An Israel Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed today reports that talks had taken place between an advisor to Premier David Ben Gurion and representatives of Palestine Arab refugees. The spokesman said that Jehoshua Palmon, advisor to Mr. Ben Gurion on minority problems, had met with Arabs, but refused to comment on the level of the talks and on whom the Arab delegates represented.
Reports late last week said that Mr. Palmon had conferred in Paris and Rome with representatives of Palestine refugees, but that no representatives of Arab governments had participated in the conversations. The reports also stated that the Arab refugees were pictured as more amenable to accepting compensation from Israel for abandoned property and resettling in Arab countries than previously.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that at the next meeting of the United Nations General Assembly Israel would oppose the withdrawal of the United Nations Emergency Force from the Gaza Strip for the time being. He said that Israel considers UNEF a “helpful factor” in the situation.
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