The Dutch Cabinet has approved the forthcoming visit to Israel by Crown Princess Beatrix and her husband Prince Claus, Premier Johan den Uyl announced here today. The couple, due to leave on May 2, will attend the inauguration of a floor bearing the Princess’ name at Tel Aviv Medical School. The Princess and Prince will be accompanied by a personal friend, Israeli diplomat Avi Primor, who serves as minister at the Israel Embassy in Paris.
The Premier said the Princess may visit Egypt and other Middle East countries in autumn to acquaint herself with the region’s situation. This is the first time that a member of the Dutch royal family will visit Israel. Contrary to expectations, there was no royal representative at the dedication of the Queen Juliana Forest in Galilee last year.
Meanwhile. The Netherlands Palestine Committee has publicly protested against the royal visit to Israel. The committee, in a communique released here today expressed its “amazement and dissatisfaction” and said the visit coincides with Israel’s independence celebration and “as such is a political deed.” The committee called on the Princess and Prince to visit the Palestinians also, in order to balance the forthcoming trip.
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