LONDON - U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said yesterday that a Hamas-led Palestinian government must commit to non-violence, recognition of Israel and acceptance of existing peace agreements if it is to maintain its level of financial support. Speaking for the Quartet of would-be peace-making nations after their meeting in London, Annan also said Hamas must set up a government that is committed to the rule of law, to tolerance, reform and sound fiscal management. It was "inevitable that future assistance to any new government would be reviewed by donors against that government's commitment" to such principles, Annan said.
| Yup, that oughta do it. Veal or lamb for lunch? |
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, addressing the same news conference, said the new government has "an obligation ... to speak to the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a better life and for a peaceful life.
"That peaceful life, the Quartet has reiterated, can be achieved only through a two-state solution that recognizes the right of Israel to exist; that is commited to non-violence; that undertakes the obligations of the road map," she told reporters.