The Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas) on Tuesday said the first visit of Hillary Clinton to the region as a U.S. Secretary of State was disappointing.
In her meetings with the Israeli leaders, Clinton said the new U.S. administration will be committed to Israel's security and to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with a two-state solution.
"The visit is disappointing and shows that there will be no new U.S. policies towards the region," said Mushier al-Massri, a Hamas lawmaker.
"It is clear that we would be describing every visit by Clinton as an indication of bad luck if the policies of Bush and Rice are going to be applied again in the region," al-Massri added.
Al-Massri reiterated that Hamas will not accept conditions outlined by the Quartet that comprises the U.S., EU, UN and Russia. "Hamas' positions are fixed and can not be changed."
The Quartet demands Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip since it has violently taken control of the region, to recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept peace deals in exchange for an international recognition.
(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2009)