Abbas: Neither Fatah nor Hamas need to recognize Israel

Abbas to Condoleezza Rice: "Hamas must recognize Israel" [The Jerusalem Post, Oct. 4, 2006] Abbas to Arabs: "Hamas need not recognize Israel" Full Abbas statement: "It is not required of Hamas, nor of Fatah, nor of the Popular Front, to recognize Israel. Every person has the right to say, 'I do not recognize,' okay? It's your right. It is the right of any organization. But the government which will be formed, and which will function opposite the Israelis on a daily basis - how can this government, or these ministers, not recognize their counterparts, and then solve people's problems? The Palestinian finance minister has to come to an agreement with the Israeli finance minister about the transfer of the money. So how can he make an agreement with him if he does not recognize him? So I do not demand of Hamas nor any others to recognize Israel. But from the government that works with Israelis in day-to-day life, yes." [Al-Arabiya (Dubai) and PA TV (Fatah), Oct. 3, 2006]