The government of Iran has promised that it will provide money for the Palestinian Authority if the United States, Israel and the European Union cut off funds.
The PA is now controlled by Hamas which both the E.U. and the U.S. State Department consider a terrorist group. The American government has said it will cut off funds unless Hamas renounces violence, recognizes Israel's right to exist and agrees to abide by past agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced that Iran would provide aid after meeting with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal according to a report by Iranian state-run radio.
'The United States proved that it would not support democracy after it cut its aid to the Palestinian government after Hamas won the elections. We will certainly help the Palestinians,' Larijani said according to Iranian radio.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has also indicated his country would aid the P.A. On Monday, he was quoted by IRNA as saying, 'Since the divine treasures are infinite, you should not be concerned about economic issues.'
Both the U.S. and Israel have long suspected that Iran was giving financial support to Hamas, a group which has carried out numerous suicide bombings in Israel which have killed hundreds of civilians. Iran has insisted it only gave Hamas 'moral support.'
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was in Egypt on Tuesday attempting to push the Egyptian government to pressure Hamas to moderate its positions. Egyptian officials resisted the American request.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit insisted, 'We should give Hamas time. I am sure Hamas will develop, will evolve. We should not prejudge the issue.'
