Concerned surprise is the order of the day in Jerusalem government corridors, following the announcement issued by the Quartet at the United Nations on Wednesday. The statement was formulated at a meeting of the UN Secretary-General and the foreign ministers of the U.S., Russia and The European Union.
"The Quartet welcomes the efforts of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to form a government of national unity, in the hope that the platform of such a government would reflect Quartet principles and allow for early engagement," the statement read.
Though it falls short of the full recognition of Hamas sought by the terrorist organization, the statement marks the first time the U.S. has shown any sign of recognition of a government in which Hamas has a part.
Fatah, lead by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), and Hamas, which currently leads the Palestinian Authority government, are trying to form a coalition government. The purpose is to end the boycott imposed by many western countries on the PA, brought on by the Hamas refusal to recognize Israel and renounce terrorism.
Reuters reported that U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice "played down talk of a U.S. shift," and that she told reporters, "If indeed there is going to be a government which is able to govern, it is going to need the support of the international community and it needs to be committed to peace."
Just two days ago, U.S. President George Bush told the United Nations that a PA government would earn recognition only if it recognizes Israel and previous agreements signed with it, and gives up terrorism.
Voice of Israel Radio reports that Jerusalem government officials are "surprised and worried" over the Quartet's announcement. Attempting to be reassuring, some said the Quartet statement still "maintains the principle" that the above conditions must be met.
Hamas, on the other hand, greeted the statement with jubilation, saying it showed "political flexibility" and "progress." Just hours before the Quartet statement was released, PA prime minister Ismail Haniye of Hamas said again that he has no intention of ever recognizing Israel.
The White House can be faxed at 202-456-2461, and President Bush's email address is "president@whitehouse.gov".
"The Quartet welcomes the efforts of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to form a government of national unity, in the hope that the platform of such a government would reflect Quartet principles and allow for early engagement," the statement read.
Though it falls short of the full recognition of Hamas sought by the terrorist organization, the statement marks the first time the U.S. has shown any sign of recognition of a government in which Hamas has a part.
Fatah, lead by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), and Hamas, which currently leads the Palestinian Authority government, are trying to form a coalition government. The purpose is to end the boycott imposed by many western countries on the PA, brought on by the Hamas refusal to recognize Israel and renounce terrorism.
Reuters reported that U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice "played down talk of a U.S. shift," and that she told reporters, "If indeed there is going to be a government which is able to govern, it is going to need the support of the international community and it needs to be committed to peace."
Just two days ago, U.S. President George Bush told the United Nations that a PA government would earn recognition only if it recognizes Israel and previous agreements signed with it, and gives up terrorism.
Voice of Israel Radio reports that Jerusalem government officials are "surprised and worried" over the Quartet's announcement. Attempting to be reassuring, some said the Quartet statement still "maintains the principle" that the above conditions must be met.
Hamas, on the other hand, greeted the statement with jubilation, saying it showed "political flexibility" and "progress." Just hours before the Quartet statement was released, PA prime minister Ismail Haniye of Hamas said again that he has no intention of ever recognizing Israel.
The White House can be faxed at 202-456-2461, and President Bush's email address is "president@whitehouse.gov".