January 28, 2006	Saturday	Zilhaj 27, 1426

WASHINGTON, Jan 27: Officials here confirmed on Thursday that Washington had given money to Palestinian groups in recent years to promote the ‘democratic parties’, but denied the move was aimed against Hamas. They, however, acknowledged that the US Agency for International Development had used a special $1.9 million budget to promote ‘democratic parties’ in the Palestinian election.

But the officials denied that the money, used in part to clean streets, distribute free food and water and help fund a youth soccer tournament, was used to boost Fatah’s prospects.

Behind the scenes, US officials are considering the possibility of distinguishing between Hamas legislators tied to violence and those who are not - a position Israel rejects.