Sinn Fein leader: Israel must talk to Hamas
By Meron Rapoport
Israel should hold direct talks with Hamas, and the international and Israeli boycott of the party's government only "increases the problems" in the region, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said yesterday after arriving for a brief visit to Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Adams, who was invited by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, said he would meet with Palestinian members of parliament, including from Hamas, in Ramallah today. He made no comment on the announcement by Israeli officials that they would "ignore" his visits here, and said his visit had been "treated positively" by the Israeli government.
Adams met in Jerusalem yesterday with representatives of Israeli peace movements, but was not expected to meet with Israeli officials.
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Adams, who represents the Catholic minority in Northern Ireland, led Sinn Fein to participate in the political process for a cease-fire and reach agreements with the British government.
He urged that Israel and Hamas enter into a dialogue to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict, which cannot be solved militarily, adding that Israel can achieve security only by recognizing the rights of the Palestinian people.
The Sinn Fein leader said he is against presenting Hamas with preconditions, such as recognition of Israel, since mutual recognition can be a product of dialogue.
"In my experience, preconditions can only serve as an excuse for lack of progress in negotiations," Adams said.
He said the Hamas government is legitimate, because it was freely and democratically elected, and the Palestinian people's choice should be respected.
Mordechai Vanunu attended the press conference, and was introduced to Adams, who said he had heard of Vanunu and "applauded" his struggle. "Israel needs people like you," Adams told Vanunu, and paused for a photograph with him.
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