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Rice Begins Mideast Mission, Seeking Unity Against Hamas
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=110E0AD:3919ACA US Secretary of
State Condoleezza Rice will encourage pressure on Hamas-led
Palestinian government to renounce violence, recognize Israel





Condoleezza Rice (file photo)U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
arrived in Egypt Tuesday as she seeks to shore up support for a tough
stance against Hamas.

Rice is beginning a regional tour on which she will encourage pressure
on a Hamas-led Palestinian government to renounce violence and
recognize Israel.

Rice also will visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates during
her five-day mission.

A State Department spokesman, Sean McCormack, said Rice will urge Arab
allies to send a clear message to Hamas to meet international demands.
She has made the similar appeal to European partners.

The Bush administration is reviewing its aid program for the
Palestinians, following Hamas's victory in last month's Palestinian
legislative elections.

As part of the review Washington has asked the Palestinian Authority
to return nearly $50 million in unspent U.S. aid money.

Some information for this report was provided by AP.

 


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