Israel has assured the Soviet Union that its participation in President Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) was not directed against the Soviet Union or any other country.
The Israeli message was in response to a warning from Moscow last month that Israel’s involvement in SDI could endanger peace in the Middle East, Maariv reported Monday. It was conveyed through the Dutch Embassy which represents Israeli interests in the Soviet Union.
The reply stressed that Israel is not a partner in the military aspects of SDI, popularly known as “Star Wars” but only a participant in its technological development.
Israel advised the U.S. of its response at a meeting in Washington last week between Eli Rubinstein, Minister at the Israel Embassy, and Richard Murphy, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs. The meeting was held at the Embassy.
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