Members of Parliament challenged the Government today on the adequacy of facilities and treatment accorded Israeli President Zalman Shazar, during the latter’s recent travel through New Delhi and Calcutta on a state visit to Nepal. Socialist members spearheaded the attack, supported by some members of the governing Congress Party.
Deputy Foreign Minister Dinesh Singh had a difficult time explaining that the Government meant no discourtesy, and that the entire program had been laid out last April in consultation with the Israeli consul in Bombay.
A Foreign Ministry spokesman told newsmen that the Government had “forewarned” Israel of India’s “inability” to provide official hospitality to President Shazar, but he noted that India did make security arrangements for Mr. Shazar’s safety in New Delhi and Calcutta. He said the facilities extended to Mr. Shazar were “in keeping with India’s approach to matters concerning Israel. ” India recognized Israel many years ago but never followed through with an exchange of ambassadors.
The spokesman denied that India’s failure to show courtesy to President Shazar stemmed from pressure from the Arab League or any Arab government.
(In Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Abba Eban told Parliament today that the Government “regretted” the Indian attitude toward President Shazar during his Calcutta stop, and that he was sorry to note that India did not have the courage to disregard threats by Arab countries. Mr. Eban indicated he felt this was the reason why India had snubbed Mr. Shazar.)
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