German leaders are expected to take great pains not to appear to be pressuring Israel during Foreign Minister David Levy’s visit here Thursday and Friday.
Levy arrives here fresh from talks in Jerusalem earlier this week with U.S. Secretary of State James Baker.
According to knowledgeable sources here, Germany will refrain from offering him any advice inasmuch as the European Community has already decided against a new Middle East initiative now, in order to give American diplomacy a chance to work.
Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher therefore is expected to take his cue from the current chairman of the E.C. Council of Ministers, Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Jacques Poos, who said this week that the time is not ripe to press for an international conference for Middle East peace.
Israel is firmly opposed to an international conference in principle, and Washington has said that now is not the appropriate time for such a gathering.
The Germans, anxious not to irritate their guest, also are unlikely to suggest to Levy that Israel deal with the Palestine Liberation Organization.
According to German and Israeli officials here, their talks will concentrate on bilateral issues.
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