The present situation in Lebanon is fraught with danger, Moshe Sharett, former Prime Minister of Israel, today warned the Council of the Socialist International which is meeting here.
The Council adopted a resolution calling for international guarantees for the borders of the Middle Eastern states, including Israel, and for the launching of large-scale development projects in the region under United Nations auspices. Another resolution expressed the hope that an improvement in the world situation would lead to a relaxation of tension in the Middle East.
Mr. Sharett, who is a member of the Mapai delegation to the parley, told the session that subversion of Lebanon from within and without might produce “an explosion” in the Middle East. He noted that developments in Lebanon proved Israelis long-held contention that the emergence of Israel was not responsible for tension in the region.
Mr. Sharett said the national movements of Israel and the Arab states had much in common, but that Arab nationalism were moving into “wrong channels.” He called for international protection of the territorial integrity of all UN members. Mr. Sharett added that while the world powers should show an active interest in a settlement between Israel and the Arab states, they should not pressure for it, leaving the details to be worked out by the parties involved.
The one-time Foreign Minister of Israel reiterated that the Arab refugee problem must be solved chiefly through resettlement. He urged that no international support be given to nations which refuse to make peace. Finally, he appealed to the Asian countries, particularly India, to accept their great moral responsibility to work for the cause of peace in the Middle East.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
