(JTA) Half of the Democrats in the U.S. Senate urged President Obama to suspend assistance to the Palestinian Authority unless Hamas recognizes Israel and renounces terrorism. The letter, signed by 27 Democratic senators, which was sent May 6 and initiated by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), said: "It is imperative for you to make clear to President Abbas that Palestinian Authority participation in a unity government with an unreformed Hamas will jeopardize its relationship with the United States, including its receipt of U.S. aid." The letter notes that U.S. law proscribes assistance to any government that includes Hamas, unless it and its ministers comply with principles laid down by the Quartet: recognizing Israel and renouncing terrorism. "We urge you to conduct a review of the current situation and suspend aid should Hamas refuse to comply with Quartet conditions."
2011-05-09 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive