 Ismail Haniya, set to be named Palestinian prime minister, said on Thursday that a Hamas government would rely on help from the Muslim world if the West acts on threats to axe funds once it takes office.
| Why haven't the Paleos been relying on the Muslim world to date? |
| The Euros are better patsies ... |
In an interview with AFP at his home in Gaza City's Shaati refugee camp, Haniya also said Hamas, set to form their first government after a landslide election win last month, would work constructively with Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas and address the pervading financial and security chaos. The victory by Hamas, the Islamist movement behind dozens of suicide attacks in a five-year uprising, has led both the European Union and United States to warn of a cut in funding unless it renounces violence and recognises Israel.
| "Nah. We'd rather do without." |
Haniya, however, a softly-spoken former university administrator who headed Hamas's list of parliamentary candidates, said the Islamist movement was well placed to do a better job of government than its predecessors from Fatah.
| That's true, but mainly because it'd be near impossible to do worse. |
"Firstly, by establishing a sound and transparent financial base, we will be able to make many economies," said Haniya, seated underneath a giant portrait of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, assassinated by Israel two years ago.
"Secondly, we think that the Arab and Muslim countries, at both an official level and among the members of the public, do not want to abandon us," he added in response to questions about the threats to cut funds.
| Ummm... Don't get your hopes up. You're a hobby, not a career... |
| Paleos need lots o' cash to buy all those dyed-to-match bridesmaid shoes. |
Haniya said that "international institutions, such as the World Bank, have assured us that they will maintain the finances of projects which they are supervising in the Palestinian territories." The possibility of a funding cut has raised speculation that Hamas could turn to Iran, one of its main diplomatic allies, to plug the finance gap. Haniya said that a Hamas delegation would travel to Iran shortly as part of a tour of Arab and Islamic countries. This delegation, which has already visited Egypt, Qatar and Turkey "would also visit Iran, Malaysia and South Africa." |