Israeli Foreign Minister Abba Eban declared Friday that “all the attempts to isolate Israel have not been effective.” This, he said, is the political significance of the expected arrival in Israel this week of 175 prominent guests from 63 African, Asian and Latin American nations to attend the Sixth Rehovot Conference. The guests will include vice presidents from two African states, Gambia and the Malagasy Republic, and 20 cabinet ministers. Eban told reporters that the interest of world leaders in Israel is “greater than ever.” He added: “If the effort to turn Israel into a sort of leper colony had succeeded, I would not have to spend two-thirds of my time at Lydda Airport” welcoming dignitaries. Eban, who is the moving spirit behind the Rehovot conferences, also spoke of the fruitful results of the previous conferences. He said the ideas discussed at them have been utilized in the developing countries. This year’s subject is “Urbanization in Developing States.” The meeting, which opens tomorrow in Jerusalem and then moves to the Weizman Institute in Rehovot, will also be attended by representatives of 11 international organizations and by dozens of distinguished scientists.
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