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Israel Gives Zaire a Plan to Help It Reorganize Its Army

December 1, 1982
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Foreign Minister Yitzhak Shamir, on his first visit to Zaire since diplomatic relations with that country were restored six months ago, had lunch and a private meeting with President Mobutu Sese Seko in Kinshasha today, his first day in Zaire’s capital.

Israeli correspondents accompanying the Foreign Minister reported that Zaire officials are most interested in the five-year plan for the reorganization of their army and security services prepared by Israeli military experts. The strategic study was brought to Kinshasha by Maj. Gen. Avraham Tamir, head of the Israel Defense Ministry’s planning division, who is a member of Shamir’s party.

Mobutu had requested the study when Tamir visited Kinshasha a month ago. Although its details have not been disclosed, the plan is understood to contain an undertaking by Israel to supply Zaire with large quantities of captured Soviet weapons and American and other Western military equipment already used by the Israel army. Training in the use of this equipment, part of which will be supplied free, is included in the program.

Shamir will present Zaire with a mobile agricultural station. He is accompanied by a large group of Israeli industrialists and businessmen who are seeking contracts in Zaire.

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