BEIJING, Feb. 7 -- Acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says Israel has no intention of weakening Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Olmert has also ruled out cooperation with a Hamas-led Palestinian government.

    Olmert hopes he can cooperate with Abbas despite Hamas' big election win.

    Ehud Olmert, Acting Israeli Prime Minister said: "As long as Abbas does not cooperate with Hamas, and as long as the Palestinian government is not a Hamas government, we will cooperate with the Palestinian Authority cautiously and responsibly, but out of an intention to strengthen those elements that recognise Israel's right to live without terror within secure borders."

    Abbas' Fatah party was crushed by Hamas, a group dedicated to Israel's destruction, in last month's election.

    Olmert has threatened unilateral moves in the absence of a peace partner. He says Israel wants to avoid "playing into the hands of extremists" and missing a chance for new hope.

    Olmert has transferred 55-million dollars in tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority. The money was collected by Israel on behalf of the Palestinians under interim peace deals.

    Israel had frozen the funds following Hamas' victory. The United States pressured Israel to release the money, which is vital to the Palestinian economy.

(Source: cctv.com)