Israel has confirmed that it is holding “exploratory” talks with East Germany for the establishment of diplomatic relations.
That was the purpose of three days of talks between representatives of the two countries who met here for the first time last week under conditions of strict secrecy, a statement made by the Israeli delegation disclosed.
The talks, which began on Jan. 29, “are expected to continue at a later stage,” the statement said.
It said “the aim of the talks was to clarify issues relative to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.”
The Israeli statement hinted that diplomatic ties are contingent on the German Democratic Republic acknowledging its share of responsibility for Nazi crimes against Jews.
“Most important,” it said, “was the question of the acceptance by the GDR of its share in the moral and historical responsibility for crimes perpetrated by Germans against Jews during the Nazi regime.”
The statement said the “exploratory talks were concluded” and “the delegations will now report to their respective governments.”
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