EU governments urged to renew links with Hamas

EU governments were urged today to resume formal links with Hamas after the release of BBC Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston.

Direct cash aid from Brussels to the Hamas-led Palestinian government was suspended last year after its refusal to renounce violence and recognise Israel.

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The only aid still flowing has been direct to welfare agencies to help support the Palestinian economy and its population.

But last month marked a breakthrough when the European Commission announced a three million pound aid package to the Palestinian Ministry of Finance - a drop in the ocean compared with the vast EU sums still on hold, but seen as recognition that a National Unity Government is now in place.

The money is being used on training schemes which began in the Finance ministry's Ramallah office on July 8 and which also start in its Gaza office next week.

And although Hamas has still not formally renounced violence or recognised Israel, the part played by the organisation in Mr Johnston's release has raised hopes amongst Euro-MPs of a new phase in Middle East relations.

Liberal Democrat Liz Lynne, a member of the European Parliament's Human Rights Committee, and a campaigner for the rights of Palestinians, commented: "This is obviously great news for Alan's family and friends and all those who have campaigned for his release.

"Let us hope that this is the start of a new phase in the Middle-East and will persuade the European Union and other international bodies to start talking to Hamas, because only through dialogue can we achieve a long-lasting peace"

Cypriot MEP Kyriacos Triantaphyllides, chairman of the European Parliament delegation for relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council said Mr Johnston's release could "spark a new beginning" in the Middle East.

He went on: "Since his appointment to Gaza in 2004, Alan had been an independent witness and analyst of events. His abduction was thus completely uncalled for.

"We now need to analyse the terms under which his surrender was made possible in order to elaborate the possibility for confidence-building measures in the Gaza strip in the near future.

"However, one must not lose sight of the current situation involving prisoners. The Israeli government must release all the PLC members it is currently holding illegally in jail. At the same time, Hamas must take the necessary measures to free soldier Gilat Shalid. A first step has been made today. Let this be the step of a new beginning"