Israeli and Arab diplomatic missions here exchanged sharp statements today over the film, “Exodus,” now showing in two Nicosia theaters under police protection.
The diplomatic missions of Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia issued a joint statement denouncing the film, which deals with the Jewish struggle for the creation of Israel. The Arab statement asserted that it was an “anti-Arab” film which “distorts reality.” The Arab statement also contained the usual charges that Israel had “usurped” Arab homes and territory.
The Israel Embassy described the joint statement as “slanderous and distorting” and added that the Arab criticism conflicted with the “basic policy of the Republic of Cyprus of maintaining and developing friendship and cooperation with all nations. We are confident that the Cyprus Government will take appropriate steps in this matter.”
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