Hamas leader deported to Jordan
May 6, 1997
Web posted at: 5:58 p.m. EDT (2158 GMT)
AMMAN, Jordan (CNN) -- A leader of the Palestinian group
Hamas pledged Tuesday to return to political life after
spending nearly two years in a New York jail.
Musa Abu Marzook returned to Jordan late Monday for the first
time since being expelled in 1995. Israel had accused Marzook
of controlling the leadership of the segments of Hamas
responsible for killing 47 of Israelis between 1990 and 1994.
At a news conference, Marzook would not condemn acts of
violence against Israelis, but said future Hamas attacks
would not be directed at civilians.
"Killing civilians is not our aim at all," he said.
Marzook has denied any responsibility for the 10 terrorist
attacks but has admitted to leading Hamas' political wing.
Israeli dropped a demand for Marzook's extradition as a
suspect in the terrorist attacks, leading to his deportation
by the United States.
Marzook had been a legal U.S. resident for 15 years at the
time of his arrest. After his expulsion from Jordan, he
returned to the United States but was arrested because his
name had been added to a list of suspected terrorists. He was
being held in New York on charges of violating immigration
laws.
"The Americans were embarrassed to acquit me after a long
time in detention and therefore, they found deportation the
best way to end my case," he said.
Marzook was released under an agreement reached two weeks ago
that called for him to never return to the United States.
"I have still a lot to do to serve my people and help them
achieve their aspirations," he said, surrounded by senior
members of Hamas.
Jordan says it decided to accept Marzook as a humanitarian
gesture and it only requires him to abide by Jordanian law.
Marzook's wife and children will join him in Amman.
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