[Press TV-Iran] Mushir al-Masri, the head of Hamas' parliamentary bloc, dismissed a condition set by Mideast Quartet Envoy Tony Blair that Hamas must recognize Israel before starting talks. On Saturday he termed Blair's suggestion as "utterly foolish and useless." In an interview with The Times (UK) published Saturday, Blair said Hamas must be involved in the Middle East peace process; however, it would have to recognize Israel's right to exist and renounce violence. "I do think it is important that we find a way of bringing Hamas into this process, but it can only be done if Hamas are prepared to do it on the right terms," Blair said.
2009-02-02 06:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive