Israel not happy with Hamas visit to Switzerland...

Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey has confirmed controversial talks a between experts and a top leader of the Palestinian Islamic group, Hamas.

Israel strongly criticised a reported meeting in Geneva two weeks ago between diplomats and Mahmoud al-Zahar, a co-founder of Hamas and leader in the Gaza Strip.

"Hamas is an important political actor and must not be left out in discussions over a solution to the Middle East conflict," Calmy-Rey told public radio on Wednesday.

She said Switzerland, unlike the European Union, did not consider Hamas a "terrorist organisation", but condemned any terrorist activities. More...

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