Turkey seeks moderation, Hamas signals adamancy - Turkish Daily News Feb 17, 2006: " "We are trying to do our share in these critical days" for peace in the Middle East, said Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, who was one of the Turkish officials meeting with the delegation headed by Khaled Mashaal, who lives in exile in Syria. "These days are important days. Correct messages should be given. Someone should do something; if the wrong paths are taken, both Palestinian and Israeli people will get hurt."
But the mission appeared risky, since Hamas officials gave no sign of a public commitment to change policy on renouncing violence and recognizing Israel. Sources close to Hamas' talks told the Turkish Daily News that Mashaal has confirmed that there would be no change in their position. He also said no condition, such as a commitment to renounce "armed resistance," was attached to their visit to Turkey. Lack of concrete success during the visit may complicate Turkey's relations with Israel as well as with the United States and with those European countries who back Israel's position that contacts with Hamas at this stage would undermine efforts to make Hamas change its stance."
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