Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs written question – answered am ar 28 Ebrill 2009.
Michael Ancram
Ceidwadwyr, Devizes
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions there were between the Government and (a) the Israeli Government, (b) President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority and (c) representatives of Hamas on the situation in Gaza between
Bill Rammell
Minister of State, Foreign & Commonwealth Office
We have been in regular contact with both the Government of Israel and Palestinian Authority, including during this period the Prime Minister speaking to the Israeli Prime Minister and Palestinian President.
There was no contact with Hamas. We do not believe it is productive to talk to Hamas until it makes significant movement towards the Quartet principles of rejecting violence, accepting Israel's right to exist and recognising previous agreements.
The Arab League has mandated Egypt to communicate with Hamas. We are in regular contact with both the Arab League and Egypt. Turkey, Syria, Qatar and others are also speaking to Hamas.
Yes3 people think so
No6 people think not
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