The American administration under Barack Obama has begun secret talks with the Palestinian group Hamas despite its listing as a terrorist organisation. ...Dr Azzam Tamimi, the director of the Institute of Islamic Political Thought (IIPT) in London said Barack Obama has failed to offer hope of real change for Palestinians. He said European governments including Sweden and Norway had secretly taken part in discussions in Geneva under the guise of NGOs. But the message remained that Hamas recognise Israel, abide by deals signed with the Palestine Liberation Organisation and must denounce armed struggle. Dr Tamimi told a meeting in London yesterday this would place Hamas in the same position as its predecessors Fatah which many Palestinians believe went to far in placating Israel and failed to bring any improvements on the ground.
The American administration under Barack Obama has begun secret talks with the Palestinian group Hamas despite its listing as a terrorist organisation.
However, diplomats acting on behalf of the US administration are still trying to pressure the party - which was elected in the West Bank - to acknowledge Israel's right to exist.
Hamas experts in the UK claim America has begun discussions but said there had been no substantial change in policy.
Dr Azzam Tamimi, the director of the Institute of Islamic Political Thought (IIPT) in London said Barack Obama has failed to offer hope of real change for Palestinians.
He said European governments including Sweden and Norway had secretly taken part in discussions in Geneva under the guise of NGOs.
But the message remained that Hamas recognise Israel, abide by deals signed with the Palestine Liberation Organisation and must denounce armed struggle.
Dr Tamimi told a meeting in London yesterday this would place Hamas in the same position as its predecessors Fatah which many Palestinians believe went to far in placating Israel and failed to bring any improvements on the ground.
He said: "Hamas cannot accept these conditions otherwise it would just be another Fatah."
"The Obama administration has learned that the measures of Bush did not work and did not encourage people against Hamas. It has taken the diplomatic approach.
"Emessaries from the US have been coming and going from Gaza and Hamas have met dignitories non-stop. Former president Jimmy Carter and many famous names have been in the media.
"Also a large number of European governments all seem to be surfacing wanting to know Hamas but there is always one objective - to see if Hamas will accept the conditions they have always refused to accept."
He added: "The difference with Sinn Fein and the IRA is then they said 'how do we take this problem forward'. But they cannot find a solution without including the majority party in Palestine - Hamas.
"They have used all the pressure - bombing, starvation, refusing our children medicine - but it does not work. They have to respect our country and our history."
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