GAZA, Palestine, February 1 ,2006 (IPC+Agencies) - -The European Union on Tuesday set three conditions for the Hamas-led Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to stick on in order to continue receiving funding from the E.U. The E.U. Ambassador Ramiro Cibrian-Uzal stated that all ministers of any Palestinian government must be committed to renouncing violence, recognizing Israel as a state and accepting previous agreements made with Israel (including the 'Roadmap' plan).
The EU ambassador uttered his optimistic that Hams will agree on three conditions. He also said that no sooner Hamas had accepted the three conditions; it would be possible to exclude the movement from the terrorist group list.
European Union foreign policy Chief Javier Solana told the Associated Press Tuesday morning, "For us, it is fundamental. We cannot cooperate with an organization that won't renounce violence and be able to negotiate with the other side."
Palestinian aid money for 2006 from the European Commission will total around $304 million, channeled through U.N. relief agencies and independent aid groups. Last year, about $50 million in aid was frozen because of perceived financial mismanagement in the Palestinian Authority.
Conditional Bide
At a meeting in London on Tuesday, the 'Quartet', Middle East peace makers -- the United Nations, the United States, Russia and the European Union met to future of aids to the Palestinian National Authority.
"The Quartet believes that the Palestinian people have the right to expect that a new government will address their aspirations for peace and statehood, and it welcomed President Abbas' affirmation that the Palestinian Authority is committed to the Road Map" - an outline peace plan - "previous agreements and obligations between the parties and a negotiated two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," Quartet's statement.
The Quartet also urged the Palestinians to take control over finances and move towards fiscal accountability and reform.
European Union foreign policy Chief Javier Solana said it could take up to three months before a new Palestinian government was formed and vital EU funding would continue at least until then.
"If these conditions are met then we stand ready to continue (to fund the Palestinian Authority)," he said.
"If they do not change then it will be very difficult," he added.
Hamas Refuses …
Hama's politburo Khaled Mashaal refused yesterday conditions set by the Quartet.
In a press conference in Damascus, on the sideline of his meeting with Jordanian Islamic delegation, Mashaal said "we will never bow to such conditions, we are chosen by the Palestinian people in elections observed by international monitors. They have to deal with the newly-elected leadership. We are ready for talks but we will hold our rights with us."
On his part, Musheir Al Mussri, PLC Deputy and Hamas spokesperson told AP " this statement is to blackmail our people." He demanded the Quartet to reconsider its stance .
