Premier Menachem Begin said today that May 26 is not a deadline or the final date for the successful conclusion of the autonomy talks between Israel, Egypt and the U.S. “We are still hopeful that by the 26th of May we shall reach on agreement, provided all partners are faithful to what we agreed upon at Camp David,” Begin told delegates to the 22nd convention of Americans and Canadians in Israel, being held in this new immigrant town near the Lebanese border.
But, he added, “It is not a so-called deadline or ultimate date. If proposals that contradict the Camp David accord come up, we shall continue to negotiate. Just as the negotiations for the peace agreement (with Egypt) lasted six months, not three (the original Camp David time limit), I am hopeful that with efforts exerted we shall reach an agreement,” Begin said.
He warned, however, that Israel would not accept any proposals that might come up in the autonomy talks which are contrary to the Camp David agreement. The Premier cited as an example, the question of Jerusalem. He said Israel is not ready to discuss any change in the present status of the city as its capital and as an undivided city. Similarly, Israel cannot accept the idea that citizens of Jerusalem should participate in the voting for an administrative council for the West Bank.
Begin rejected the idea of a legislative council which, he claimed, not only contradicted the Camp David agreements but would constitute a Palestinian state in everything but name. He said Israel also cannot accept the idea that the movements of its any in the territories in times of danger would require prior permission from the administrative council.
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