Bush, Merkel Pledge Firm Stance On Hamas

May 5, 2006 -- U.S. President George W. Bush and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have reiterated their pledges that Washington and Berlin will not deal with the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority.

Bush said Hamas has to comply with the conditions set by the international community, "to recognize Israel, disarm and reject terrorism, and stop blocking the path to peace."

The two leaders were speaking on May 4 at a conference in Washington marking the 100th anniversary of the American Jewish Committee.

(AP)