Iran Pledges Continued Support For Hamas

Mahmud Ahmadinejad (file photo) (epa)

March 6, 2007 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has pledged continued support for the Palestinian Hamas faction, but called for an end to infighting between Palestinian parties.

At a meeting with Ahmadinejad in Tehran, Hamas political leader Khalid Mish'al reiterated the faction's stance that it will never recognize Israel's right to exist.

Hamas agreed last month to form a unity government with the rival Fatah faction.

But Hamas is under strong pressure from Western governments to renounce violence and recognize Israel.

(AFP, dpa)