“I truthfully hope and think that past misunderstanding should be left behind, buried, forgotten and forgiven…” This hope was expressed today by Mexico’s Foreign Minister Emilio Rabasa at a parting luncheon he gave here for his host in Israel, Foreign Minister Yigal Allon, Allon, in his reply, said he “agreed” and “accepted” Rabasa’s idea that the “incident” be forgiven, forgotten and buried.
Both men were, of course, referring to Mexico’s affirmative vote at the UN General Assembly in favor of the resolution equating Zionism with racism. Rabasa had said earlier during his visit that anyone witnessing the “absolute tolerance” practiced by Israel in Jerusalem must understand that there can be no racism here. Officials here expressed their satisfaction both with today’s statement and with the earlier one.
Among the practical benefits to result from Rabasa’s visit is the possibility of airline links between the two countries. A delegation of government officials and El Al representatives will visit Mexico shortly. Informed sources said Israel hoped for twice-weekly flights to Mexico City within two years. The Mexican national carrier would, of course, have reciprocal rights at Ben Gurion Airport. Rabassa said today that while before his visit he had like Israelis, now he “loved” them. He had not only heard, but listened, not only saw, but observed.
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