Hamas must renounce violence and recognise the right of the state of Israel's existence, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said this evening.
Speaking following the militant Islamic party's landslide victory in parliamentary elections today, Mr Ahern said the international community will follow developments closely and would need to consider "the implications for future policies in the region".
The EU is one of the international backers of the Middle East road map for peace and foreign ministers will discuss the election outcome when they meet next Monday.
"I believe it is important at this stage that the EU make clear that there is an absolute incompatibility between pursuit of a campaign of violence and participation in the structures of democratic government," Mr Ahern said.
Hamas has launched hundreds of attacks against Israeli forces and the within on public places within its borders. And Israeli acting prime minister Ehud Olmert has already indicated he will not enter discussions with Hamas.
Mr Ahern said: "Nothing which has occurred in the region in recent times alters the basic reality that a lasting and peaceful settlement of the Israeli - Palestinian conflict can only be found through an agreed and mutually satisfactory two-State solution.
"I hope that the government to be formed following these elections will commit itself clearly to the creation of a democratic and viable Palestinian State, living in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours". He recognised that the vote expressed the will of the Palestinian people and paid tribute to President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority for the "professional conduct of the elections in difficult circumstances".