London Jewish Chronicle
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Arens emerged smiling from their 85-minute meeting at 10 Downing Street Wednesday, but it was clear from briefings by both sides that there had been some tough talking, with Arens rejecting Thatcher’s plea for Israel to respond to PLO “peace initiatives.”
“I don’t think the PLO has anything to contribute to the peace process,” Arens told newsmen. “It is . . . a major obstacle to progress to peace in the area.”
Both did agree it was vital that Middle East peace negotiations started as soon as possible, but that careful preparation was important.
Arens also met Foreign Secretary Sir Geoffrey Howe.
On Thursday, Arens will have meetings with Jewish leaders, political personalities and top journalists.
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