The Israeli government protested sharply last night against Cypriot President Archbishop Makarios for joining President Muammar Qaddafi of Libya in a virulently anti-Israel statement. The joint communique condemning Israel was Issued in Libya where Makarios is on a state visit.
The Israeli statement expressed “great regret” that Makarios lent his name to an extremist statement which, in effect, negated Israel’s right to exist. “Cyprus’ own bitter experience has once more proved the dangers inherent in international incitement and violence and the need to settle disputes peacefully and with mutual respect,” the Israeli statement said.
“Col. Qaddafi spurns such ways as far as the Israel-Arab conflict is concerned,” the statement continued, adding that “Israel seeks friendship with the people of Cyprus…It hopes that Cyprus’ leaders, in their quest for a settlement in their own country, will not…lend a hand to those who plot against the rights of Israel….”
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