WASHINGTON, March 30 (UPI) -- Within hours of the Hamas government being sworn in as the Palestinian government, the Bush administration banned its diplomats from making contact with Hamas.
An e-mail from Washington circulated in the Middle East late Wednesday afternoon, forbidding contact with Hamas ministers, independent members and public officials, effective at 6 p.m. However, the lines of communication to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas remained open.
The United States considers Hamas a terrorist organization, and vows not to recognize it until Hamas recognizes Israel's sovereignty.
Hamas Finance Minister Omar Abdel-Razeq told the Financial Times he believes relations will eventually thaw, beginning with Europe.
"We believe these positions will be reversed, hopefully by Europe in the beginning and later by the (United States) once they realize that we are serious about the financial transparency and accountability they have been demanding from the Palestinian Authority."
Also Wednesday, Canada announced it was suspending assistance to the Palestinian Authority because the new Hamas government refused to renounce violence and recognize Israel.
