Hamas says Israel behind Bulgaria expulsion

Cairo, Feb 16 (AP) The leader of a four-member Hamas delegation expelled from Bulgaria has accused Israel of pressuring Sofia to kick the Palestinians out of the country. Salah Bardawil made the remarks today after arriving in Cairo en route back to Gaza, where the Islamist militant group Hamas holds power. He offered no evidence to back up his claim. Calls to Israeli officials went unanswered. Bulgaria expelled the lawmakers yesterday, saying they represented "a serious threat to national security." Bulgaria's interior minister said the men arrived on valid visas but on ones issued "on different motives from what they demonstrated here." Bardawil said the delegation met with media and some political figures during the visit. (AP) ASK 02162357 NNNN