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No aid for Hamas-led govt unless group commits to peace: EU

* European Union pledges not to ‘go soft’ on principles

SALZBURG: The European Union warned Friday it will cut funding to a new Hamas-led Palestinian government if it fails to renounce violence and recognise Israel, saying it “will not go soft” on principles.

Speaking at a meeting of EU foreign ministers, External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said the bloc has done more than any other foreign partner to support the caretaker Palestinian government.

The 25-nation EU has released 120 million euros for Palestinians since January elections in which the militant Islamic group swept to power, threatening to derail the Mideast peace process. But the EU official noted that the 25-nation bloc has set out conditions against which it will review funding once a new government is fully in place.

“The new government’s positions on violence, on recognition of Israel and on existing agreements like the (Mideast peace) road map remain absolutely crucial,” Ferrero-Waldner told reporters in Salzburg, Austria.

“We want to remain a reliable partner for the Palestinian people, but we will not go soft on our principles ... Money will not flow to the new authority unless it seeks peace by peaceful means.”

The radical Islamic group this week presented proposals for forming a Palestinian coalition government with the Fatah party of President Mahmud Abbas, in the search for an elusive deal on sharing power. AFP

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