Keep doors open - Hamas must transform into a governing party

The international community should respect the choice of the Palestinian people Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, President of the Party of European Socialists, told the Socialist International meeting in Athens today, and doors must remain open until the aims of the new Palestinian government are known.
 
Poul Nyrup Rasmussen said "Winning democratic elections gives you certain legitimacy but it does not make you a democratic movement per se! Hamas must respect democratic rules and principles. Hamas must respect the freedom of speech, of association, of religious beliefs, of gender equality. We will be close watchdogs of this!"
 
"The international community should respect the choice of the Palestinian people. We can’t be accused of not accepting democracy when the results go against our expectations. But we can expect Hamas to act in a responsible way by respecting the legitimate rights and interests of the Palestinian people. Hamas bears a historical responsibility now. It must demonstrate that it can transform itself into a governing party, accepting the engagements and commitments of the Palestinian authority. First and foremost to its neighbours, first and foremost the acceptance of Israel, and the international community, first and foremost the implementation of the Road map."
 
"Negotiations are and remain the only way to reach a just and comprehensive peace. Unilateralism is doomed to fail. Violence is doomed to fail. The Israeli government must engage in negotiations. Hamas must renounce the use of violence."
 
"One thing must not be forgotten: Democracy came with Fatah. Fatah, and Mahmoud Abbas, has brought democratic culture into recent Palestinian political life and should be recognised for that. I hope that it will take the benefit of this experience to be strong again soon because we need a secular, progressive and committed partner in power in Palestine. I wish to express my support for you in this difficult time, to find your unity quickly and to be an efective opposition force."
 
"In my experience, it is difficult to achieve anything if it has not been done through dialogue. The future Palestinian government will soon have the opportunity to demonstrate its ambition, which will therefore give the indication on the policy to adopt. I believe therefore that doors must remain open, at least until we know."
 
For more information: Julian Scola, Press Officer, Party of European Socialists, mobile +32 486 117 394,