Khaled Meshaal, exiled chief of the Palestinian Islamic Hamas movement, said on Thursday his group welcomes US President Barack Obama's "new language" towards the Islamic group, but said the United States has to follow its words, pan-Arab al-Jazeera TV reported.

In a televised speech, Meshaal told his supporters in Damascus that the recent speech by Obama to the Muslim world is "a step in the right direction."

In a speech to the Muslim world in Cairo earlier this month, Obama insisted that Hamas has to recognize Israel and renounce violence, while indicating that Hamas could involve in the Mideast peace process.

Meshaal described Obama's speech as a "new language" towards Hamas.

"It is the first step in the right direction towards direct dialogue without any conditions," Meshaal said.

However, Obama's words must be followed by actions on the part of the United States, the Palestinian leader added, highlighting that Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip are still suffering under an Israeli blockade.

The Hamas chief, who live in exile in Damascus, also expressed optimism over the negotiations between Hamas and rival Palestinian faction Fatah.

Talks with Fatah would continue this Sunday in Cairo, he said.

Invited by Egypt, a delegation from Hamas will travel to Cairo Saturday to resume what is believed to be the final round of inter-Palestinian dialogue, according to Hamas lawmaker Salah al-Bardaweel.

(Xinhua News Agency June 26, 2009)