Turkey seeks moderation, Hamas signals adamancy

A high-level delegation from Hamas arrived in Ankara for a surprise visit amid U.S. and European Union pressure on the radical Palestinian group to meet a number of demands on Israel's right to exist and to renounce violence or face sanctions.

The United States and the European Union have threatened to cut off aid to the Palestinians unless Hamas, responsible for many suicide bombings in Israel, recognizes Israel, renounces violence and accepts agreements signed by the Palestinian Authority in the past.

“We are trying to do our share in these critical days” for peace in the Middle East, said Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül, who was one of the Turkish officials meeting with the delegation headed by Khaled Mashaal, who lives in exile in Syria. “These days are important days. Correct messages should be given. Someone should do something; if the wrong paths are taken, both Palestinian and Israeli people will get hurt.”

But the mission appeared risky, since Hamas officials gave no sign of a public commitment to change policy on renouncing violence and recognizing Israel.   Sources close to Hamas' talks told the Turkish Daily News that Mashaal has confirmed that there would be no change in their position. He also said no condition, such as a commitment to renounce “armed resistance,” was attached to their visit to Turkey. Lack of concrete success during the visit may complicate Turkey's relations with Israel as well as with the United States and with those European countries who back Israel's position that contacts with Hamas at this stage would undermine efforts to make Hamas change its stance.