French FM: We´re ready to talk to Hamas

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-15-2009 08:55

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner says France is ready to talk to Hamas but only if the Islamic militant group renounces violence. France currently has only indirect contacts with Hamas, which the European Union lists as a terrorist group.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner gestures as he  speaks at the French National Assembly in Paris, Wednesday,  Jan. 14, 2009. Kouchner expressed hope that international  pressure for a Gaza cease-fire will be 'effective in  a few days.' (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Kouchner said talking with Hamas is a key part of international efforts to stop the fighting in Gaza. Speaking at France's National Assembly, he said France is ready to start an official dialogue with Hamas if it recognizes Israel and accepts previous peace accords.

Kouchner expressed hope that international pressure for a Gaza cease-fire will start to effective over the next few days. Kouchner also said France is in talks with Iran in a bid to indirectly pressure Hamas into halting rocket attacks on Israel.

Editor:Du Xiaodan