Reply #1: South Africa says will meet Hamas [View All]

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa said on Thursday it would meet Hamas despite U.S.-led efforts to isolate the Islamic militant group after its victory in Palestinian polls.

South African Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad said Pretoria had confirmed a proposed meeting, although details were yet to be arranged.

"The proposed meeting will take place within the context of ongoing efforts by South Africa ... to share our experiences on the transition from apartheid to democracy with both the Palestinians and the Israelis," Pahad said in a statement.

"With the election of Hamas by the majority of Palestinians during their recent parliamentary elections, South Africa is of the view that we need to engage with the Hamas leadership as part of international efforts to help bring about peace and stability in the Middle East."

South Africa, which under apartheid was a close ally of Israel, has sought to become a bridge between Israelis and Palestinians since white rule gave way to multi-racial democracy in 1994.

http://za.today.reuters.com/news/NewsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-03-02T161312Z_01_ALL258348_RTRIDST_0_OZATP-MIDEAST-HAMAS-SAFRICA-20060302.XML