South Africa invites Hamas for talks despite Israeli objections

[Behind the Aegis]

South Africa yesterday joined a growing list of countries inviting Hamas leaders for talks, raising Israeli concerns that the international front against the Islamic militants is crumbling.

Israel has been trying to isolate Hamas to counter the effect of its imminent rise to power in the Palestinian territories. Israel's efforts absorbed a blow when Russia invited Hamas leaders for talks.

A Hamas delegation will travel to Moscow today for high-level talks that could end its international isolation. Though Russia has insisted it will press Hamas to recognize Israel and renounce violence, the militant Palestinian group seems unlikely to heed such calls to soften its hostility to Israel.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was scheduled to receive Hamas' exiled political leader, Khaled Meshal, in what will be Hamas' highest-profile foreign visit.

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[Englander]

1. South Africa says will meet Hamas

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa said on Thursday it would meet Hamas despite U.S.-led efforts to isolate the Islamic militant group after its victory in Palestinian polls.

South African Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad said Pretoria had confirmed a proposed meeting, although details were yet to be arranged.

"The proposed meeting will take place within the context of ongoing efforts by South Africa ... to share our experiences on the transition from apartheid to democracy with both the Palestinians and the Israelis," Pahad said in a statement.

"With the election of Hamas by the majority of Palestinians during their recent parliamentary elections, South Africa is of the view that we need to engage with the Hamas leadership as part of international efforts to help bring about peace and stability in the Middle East."

South Africa, which under apartheid was a close ally of Israel, has sought to become a bridge between Israelis and Palestinians since white rule gave way to multi-racial democracy in 1994.

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