EU faces Hamas dilemma

The European Union would not rule out working with a Palestinian government that included the outlawed Hamas movement after today's election, provided it worked for peace with Israel, a top official said.

"We are in principle ready to work with any government of the Palestinians that would seek peace by peaceful means," EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said, when asked if Brussels could continue funding the Palestinian Authority if it included members of the Islamist group.

She said in an interview the bloc would cooperate only with a government that respected the principles of the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and a commitment to the Middle East process between Israel and the Palestinians.

The EU will face a dilemma if Hamas, which it has put on a list of proscribed terrorist organisations, does well in the elections. The Islamist movement is officially committed to the destruction of the Jewish state.

The EU, the largest aid donor to the Palestinians, is a member of the quartet of diplomatic partners seeking Middle East peace, alongside the United States, the United Nations and Russia, making contact with the new government vital. If Hamas scores well in the polls - and Ms Ferrero-Waldner referred to estimates that it could win between 30 and 40 percent of the vote - it may claim Cabinet seats.