Calls decision important in halting terrorist financing

The Department of State issued a statement September 6 welcoming the decision of the European Union (EU) to designate the Middle East-based organization Hamas and its leadership as terrorist, allowing member governments to take action against the group's financial activities in areas under their jurisdiction. The text follows:

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

Press Statement
Richard Boucher, Spokesman

Washington, D.C.
September 6, 2003

European Union Designation of Hamas

We welcome the political decision of the European Union Foreign Ministers to designate the Hamas leadership and its institutions. This is an important step in halting the financing of terrorist activities.

We look for the EU to carry through with the political decision it reached today and to take action against Hamas on an urgent basis.

This will send an important message that the violence and terror Hamas carries out does not represent the future for the Palestinian people and will not lead to a Palestinian state.

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