Kofi Annan Out of Bounds 

By Dr. Joseph Lerner
October 19, 2005
Independent Media Review Analysis
Original Source: http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3?id=27225


In the brief Haaretz story which follows, the UN Secretary General 
advises that Israel shouldn't oppose Hamas taking part in January's... 
election, that no armed militias sit in the Palestinian Parliament and 
that the demand that Hamas disarm before the election is undesireable. 
These are substantial issues which have not been considered by the the 
UN. Consequently, it is inappropriate for Annan to make declarations 
concerning these issues. This differs from expanding on, or focusing on, 
policy issues which have received definative UN consideration. 
Also, it is not appropriate for Annan to present such advice through Yossi 
Beilen and Aboud Rabbo who oppose the government of Israel. 
Sharon has already taken a weak position in opposing Hamas' electoral 
position saying he is opposed in principle but will not act in practice 
even though the agreements which the Palestinian Authority joined rule out 
Hamas paricipation. Also, there have been other cases in which some 
organization has been denied participation in elections, as in Iraq. 
Annan's reservation that armed militias not sit in the Palestinian 
legislative body is unrealistic. Does it mean they are not to bring weapons 
into the premises? Singnificantly, the struggle against terrorism is not 
limited to those who fire weapons. It includes fund-raisers, physical 
supporters and advocates. 
Disarming Hamas is a long-standing requirement. The election should not 
excuse ignoring it. Furthermore, it will be even more difficult to disarm 
Hamas after the election in which they will acquire enhanced political 
power. 
It must be kept in mind that Hamas is not an undefined armed malitia. It 
proudly practices terrorism, is dedicated to Israel's destruction and 
anti-Semitism as shown in its enthusiastic embrace of the Protocols of the 
Elders of Zion. For sure, Kofi Annan knows all of this and thus lets us 
know him for what he is. 
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HAARETZ 19 Oct.'05:Annan: Israel must allow Hamas to run in Palestinian 
elections, by Shlomo Shamir, Haaretz Correspondent 
United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on Tuesday met with the heads of 
the Geneva peace initiative, Yossi Beilin and Yasser Abed Rabbo, and told 
them that Israel should not oppose Hamas taking part in January's 
Palestinian Authority general elections. 
Annan said, however, that it was important that no armed militia sit in the 
Palestinian parliament. He also said that the demand that Hamas disarm 
itself before the general elections would only strengthen the radical 
Islamic group on the account of other moderate movements 
Dr. Joseph Lerner, Co-Director IMRA