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| By: Associated Press |
| Published: January 17, 2006 |
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Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos on Monday visited the campaign headquarters of Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah Party, saying it was a pledge of support for Palestinian democracy rather than a political endorsement.
Moratinos was presented with a hat and scarf bearing the insignia of Fatah.
The former European Union Middle East special peace envoy stopped short of endorsing Fatah in the Jan. 25 Palestinian legislative election. "I am supporting all democratic parties in Palestine. They are my friend," he said.
But when asked whether he would also visit Hamas headquarters, he said "no."
Palestinian Information Minister Nabil Shaath, who hosted Moratinos, said his Spanish guest was not meddling in internal Palestinian politics.
"The Europeans are not taking any side. Moratinos is our great friend and we welcome in Palestine the Europeans supporting our elections and our democracy but not interfering in our domestic affairs," he said.
Hamas spokesman Mushir al-Masri saw things differently.
"Some international and European parties, in addition to Israel, want a special Palestinian election, an election that fits their interests and their policies," he said. "But the future will prove to Moratinos and the Europeans and Americans that Hamas is a very important part of the Palestinian people."
A recent survey indicates a 10-point gain for Hamas in recent weeks, winning 31 percent of the vote, compared to 35 percent for Fatah. |
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