Israeli minister: EU won't backdown on Hamas

Israeli Foreign Minister Tsipi Livni today said the European Union is sticking to its position that the incoming Palestinian government meet international calls to renounce violence and recognise Israel’s right to exist, but left open the prospect the Europeans could soften their stance in the future.

Speaking to Israel Radio, Livni played down an EU statement last week that said the nascent Palestinian coalition must adopt policies “reflecting” the long-standing demands of the “Quartet” of Mideast peace makers – the US, EU, Russia and UN.