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Russia, Hamas to Meet for Second Day
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1135D99:3919ACA Hamas leader
Khaled Mashaal says group will not take serious steps toward peace
unless Israel withdraws from territories it occupied in 1967





Khaled Mashaal, right, Hamas political chief, gestures as Russia's
Chief Mufti Ravil Gainutdin looks on at a news conferenceRussian
officials and leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas are to
meet for a second day of landmark talks Saturday in Moscow.

The three days of talks are the first between Hamas and one of the
four entities mediating the Middle East peace process since the
Palestinian group won a surprise majority in January's parliamentary
elections.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Hamas Friday it must
recognize Israel, and abide by the international "road map" to Middle
East peace.

Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal says his group would not take
serious steps toward peace unless Israel withdraws from the
territories it occupied in 1967.  Hamas has claimed responsibility for
numerous suicide bombings in Israel.

The United States, European Union and Israel classify Hamas as a
terrorist organization, but Russia does not.

Mashaal also reiterated demands for Israel to release Palestinian
prisoners, allow refugees to return home, and tear down the barrier it
is building along the West Bank.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said Hamas pledged to maintain a one-year
cease-fire if Israel refrained from using force.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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