Spanish Premier Says His Country is Interested in Establishing Diplomatic Relations with Israel

Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez Marquez of Spain indicated here yesterday that his government is very much interested in establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. He also expressed admiration for “the Jewish lobby in Europe, in the United States and in Latin America” for their tenacious support of Israel.

Gonzalez told reporters here that nine out of ten questions asked him when he meets with Jewish leaders concern Spain’s possible recognition of Israel. Spain is the only Western European country that does not have diplomatic ties with Jerusalem.

Nevertheless, the Spanish leader made it clear that Spain will look to its own national interests before taking a decision on that issue. “We also want the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel to contribute somehow to a peaceful solution in the Middle East, including a positive answer to the Palestinian problem,” he said.

Gonzalez, ending a two-day official visit to Belgium, expressed the hope that “the friendship and the excellent relations” between Spain and the Arab states “will not be damaged when Spain decides to recognize Israel and establish diplomatic relations with it.” He said Spain wanted to do this. “The Spanish government itself suggested this possibility. I would say there is a necessity to put to an end an anomaly because our foreign policy is aimed at the universalization of our foreign relations.”

Gonzalez indicated no date when Spain would recognize Israel. He said that on his recent visit to Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian government applied no pressure not to recognize Israel.