Solana in Israel- (does not rule out future Hamas talks)

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17.02.2006 - 10:55 CET | By Teresa Küchler

The EU's foreign policy chief Javier Solana has said that the EU will not decide what its relationship will be with the Palestinian Authority until a new Palestinian government takes office.

After visiting Jerusalem and the West Bank town of Ramallah on Thursday (16 February), Mr Solana said he did not rule out future negotiations with a Hamas government.

"Until we know the composition of the government, we will not invite anybody from Hamas," to Europe, Solana said according to Reuters.

"We may have to think how to deal with the new government but it has to be decided at that moment," he added.

Solana however raised a finger of warning towards Hamas, saying "We cannot accept that they use arms and at the same time hold seats in the parliament. Democracy is not only to participate in the elections."

He also repeated EU demands that the Palestinian Authority recognise the state of Israel, writes El Pais.

more...... http://euobserver.com/9/20932