The European Union vowed on Friday not to soften demands that Hamas moderate its stance on Israel as foreign ministers sought ways to ensure the stand-off did not hit EU aid to ordinary Palestinians. The 25-nation bloc is providing short-term assistance but has threatened to cut off links with the Palestinian Authority unless Hamas changes its policy once in government. "Without a statement on that (change) we will not work with a Hamas-led government. It is absolutely clear this can't be hot air," said German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. "We have to repeat over and over again that Hamas must recognise Israel, and that we cannot make progress with violence," said Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn. Severing EU ties with the PA would hit not only direct aid to the PA but could also disrupt EU support for infrastructure projects, food aid and assistance to Palestinian refugees, according to an internal EU study presented to the ministers. --More 22 39 Local Time 19 39 GMT
