King Hussein of Jordan, said on a televised interview today that he thought it “probable” and desirable that there would be a Soviet-American peace-keeping force in the Middle East. Appearing on the ABC “Issues and Answers” program, the Jordanian monarch said of the possibility, “I do not rule it out exactly at all, and actually it might simplify the situation.” He asserted that the United States “holds the key to peace in the Middle East more than any party in the world.” King Hussein met with President Nixon and other U.S. officials in Washington last week. He also taped an hour-long interview with David Frost which will be televised nationally on Dec. 18. At the taping he said “We were and are still prepared to recognize Israel’s right to exist” and urged American Jews to “use whatever influence they can to help moderation prevail and reason and logic (to achieve) a durable peace.” He said there was “no reason, no basis” for direct talks with Israel until she “makes clear her intentions for peace under Resolution 242” of the Security Council, adding, “enough time has been wasted.” He said it was becoming harder to justify an extension of the current Mideast cease-fire without some progress.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
