Speaking at the 2008 Hay Festival in Hay, Wales, former United States President Jimmy Carter’s latest speaking probably will not score him any brownie points back home at the states. At the Hay Festival, Carter has said some things that can be pretty controversial at most. But, it depends how one interprets it. But, one can expect a political uproar back in the United States.
It was not long ago that Carter made a very controversial move to fly out to Syria and meet with the militant Palestinian group known as Hamas. That action has brought forth much backlash against Carter.
This controversial statement made by Carter can be connected to his meeting with Hamas. On a side note, France’s government has admitted to keeping in contact with Hamas. This move has too been condemned by the administration of current US President George W. Bush.
At the 2008 Hay Festival, Carter addressed the European Union’s stance on the dispute between Israel and Palestine. He addressed the blockade on Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas. Currently, Hamas is not recognized as a legitimate Palestinian government. Right now, the Palestinian Authority ruled by President Mahmoud Abbas is recognized.
Israel and the Palestinian Authority have already started on its road to peace. Now, Carter has addressed the blockade which has been imposed by the United States, European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), and the Russian Federation. Carter had accused the EU of committing a crime against humanity for taking part of the blockade.
He explains that over a million people are “imprisoned” in Gaza. Carter adds that one million of them are refugees. Then, Carter continued to explain that the families that live in Gaza only get one meal a day. He blasted the EU for allowing this to happen.
In that regard, Carter called for the EU to lift the embargo on Hamas if it agrees to a ceasefire. So far, Hamas has refused to recognize Israel. At the same time, Israel demands that it is recognized by Hamas.
This solidifies that Carter is pressing on the issue of Hamas. It would not be surprising if this ends up as a debate topic between presumed GOP nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona and the eventual Democratic nominee.
Senator Barack Obama of Illinois and Senator Hillary Clinton are still fighting it out for the Democratic nomination. However, Clinton’s chance of securing the nomination and winning the US presidency look grim. Carter also addressed that Clinton should drop out of the race. He also added that an Obama-Clinton ticket will not happen.
But, it can be expected that Carter will receive backlash and further condemnation upon returning back to the States.