US Favors Possible Cease-fire with Hamas

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, June 17, 2003

US Favors Possible Cease-fire with Hamas

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

The United States on Monday spoke positively of a possible cease-fire between Israelis and the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) but insisted that such an arrangement must eventually lead to an end to terrorist attacks on Israelis.

"We have been clear, ... that the Palestinian Authority needs to set up a security force that can take control of the area, thatcan defeat the terrorists and do everything they can to defeat those who want to deny the establishment of a Palestinian state," State Department spokesman said at a news briefing, responding to a question about current US position on Hamas.

"The idea of a cease-fire as a step along the way is a good one,but ultimately it has to lead to that kind of dismantlement that the president (George W. Bush) talked about, denying them (Hamas) the ability to carry out attacks," Boucher said.

He said that Hamas is clearly an obstacle to peace because along with al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigade and Palestinian Islamic Jihad,the group's "continued acts of terrorism and violence" have resulted in "death and destruction" in the Middle East.

But the spokesman did not clarify whether Washington will support continued crackdown on Hamas if the group signs to a cease-fire with Israelis.

Accusing Hamas of sabotaging the Middle East peace process, US President Bush on Sunday called on the international community to cut off funds and support to Hamas.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Hamas Leader Escapes Attack

Bush Says Hamas Must Face Harsh Treatment

Israel, Hamas Vow Fight to the Finish

China's Private Car Ownership Tops 10 Million ( 4 Messages)

India, China Well Placed to Influence Regional Events: Indian Official ( 2 Messages)

US, India Monitor China's Nuclear Base ( 9 Messages)

Clinton Makes US$9.5 Million from Speeches Last Year ( 2 Messages)