Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev proposed an international conference on cutting the presence of superpower naval forces in the Mediterranean, during his talks with Italian officials on the first day of a three-day visit to Italy.
That proposal–a possible preview of what he may propose at his summit with President Bush this weekend–as well as overall Mediterranean security and the situation in the Middle East were among the topics discussed by the officials on Wednesday.
“We are following with an attentive eye the entire Mediterranean, cradle of not only European but also Arab…and Jewish history. The people of our country over the course of centuries have received something from each of them,” Gorbachev said in a banquet toast at a state dinner Wednesday night.
“Today the Mediterranean is still a zone from which our security depends…whatever happens in this extremely important area of the world touches us deeply,” he said.
The Soviet leader noted that Italy and the Soviet Union were both anxious to see progress toward a settlement in the Middle East.
Earlier, Soviet spokesman Gennady Gerasimov said the Middle East situation had been discussed in talks between Shevardnadze and Italian Foreign Minister Gianni de Michelis.
Gerasimov said they discussed the situation in Lebanon, noting that the Soviet side “pointed out that all efforts must be made to reach a national consensus.”
Syria “is playing a positive role in Lebanon in the sense that they are not trying to stay on forever,” Gerasimov said, adding that in the broader Middle East framework, both sides agreed that dialogue between Israel and the PLO must be established.
“There was concern that Israel ignores the existence of the PLO,” he said.
Terrorism was also discussed, including “the danger of extremism and the need to control it before it has a wider impact.”
An Italian spokesman said “terrorism is a problem that must find a solution,” adding that “the situation is favorable to reach a solution,” in the Middle East. We must exert pressure on all parties in order that they come to an agreement.”
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