By IRNA
London : A group of British MPs has renewed a call to end the international boycott of Palestine's elected government following the role played by Hamas resistance group in gaining the release of BBC correspondent in Gaza Alan Johnston.
"The international community's support for Mahmoud Abbas as the legitimate President of Palestine should not preclude contact with Hamas," said an Early Day Motion to parliament, which has so far been signed by 20 MPs from all-parties.
"Johnston himself has acknowledged the pivotal role played by Hamas in condemning the kidnapping and securing his release," the motion said.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband also said that he "fully acknowledged the crucial role" played by Hamas and its leader, Ismail aniyeh, in securing his release from four months of captivity.
The signatories of the motion, which include Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond, said the Quartet of the US, EU, Russia and the UN "should support the reconciliation between different Palestinian parties."
"That will be crucial to a successful peace process between Israel and Palestine and why this is further evidence that peace can result from discussions between enemies as well and friends," they said.
Back in February, the all-party International Development Committee also called for an end to international financial sanctions against the Hamas-led government following the agreement to form a national.
But this was rejected by the British government in April, even though it temporarily suspended its political boycott to seek the support of Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh about Johnston following his abduction.
Britain's international aid agency Oxfam has also previously urged the European Union to end its year-long economic boycott of the Palestinian government by restoring aid.
"With Palestinian institutions collapsing and insecurity growing, the resumption of international aid to the Palestinian Authority is a necessary step to preventing further suffering and securing a just and lasting settlement," Oxfam said.