The West German government is coming under increasing diplomatic pressure to emulate East Germany’s recognition of the Palestine Liberation Organization and threats of violence from Arab terrorists and German urban guerrilla groups if it does not, diplomats here said today.
Security measures have been tightened because it is feared that both elements might cooperate in terrorist attacks before or during President Reagan’s visit to West Germany next month.
Last month the East German Democratic Republic extended recognition to the PLO on the ambassadorial level. The PLO has since launched a campaign to have Bonn reverse its long-standing policy of non-recognition as long as the PLO remains committed to Israel’s destruction.
West German analysts say the opening of a PLO embassy in East Berlin has already created problems for Bonn. It finds itself lagging behind the East Germans diplomatically, especially in Third World countries. PLO representatives have been arguing here lately that Bonn’s failure to recognize the PLO could have long-standing consequences for the Arab world’s position toward “the German question.”
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