Palestinians reject US meddling in poll

The resolution, passed on Friday by a majority vote, warned that the participation of Hamas in the Palestinian government would "potentially undermine the ability of the United States to have a constructive relationship with or provide further assistance to the Palestinian Authority".

Moreover, the resolution, supported by the pro-Israeli lobbying group AIPAC, said the participation of Hamas, a welfare and resistance movement, in the legislative polls "will inevitably raise serious questions for the United States about the commitment of the PA and its leadership to making peace with Israel".

The PA played down the resolution, saying it flies in the face of the "very essence of democracy".

Abdullah Abdulla, the director-general of the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, said: "I don't understand how America calls for democracy in the Middle East and elsewhere and at the same time demands we exclude people we don't agree with from the democratic process."

Clarity sought

He said the US should be honest and clear on democracy in the Middle East.

"If they are truly committed to democracy, then they would have to accept free and transparent elections, and if they insist on excluding Hamas or others from the democratic process, then they would have to admit that they are not really serious about democracy."

He said the PA wouldn't be bullied into choosing between democracy and US aid.

Interference

Hamas also condemned the resolution, calling it a "flagrant and blatant interference in our internal affairs".

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