Hamas says ready for talks with Mideast Quartet

GAZA - The Hamas militant group on Monday said it was prepared for dialogue with the Quartet of international mediators to try to end conflict in the Middle East.

"Our government will be ready for a dialogue with the Quartet committee to look into all ways to end the state of struggle and achieve calm in the region," Hamas prime minister designate Ismail Haniyeh told the Palestinian parliament as he presented his governing agenda.

The Quartet comprises the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations.

Haniyeh's statement came a day after stating that Hamas is not interested in a confrontation with Israel.

On Monday Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Dan Halutz said in relation to Haniyeh's Sunday statement that Hamas might intend to recognize Israel and the accords signed with the Palestinian Authority to put an end to terror.

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