U.S. to Continue Sending Palestinians Aid

[ProSense]

U.S. to Continue Sending Palestinians Aid

By MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH, Associated Press Writer
46 minutes ago

RAMALLAH, West Bank - The United States will continue sending humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people even after a Hamas government is formed, a senior U.S. envoy told Palestinian leaders during the first high-level meeting between the two sides since Hamas' election victory.

State Department envoy David Welch said the U.S. continues "to be devoted to the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people and we shall remain so."

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Welch told Palestinian officials that U.S. aid would be redirected, but Welch did not specify how.

Erekat noted that hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. aid flow directly into infrastructure projects every year, and not into Palestinian government coffers.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060225/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_palestinians

Bush: Hamas Must Renounce Violence

By Scott Stearns
White House
24 February 2006

Stearns report - Download 325k
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President Bush says the responsibilities of leading a Palestinian government should moderate extremist views within Hamas. Mr. Bush again said Washington will not support that government unless Hamas renounces violence and recognizes Israel.

As political leaders in Hamas work to form a new Palestinian administration, President Bush says he believes the responsibilities of governing will have a moderating effect on those who assume power in free elections.

"It's easier to be a martyr than a mayor or a Cabinet minister," said Mr. Bush. "When you are responsible for building roads and bridges and power stations and educating people and providing health, you are less likely to blow up health clinics and schools and bridges."

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http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-02-24-voa46.cfm