Hamas leader visits Turkey

Ankara, 16 Feb. (AKI) - Turkey said on Thursday that it had allowed Khaled Mashaal, the political leader of Hamas, to visit the country because it believes dialogue with the radical Palestinian group would help the search for peace in the Middle East. "We will inform the Hamas delegation of what the international community expects from them," Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman, Namik Tan, told reporters. "This meeting should be viewed as a part of Turkey's transparent and consistent policy on the Middle East peace process," he said.

The Hamas delegation includes members of the group's exiled leadership, including Imad Ghalad, Nanoukh Alami, Sami Naf Hatir, Mohammed Ahmed Abid Al and Mustafa Ahmed. Hamas bodyguards and Turkish security presided the area near the Ankara's luxury 5-Star Metropolitan Hotel where the delegation is staying.

Besides talks with top Turkish Foreign Ministry officials, the Hamas delegation will reportedly meet with representatives from the AKP party of Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul on Wedneday in a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Tzipi Livni, exchanged views on the situation in the region following Hamas' victory in the 25 January elections.

Earlier reports in the Turkish and international media said Ankara had given assurances to the United States and Israel that no meeting with Hamas was planned unless Hamas heeded international demands.

The international community, particluarly the West, wants Hamas to recognise Israel, renounce violence and disarm as pre-conditions for the start of negotiations on the future of a Palestinian state.

Turkey, which has close ties with both Israel and the Palestinians, has said it is ready to try to persuade Hamas to renounce violence.

Last week Erdogan said he was willing to act as a mediator between the Hamas and the Israelis.