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Last update - 06:03 12/04/2008 Obama declines to criticize Carter plan to meet with Hamas By The Associated Press and Haaretz Service Tags: Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter  Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said on Friday it was not his place to criticize former President Jimmy Carter for agreeing to meet with Hamas, although Obama said he would not meet with the militant Palestinian group. The former U.S. president's plans to meet with the leader of Hamas during a nine-day trip the Middle East beginning Sunday have drawn criticism from both the Bush administration and close U.S. ally Israel. Advertisement "I'm not going to comment on former President Carter. He's a private citizen. It's not my place to discuss who he shouldn't meet with," Obama told reporters while campaigning in Indianapolis. "I know that I've said consistently that I would not meet with Hamas." Carter has not publicly backed either candidate in the Democratic race but hinted recently that he supports Obama. Carter's planned trip creates awkwardness for the Illinois senator, whose critics have sought to raise doubts about whether he might be inclined as president to put greater pressure on Israel to make concessions in peace talks with the Palestinians. Such doubts could cost Obama support with some U.S. Jewish voters. Obama, who is vying with New York Sen. Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination to challenge Republican Sen. John McCain in November, insists he would not waver from the staunch support of Israel that has been a cornerstone of U.S. policy in the Middle East. Obama has pledged that if he wins the White House, he would break from the Bush administration's practice of refusing to talk to U.S. foes and has said he would be open to meeting with the leaders of countries such as Iran. However, Obama has said he would not meet with Hamas. He reiterated that position on Friday, saying that Hamas was a "terrorist organization." "It is not a state and until Hamas clearly recognizes Israel, renounces terrorism and abides by, or believes that the Palestinians should abide by previous agreements ... I don't think conversations with them would be fruitful," Obama said. Related articles: Jewish functionaries stirring the Clinton-Obama race Obama and the Jewish question But did you know he's a Muslim? Obama says United States should not meet with Hamas Obama: I'm a 'stalwart friend' of Israel, its security is 'sacrosanct' Bookmark to del.icio.us   Banning Beijing boycott Israel's Olympic panel warns against mixing sports and politics. 20,000 strong Study released by Israeli think tank shows Hamas' military buildup in Gaza has peaked.

Read & React Olmert tells IDF commanders: Think of Palestinian suffering at roadblocks Responses: 132 Turkey seeks to block Knesset debate on Armenian genocide Responses: 67 IDF kills 7, including 12-year-old boy in Gaza clashes Responses: 107 Report: Secret Iranian missile site revealed in new spy photos Responses: 78 Israel and PA: Hamas seizing half of all fuel sent to Gaza Strip Responses: 43 Rosner's Domain The rabbi, the preacher and love of Israel Carter, Obama, Hamas (WTR) Guest: US-Israel defense pact would be a bad idea Obama should prepare the world for disappointment The Rosner-Levy debate on bloggingheads.tv More Headlines 00:13 IDF kills 8 Palestinians, including child, in Gaza 02:12 Iran slams Ben-Eliezer's threat of massive counter-strike 06:06 Rice criticizes Carter over planned meeting with Meshal 02:55 Barack Obama campaign launches Hebrew blog in Israel 00:52 IDF soldiers ordered not to reveal too much on Facebook 15:32 Israeli nuclear whistleblower Vanunu seeks asylum in Norway 17:46 Uzbek authorities revoke accreditation of local Chabad Lubavitch head 05:12 Police arrest man suspected of letting preteen son drive car on highway 07:57 PM to IDF commanders: Think of Palestinian suffering at roadblocks 18:57 Court extends remand of mother accused of torturing her children 12:40 UN: Israel's removal of W. Bank roadblocks fall short of promise 16:19 Israel issues international warrant against sect leader suspected of child abuse 16:10 Israel and PA: Hamas seizing half of all fuel sent to Gaza Strip Previous Editions Select Day 11 apr 10 apr 09 apr 08 apr 07 apr 06 apr 04 apr 03 apr 02 apr 01 apr 31 mar 30 mar

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