Kosygin, in Interview, Stresses Demand That Israel Withdraw from Occupied Territories

Soviet determination to bring about Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories was emphasized by Soviet Premier Aleksi Kosygin in an interview published today by Life Magazine. Premier Kosygin told Life that “We are very concerned over events in the Middle East.” He said the USSR was “not in favor of the liquidation of Israel” but did insist on exerting every political effort to force withdrawal to the positions held before June 5.

Mr. Kosygin charged that “The U.S. gives Israel grounds for not freeing this territory, and this creates tension in the area.” The United States, he said, “for one reason or another, is pursuing an aggressive policy and playing with fire.” He asserted that “had the U.S. joined the efforts of the Soviet Union, then doubtless Israel would have freed the seized lands in a couple of days.” He insisted that “there can only be one solution — to leave the territory and return it to the Arabs. This must be done as soon as possible.”

According to the Soviet leader, “The Arab countries and in particular the UAR — pursuing a very flexible policy — had almost agreed to the settling of the navigation problem and to relinquishing claims to the elimination of the State of Israel. But the U.S. by giving every support to Israel, encourages it not to set the occupied territories free. This policy of connivance with Israel’s aggressive aspirations is inevitably creating another dangerous seat of tension. The U.S. bears responsibility.”