UN, WORLD BANK RESTRICT CONTACTS WITH HAMAS-RUN P.A.

UN Restricts Contacts with Hamas-Run PA Government - Edith M. Lederer
The UN said Tuesday it has ended its policy of unrestricted political contacts with the Palestinians and will now assess every request for political talks with the new Hamas-run government. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, "The issue of political contacts, above and beyond the humanitarian assistance, will be dealt with as they arise...on a case-by-case basis." Dujarric said he joined the U.S., EU, and Russia in demanding that Hamas recognize Israel, accept past Israeli-Palestinian peace agreements, and renounce violence. (Washington Post)

See also World Bank Faces Dilemma on Hamas Contacts - Lesley Wroughton
World Bank officials said on Tuesday contact with the new Palestinian government has been "limited" until World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz decides how to proceed. "As long as Hamas is branded by major donors as a terrorist-related organization, it'll be very difficult for the bank staff to proceed, and if they would like to, they will also have to go to the board" of member countries, one senior bank official said. "There is no formal stop in grant disbursements, but they are not going out," he added.

Bank officials said they were seeking legal advice on whether staff could be indicted under U.S. or other law for collaborating with a terrorist group. "Even as an employee of the World Bank you may have some protection, but you'll think twice before you really engage because you could be indicted in the U.S. or in Europe," said another bank official. (Reuters)