Post Election Quotes

March 1, 2006

“The Americans and the Europeans say to Hamas, ‘Either you have weapons or you enter the legislative council.’ We say (we will have) weapons and the legislative council. There is no contradiction between the two.”
Ismail Haniyeh, new PA Prime Minister

“The elections were completely honest, completely fair, completely safe and without violence…The Palestinian government is destitute and in desperate financial straits. I hope that support for the new government will be forthcoming.” Jimmy Carter, former U.S. President

“The Jewish people will not respond to anybody weak, but will only respond to strength. The Jews didn’t get out of Gaza from negotiations. They got out from resistance, and we want to continue the struggle.”
Nabil Ismil, owner of a clothing store in Gaza

“We haven't considered Hamas a terrorist organization. Today we must recognize that Hamas has reached power in Palestine as a result of legitimate elections”
Vladimir Putin, Russian President

“The Islamic republic of Iran congratulates Hamas and all the Palestinian soldiers and the great Islamic people. The result ofhese elections will reinforce the unity of the Palestinian people in defending their rights. The massive participation of the Palestinians shows their will to continue the struggle and resistance against occupation.”
Hamid Reza Asefi, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman

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