Israel is opposed to the arms race in the Middle East, but will not quit the race “unless she is assured that her enemies do not have the upper hand,” Foreign Minister Abba S. Eban declared here today.
The new chief of the Foreign Ministry made that statement at a luncheon held in his honor by the Foreign Press Association here. He also expressed the belief that the principles of the Tashkent accord between India and Pakistan can be applied to the situation existing between Israel and the Arab states.
“The next four years,” he said, “will be crucial in determining whether the Arabs come to the realization that Israel is here to stay.” He expressed belief that the stand taken by Tunisia’s President Habib Bourguiba, who has called for peace talks between Israel and the Arab states, “is the first indication of a feeling that will spread among the Arabs.” Mr. Eban also voiced the hope that there may develop better relations between India and Israel.
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