ally of Israel. We will work with the next Israeli government, however it is composed." He added: "The position on Hamas for the State Department, for the United States, is very clear. Should they accept the existence of the State of Israel, should they stop trying to violently overthrow the State of Israel, should they wish to reengage in the peace process and stop trying to rearm by smuggling rockets and other arms into Gaza, then there could be a place for them in future discussions. But until that happens, I don't see our position changing."
2009-02-23 06:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive