The radical Palestinian group Hamas has condemned Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's article that appeared in Sunday's New York Times newspaper.

In a statement Monday, Hamas accused Mr. Arafat of using what it calls "Israeli logic" and begging favors from the United States.

Hamas says Mr. Arafat has failed the Palestinian people by calling fighters and martyrs "terrorists."

Mr. Arafat wrote in the article that terrorist groups do not represent the Palestinian people or their aspirations for freedom. He did not refer to Hamas or any other group by name.

Israel has dismissed the article while the United States said it welcomed Mr. Arafat's remarks. Both still say they want action, not words, from the Palestinian leader.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.

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