Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger declared here today that the new Israeli-Egyptian interim accord has improved the atmosphere for further progress on all issues in the Middle East, that the U.S. is “prepared to make a serious effort to encourage negotiations between Syria and Israel” and that despite “important differences” between the U.S. and the Soviet Union “our two countries have held parallel views that the situation in the Middle East poses grave dangers and that partial steps must be part of and contribute to progress toward a comprehensive settlement.” He said discussions have begun with the Soviet Union toward that end.
Kissinger made his remarks in an address to the United Nations General Assembly on the opening of its annual policy debate. The Sinai accords created an unusual opportunity for further progress “but opportunities must be seized or they will disappear,” he said.
AIMED AT GETTING SOVIET APPROVAL
The Secretary’s remarks drew favorable response from the Israeli Ambassador, Chaim Herzog, and the Egyptian Ambassador, Abdel Meguid. Herzog said he was pleased with the “strong measure of American leadership” demonstrated in Kissinger’s speech. He hoped this “new look” would be maintained by American representatives throughout the session. Meguid, asked if he thought the speech could ease tensions in the area, replied, “Yes.”
Kissinger said “The United States seeks no special benefit; we do not attempt to exclude any country. We will cooperate with any nation that is willing to make a contribution. We have no preference for any particular procedure. We will support whatever process seems most promising. Our approach will continue to be both flexible and determined.” He said that U.S. had already begun discussions with the Soviet Union, with a view to assessing the current situation in the Middle East and weighing possible diplomatic approaches to bring about a durable peace in accordance with Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.
ROLE OF UN REMAINS ESSENTIAL
Kissinger also stressed that “The role of the world organization remains essential. If this organization has no other accomplishment than its effective peacekeeping role in this troubled area, it would have well justified itself.” He said that UN troops had become indispensable to the two disengagement agreements in the Mideast as well as the new Sinai accord. The General Assembly’s deliberations on the Middle East have also played a central role and could encourage progress or exacerbate tensions, Kissinger said.
The Secretary said that the Middle East would continue to be an area of anguish, turmoil and danger until a just and durable peace is achieved. He stressed that such a peace must meet the principal concerns and interests of all parties in the area, including their territorial integrity, their right to live in peace and security and the legitimate interests of the Palestinians. “The United States promises its full dedication to further progress toward peace,” Kissinger said.
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.
