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Carter Meets With Former Hamas Minister

Ex-prez defies Israel, Bush, and lays wreath on Arafat's grave

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 15, 2008 12:35 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Jimmy Carter traveled to the West Bank today to meet a former Hamas minister, ignoring strenuous objections by Israeli leaders. Carter also laid a wreath on Yasser Arafat’s tomb, a customary gesture of respect President Bush pointedly avoided on his last visit, Reuters reports.

“I'm just trying to understand different opinions and communicate ... between people who won't communicate with each other,” Carter said. He said he wasn’t given permission to visit Hamas-controlled Gaza—the Nobel laureate did not indicate that Israel refused his request, but a member of his party confirmed it.

Jimmy Carter, second right, lays a wreath at late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's grave in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Tuesday, April 15, 2008.
Jimmy Carter, second right, lays a wreath at late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's grave in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Tuesday, April 15, 2008.   (AP Photo/Atef Safadi, Pool)
Khaled Mashaal, head of the Hamas politburo, is seen in this March 1, 2008 file photo. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is to meet Mashaal, the group's exiled leader, in Damascus, Syria, on Friday.
Khaled Mashaal, head of the Hamas politburo, is seen in this March 1, 2008 file photo. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is to meet Mashaal, the group's exiled leader, in Damascus, Syria, on Friday.   (AP Photo/Bassem Tellawi, File)
Jimmy Carter lays a wreath at the grave of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in the West Bank city of Ramallah, April 15, 2008.
Jimmy Carter lays a wreath at the grave of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in the West Bank city of Ramallah, April 15, 2008.   (AP Photo/Palestinian Authority, Thaer Ganaim, HO)
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is seen at the grave of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's grave in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Tuesday, April 15, 2008.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is seen at the grave of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's grave in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Tuesday, April 15, 2008.   (AP Photo/Atef Safadi, Pool)
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Carter lays wreath on Arafat's tomb
CNS News

Israel gives Carter the brushoff
Washington Post

House committee chair condemns Carter's visit
Associated Press

World • US

 
Israel • Jimmy Carter • Gaza • Hamas • West Bank • Israel and Palestinians • Khaled Meshaal • Yasir Arafat • Ramallah • Naser al-Shaer

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