Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Anan has come out in support of former American President Jimmy Carter's visit to Syrian-based Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal last Friday and Saturday. Israel and American government officials roundly criticized Carter for going against American policy of boycotting Hamas.
"I don't think the criticism is entirely fair," the former United Nations secretary general told reporters in Geneva. "We should be cautious not to over-react but take advantage of whatever openings [former] President Carter has been able to obtain to move the process forward. He's the only president who's been able to broker an enduring peace agreement between Israel and Egypt and for that we are very grateful."