The work on the drainage project in the Huleh was interrupted today for 24 hours in order to enable the reorganization of the drainage operations in a manner which would not be contrary to the order of the United Nations Security Council to halt the work in the seven disputed acres in the demilitarized zone of the Huleh area.
Work will be resumed tomorrow in the other parts of the Huleh swamps which are not involved in the dispute with Syria. The suspension of the work in the seven acres of the demilitarized zone was ordered today following a decision to this effect taken last night by the Israel Cabinet. Maj. General William Riley, U.N. Chief of Staff, was informed of this decision last night by Israel’s Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett.
In his letter to Gen. Riley, Mr. Sharett pointed out that Israel repeatedly offered to satisfy the Arab landowners in the disputed section of the Huleh either by monetary compensation or by exchange of land. The letter pointed out that in complying with the order of the Security Council, Israel holds to what it considers its inalienable right to bring the project to a successful close in the interests of Israel and the inhabitants of the region.
A statement issued here today by Gen. Riley said that as a result of his conferences with the Israel and Syrian governments he is able to state that ” both sides are most anxious to solve their differences and restore peace in the area.” The U.N. official emphasizes in his statement that “both parties have reiterated their desires to abide by the terms of the general armistice agreement.”
“On Monday, May 28th, I will be meeting with the Syrian-Israeli Mixed Armistice Commission to discuss certain problems that have arisen in the past few months and which come within the competence of that body,” Gen. Riley revealed. “I will also discuss other problems that have arisen which are within the competence of the chairman in connection with general supervision of the demilitarized zone as set forth in the general armistice agreement, After my series of conferences, I am morally certain that a satisfactory solution will result.”
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