The fifth conference for Palestinians in Europe taking place in the Dutch city of Rotterdam in May 2007 will have to continue without the presence of Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh. The conference is being seen by many as a practical step by Palestinian refugees in Europe to break the siege imposed on the Palestinian people. The Dutch Government, however, has refused to issue Prime Minister Haniyeh a visa, stating, "We will not issue him a visa, as the European Union considers Hamas, to which [Prime Minister] Haniyeh is affiliated, a terrorist group."
A spokesperson of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that Haniyeh's office contacted the Dutch government in order to learn about the necessary documents for a visa application.
A spokesperson of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that Haniyeh's office contacted the Dutch government in order to learn about the necessary documents for a visa application.
For clarity, please click the photo of Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, by Yousef Alhelou and then continue ...