Statement by Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja on the elections in the Palestinian Authority

Press release 26/2006
26 January, 2006


Hamas has apparently won the elections in the Palestinian Authority alhough the final results are yet to be confirmed. With high voter turnout and with reference to the information on the organisation of the elections there is no reason to propose that the elections were not democratic. The result must therefore be respected as the will of the Palestinians, rising from the frustration with corruption and governance failures during the Fatah rule as well as from the stagnation of the peace process in the Middle East which has not brought relief to their daily lives. The result cannot be interpreted as endorsement to the religious fundamentalism of Hamas nor to its previous violence.

Participation in a democratic process and government responsibility cannot be reconciled with any use of violence or condoning of violence. Hamas must be required to adhere to non-violent political activities and to honour commitments made by the Palestinian Authority. On this basis, the European Union is willing to continue its cooperation with the Palestinian Authority in order to improve the living conditions of the Palestinians and to promote the peace process.

Further information: Susanna Parkkonen, Press Attaché to the Minister, tel. +358 40 545 1275