Recently, it has been revealed that France’s government had kept in communications with the militant group in Palestine known as Hamas. This has been confirmed by Bernard Kouchner, the Foreign Minister of France. Both the United States and the European Union consider Hamas a terrorist organization.
While Hamas has control of Gaza, it is not recognized as a legitimate government. Israel, the United States, and the EU recognize Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority as Palestine’s government. Hamas took control of the area by force back in June of 2007. Now, it has been revealed that France has been communicating with Hamas.
So far, France has received backlash from the United States for this move. However, Kouchner defends the stance. To the French government, the contact with Hamas would to measure the situation in Gaza. Kouchner said that other countries in Europe had done the same thing in private. At the same time, Hamas has confirmed that it has been in quiet contact with many different European countries.
So far, Hamas refuses to recognize Israel. Israel has said several times in the past that it will not accept any truces unless it is recognized as a state.
So far, Kouchner said that France does not have relations with Hamas. He adds that France is not in negotiations with Hamas. At the same time, there is the irony since French President Nicholas Sarkozy has recognized and embraced the state of Israel.
But this gives the indication that Sarkozy felt the need that a “bridge” with Hamas needs to be “built.” Recently, former US President Jimmy Carter had met the leaders of Hamas back in April. However, Kouchner did not go into details about Hamas and Israel while speaking on French radio.
The cat seemed to come out of the bag for France after the visit by Carter to Syria to meet with Hamas.
Regardless, the administration of US President Bush feels differently. It feels that such a move by France is not appropriate. To the Bush administration, engaging in private talks with Hamas is not helping to bring peace to Gaza.
So far, this could put somewhat of a hurt on relations between France and the United States. Now, it has been revealed that France has been in contact with Hamas. However, Great Britain has not weighed in on this situation yet.
Currently, France and Britain have been working on a strong relationship since the past few months.