Hamas is trying to blow up the Middle East peace process, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said on Monday, calling for an international crackdown on the Palestinian group.
"There is no doubt at all that the terrorist group Hamas is literally trying to blow this process to pieces," he told reporters at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.
"We are taking firm action in the United Kingdom against Hamas, and now I believe is the time for the whole of the international community including the European Union to take action against a group which has made very clear that it has no interest whatever in being a partner for peace," he said.
Outgoing EU Middle East peace envoy Miguel Angel Moratinos was quoted by the Spanish daily El Pais on Monday as saying the EU should add Hamas to its list of "terrorist" organizations, whose assets may be seized.
Meanwhile, PA Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath, also speaking to reporters in Luxembourg, said he requested the EU not to put Hamas on its "terrorist list." (Albawaba.com)
