It was proposed that Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store has had several secret conversations with the top leader of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal. Khaled Meshaal confirmed to TV2 that he has led talks on phone with the Foreign Minister.
Store, on the other hand said that Norway was working actively to establish a unity government of Fatah and Hamas in the spring of 2007. – My main task was to convey the international vision to outline that Hamas would recognize Israel, have respect for the agreements and renounce violence, said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
Oppsition Reacts Fiercely
The opposition parties in the parliament reacted strongly to Støres's contact with Hamas leader. Progress Party leader Siv Jensen reacted strongly by suggesting that the Minister has lied and misled the Parliament. Also, Conservative Party leader Erna Solberg criticized Støre stating that Norway's Middle East policy does not involve direct political contact with Hamas.
