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18 SPIEGEL: So you support the Palestinian initiative? Elaraby: Support? We are doing everything in our power to back it. SPIEGEL: The Americans have threatened tough consequences... Elaraby: That's an unacceptable position for us! The strongest and richest country in the world is incapable of making a commitment. Instead, someone from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem is telling them what to do. SPIEGEL: Won't this stance lead to tensions between the Arab League and the United States? Elaraby: I hope it doesn't come to that. If the Americans had fulfilled the promises they made many years ago and had forced the Israelis to engage in serious negotiations, the problem would have been solved already. SPIEGEL: The German government has also announced that it will not support the Palestinians’ plan. Elaraby: I heard what (German Chancellor) Angela Merkel said. She cited the Germans' unique responsibility to the Jews. But the Germans also have a responsibility to the Palestinians. SPIEGEL: The radical Islamic group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, also doesn't recognize Israel. Elaraby: Has Israel recognized Hamas? That sort of thing is based on reciprocity. SPIEGEL: But the Islamists in the Gaza Strip are the ones firing rockets at Israeli cities. HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_025014