GAZA, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- The Palestinian Authority and the Hamas group Saturday denounced as unacceptable the U.S. Congress decision rejecting Hamas participation in the elections.
The head of the negotiations department, Saeb Erekat, said in a statement everyone must respect the democratic choices of the Palestinian people and that all eligible Palestinians are allowed to participate to ensure a true democracy.
He was responding to a recent U.S. Congress decision that threatened to withhold financial assistance to the PA if Hamas takes part in the Palestinian legislative elections next month.
The American legislature also demanded that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas make a decision to dismantle the "terrorist groups," in reference to armed factions, before the polls are held.
Erekat insisted the elections will be held on time, adding that "ballot boxes are the way to ending the multiple authorities."
He said "we did not hear any American officials demanding the exclusion of anyone who carries weapons from participating in the Iraqi elections" on Thursday, adding that "just as elections in Iraq are a democratic choice, so should they be in Palestine."
The PA's reaction came as Hamas also condemned the U.S. decision as a "blatant interference in internal Palestinian affairs."
Hamas member and candidate in the polls, Saeed Siyam, told United Press International the Congress position was typical of the United States' "full bias towards the Zionist occupation."
He insisted that "no one has the right to stand against the desire and will of our people in choosing their representatives."
