United States Warns Turkey Not To Accept Leaders Of Hamas Militant Groups
JAKARTA - The United States is warning Turkey against accepting the leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, with Ankara's position being an ally and partner of Washington.
When asked about reports that several Hamas leaders had moved to Turkey from Qatar, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller did not confirm the report, but said he was not in a position to refute it.
"We are not sure the leaders of these violent terrorist organizations should live comfortably anywhere, and that certainly includes in the big city of one of our main allies and partners," Miller told reporters at a regular press conference Monday.
He added that Washington would explain to the Turkish government that there should be no more business relations as usual with Hamas.
Miller added that several Hamas leaders are being charged by the US and Washington believes they should be handed over to the United States.
Earlier, Turkish diplomatic sources on Monday denied reports that Hamas had moved its political office to Turkey, adding members of the Palestinian militant group had only visited the country from time to time.
"Hamas' political bureau members visit Turkey from time to time. Claims showing Hamas' political bureau has moved to Turkey do not reflect the truth," the diplomatic source said.
Qatar said last week it had informed Hamas and Israel it would suspend efforts to mediate a Gaza ceasefire and a deal to release hostages, until the two warring parties showed seriousness to continue negotiations.
Doha also said media reports that they had asked the Hamas militant group to leave the Gulf Arab state inaccurate.
On the same day, the Hamas Group rejected the report as a "rumor that is trying to be spread by the occupation (Israel) from time to time."
Turkey, which is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has strongly criticized Israel for its attacks on the Gaza Strip and in Lebanon, not considering Hamas a terrorist organization.