Egyptian officials in Aswan said today that President Carter’s position is now “practically identical” with that of President Anwar Sadat as a result of their 50-minute talks this morning. The officials, contacted by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in Paris by telephone, said Carter’s new position is similar to that of Sadat on “most issues, including that of the Palestinians.” The officials noted that Sadat was seen smiling and highly pleased after he saw Carter off this morning. The officials said the American stance will “strengthen President Sadat’s position” against the more extreme Arab countries. The officials added that Jordan’s King Hussein is expected to arrive in Egypt next week for talks with Sadat and that the Shah of Iran is also expected to meet with Sadat a few days later.
Carter arrived in Paris this afternoon for a 48-hour visit during which he is due to discuss the Middle East with President Valery Giscard d’Estaing American spokesmen, asked to comment on the Egyptian declarations, said Carter now understands better Sadat’s point of view.
They added that Carter and Sadat have agreed that “a definition of principles” would top the agenda of the Egyptian-Israeli talks to be held in Jerusalem beginning mid-January. The Americans said that a “definition of principles” is likely to bring other Arab nations into the talks.
Sadat has pressed in the past for the talks to start with such a “definition” while Israeli Premier Menachem Begin wants the negotiations to first deal with practical details. If the American position should turn out to be as American circles described it here today, it may mean an important turning point in Washington’s stand.
CHANGE IN CARTER’S APPROACH
American officials reportedly told reporters aboard Carter’s plane, “We have always believed there should be a definition of principles at the outset to make progress and preserve the diplomatic momentum.”
The officials also explained that Carter’s statement in Aswan mentioning “the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people” which must “enable them to participate in the determination of their own future” is different from previous Carter statements. The officials said that in the past, Carter had said the Palestinians should have “a voice.” Now he called for their, “participation” in any decision concerning their future status.
The officials said that Carter telephoned Begin from his plane and informed him of his talks with the Arab leaders with whom he had met during the past few days and promised the Israeli leader that he will send him a full report. Unconfirmed reports said Carter mentioned to Begin the possibility of visiting Jerusalem at an unspecified date.
Meanwhile, American officials remain in close contact with Middle East capitals as well as with the State Department and the White House in Washington. Forty American communications experts arrived here early this morning to set up direct lines from Paris to Washington, Cairo and Jerusalem.
Carter met for one hour with Giscard this afternoon. Tomorrow he is due to visit Omaha Beach in Normandy where American troops first landed during World War II. Rosalynn Carter has asked to meet France’s Health Minister, Simone Veil, and the Jewish minister is due to take her on a tour of French hospitals Friday morning.
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