President Carter today denied allegations that he or anyone in his Administration was seeking Israeli Premier Menachem Begin’s ouster from government. “I can say unequivocally that no one in any position of responsibility in the U.S. Administration ever insinuated that Mr. Begin is not qualified as Prime Minister or that he should be replaced,” Carter said when asked about the charge at his press conference in Brasilia.
Carter said that “I think Prime Minister Begin and his government are able to negotiate in an adequate and flexible way to reach an agreement with Egypt and later with Jordan and others.” He added that “we have not given up on the possibility of a negotiated settlement.”
The President pointed out that Israeli Defense Minister Ezer Weizman had gone to Egypt to resume negotiations. He said the key issues to be addressed included the application of United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 to the West Bank and the right of the West Bank Palestinians to participate in determining their own future. Differences over a number of issues during Begin’s meetings with Carter in Washington last week led to reports that the Carter Administration was suggesting that Israel get a more flexible Premier.
The President was in Brazil on the second leg of a four-nation visit. He has been to Venezuela and is scheduled to go to Nigeria and Liberia.
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