The government is taking a grave view of Ugandan President Idi Aroin’s pledge of support for the Arab fight against Zionism and “imperialism,” as expressed in a Libyan-Ugandan communique issued in Maj. Gen. Amin’s capital, Kampala, Monday night. Diplomatic sources here described the matter yesterday as “serious.” Explanations are being sought from Amin through the Israeli Embassy in Kampala, it was said. The communique was drawn up after talks in Tripoli between Amin and Libya’s head of state, Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi.
The sources said Amin’s action was all the more surprising in view of the friendly relations between Israel and Uganda. Amin visited Israel twice last July and met with Foreign Minister Abba Eban and Defense Minister Moshe Dayan. On one of those brief visits he announced that Uganda would soon open an Embassy here (the East African nation currently has no diplomatic representation in Israel). He also said in a speech that he was certain of Israel’s desire for peace and would raise his voice in Israel’s behalf in the Organization of African Unity.
Amin, a 46-year-old Moslem, has been Uganda’s head of state since he toppled President Milton Obote on Jan. 25, 1971, while the latter was visiting Singapore. Uganda, a landlocked republic, is directly south of the Sudan.
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.
