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Hamas rejects Bush’s promises

GAZA CITY (Gaza Strip): The leader of the Hamas government in Gaza said on Friday U.S. President George W. Bush’s visit to the region proved his bias towards Israel and hurt Palestinian aspirations for a state of their own.

Ismail Haniyeh spoke to reporters after Friday prayers as Mr. Bush wrapped up a three-day visit to Israel and the West Bank, seat of the Ramallah-based government of moderate President Mahmoud Abbas, Mr. Haniyeh’s rival.

During his visit, Mr. Bush laid out U.S. expectations for a peace deal, which he said should be completed this year. He singled out Gaza — which Hamas violently seized in June — as a problem that could not easily be solved in the 12 months remaining in his presidency.

The international community is boycotting Hamas because of its refusal to recognise Israel’s right to exist and renounce violence.

Following Hamas violent takeover of Gaza, Mr. Abbas formed his own government in the West Bank that effectively has no control in Gaza. The split prompted the renewal of peace talks between Mr. Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.— AP

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