'Hamas willing to accept Israel as a neighbour'

Peroshni Govender, Jerusalem
Former US President Jimmy Carter says Hamas is willing to accept Israel as a neighbour. This, after he held talks with the Hamas leadership in Syria at the weekend.

Carter also met with leaders from the Islamic movement in Gaza. His comments came a press conference in Jerusalem. According to Carter, Hamas' Khaled Mashaal says the Islamic movement will respect Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' peace efforts with Israel -- if Palestinian people support it.

Carter says contrary to the current status quo --Hamas should be included in discussions. Israel has not yet responded and the US stressed that Carter is not representing their interests.