Statements made by M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, during his joint press briefing with Mr. David Milliband, British Foreign Secretary (excerpts)
Paris, 18 July 2007
(…)
HAMAS/AL-QAIDA
Q. – Do you agree with your opposite number, Mr Massimo d’Alema, that the isolation of Hamas is pushing it into al-Qaida’s arms?
THE MINISTER – I often agree with my friend Massimo d’Alema. But on that, I don’t. The policy, were it to continue, of isolating the Palestinian population in Gaza, is indeed a seriously risky one. It’s true. Now, I believe that Hamas hasn’t waited for this extreme situation, the terrible situation in Gaza now, to have contacts with al-Qaida. And it would perhaps be too simple to think that we, the international community, are to blame. But I take very seriously the question raised by Massimo d’Alema. The Palestinians mustn’t be left in that situation in Gaza. Now, let’s not accuse the West of being responsible for the links the extremist organizations maintain with each other. (…) ./.
Country: France
Subject: Gaza Strip
Publication Date: 18/07/2007