EU confirms temporary halt to Palestinian aid

BRUSSELS, Apr 7 (Reuters) The European Commission confirmed today it had temporarily halted aid payments to the Hamas-led Palestinian governemnt pending a decision by European Union foreign ministers next week on future assistance.

''For the time being, there are no payments to or through the Palestinian Authority,'' Commission spokeswoman Emma Udwin told a news briefing.

The EU's executive arm was adopting ''a policy of maximum prudence'' so as not to prejudge the ministers' discussion next Monday in Luxembourg, she said, adding Hamas has not yet met the international community's conditions of recognising Israel, renouncing violence and accepting past peace agreements.

REUTERS SHR PC1634