Downing Street Says » Alan Johnston

» Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Alan Johnston

Asked who the Prime Minister believed was responsible for the release of Alan Johnston, and also, what role did he believe Hamas played in the release, the PMS replied that as the Prime Minister had said in his statement this morning he welcomed the good news on Mr. Johnston’s release, and that it would come as a great relief to his family and friends and all those who had worked to see him freed. Clearly, we did acknowledge the crucial role that was played by Hamas in securing this outcome, and generally on Hamas, the position had not changed. We continued to call for them to adhere to the Quartet principles of January 2006, which were non-violence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the roadmap. Policy in relation to Hamas had not changed, what we expected of them had not changed, but clearly, we did acknowledge the crucial role that they had played in this particular episode.

Asked if there might be a chance to rethink the relationship to rethink the relationship with Hamas internally, the PMS replied that we were acknowledging the crucial role that they had played, but we were also saying that we continued to call on them to adhere to the Quartet principles.

Asked if there was any sense of gratitude towards Hamas, the PMS repeated that we were acknowledging the crucial role that they had played, but said that people should go to the FCO for more information.

Asked if the Prime Minister saw the release of Alan Johnston as an opportunity to review dialogue with Hamas, the PMS replied that this was something that the FCO would need to consider. What we were saying was that we acknowledged the crucial role that Hamas played, whilst also saying that we continued to call on them to adhere to the Quartet principles.

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Alan Johnston

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