UN ends unrestricted political contacts with Palestinians

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Last update - 04:07 12/04/2006


UN ends unrestricted political contacts with Palestinians

By Haaretz Service and Agencies

The United Nations said Tuesday it has ended its policy of unrestricted political contacts with the Palestinians and will now assess every request for political talks with the new Hamas-run government, which has refused to recognize Israel and renounce violence.

World Bank officials said on Tuesday that it has also decided to "limit" contact with the new Palestinian government until World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz decides how to proceed.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said "working contacts" between the UN and the new Palestinian government will continue to ensure that there is no disruption in the delivery of humanitarian aid and services to the Palestinian people from a number of UN agencies.

"The issue of political contacts, above and beyond the humanitarian assistance, will be dealt with as they arise ... on a case by case basis," he said.

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http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/705261.html