A resolution declaring that Israel is “an instrument of imperialism and colonialism, not only in the Middle East but also in Africa” was adopted here last night at the summit meeting of five African states that call themselves “neutralist” in regard to the East-West cold war.
Israel had not been on the agenda of the conference, but the resolution was pushed through by Gamal Abdel Nasser, President of the United Arab Republic. Observers here expressed the opinion that adoption of the Nasser resolution was a slap at Kwame Nkrumah, President of Ghana, and President Modibo Keita, of Mali, both of whom have had good relations with Israel. Other leaders attending the conference, in addition to Nasser, Keita and Nkrumah, were King Mohammed V of Morocco and President Sekou Toure of Guinea.
The resolution, among other things, appealed to African states to oppose the “new” way by which “imperialism” was trying to “create bases” in Africa. This phrasing was considered a reference to Israel’s technical assistance program in West Africa, particularly in Ghana.
Prior to the close of the conference, King Mohammed V pledged himself to do his “utmost” to defend “Arab Palestine.” He promised that the conference, along with Arab rulers, will defend the “rights” of the Arab refugees from Palestine and their “right” to be “restored to their country.”
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