(Ha'aretz) Aluf Benn and Gideon Alon - According to political sources, the fight against Hamas' participation in the Palestinian legislative elections now tops Israel's agenda in its international relations. In response to criticism of its intervention in the democratic process in the PA, Israel will emphasize its democratic right to defend itself, and will argue that ruling out a terror group's participation in elections is "an essential, legitimate, and acceptable" step. Prime Minister Sharon posed two conditions that Hamas must meet if it wants to participate in the vote: The movement must disarm, and it must revoke its charter which calls for the destruction of Israel. Jerusalem will demand that the international community restrain the organization and create conditions for elections "in keeping with accepted democratic norms."
2005-10-03 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive