Egyptian intransigence and adamant refusal to meet with Israel, even under the auspices of the United Nations’ special envoy. Dr. Gunnar Jarring, is proving to be the greatest single obstacle in the way of a Middle East settlement, diplomatic quarters stated here tonight. The appraisal was given following a 90-minute meeting between Ambassador Jarring and Foreign Minister Eban. Dr. Jarring returned to his Cyprus headquarters but is expected here again next week after a further round of talks in Arab capitals.
Dr. Jarring met with Secretary General U Thant in Teheran yesterday. However, his talks with Mr. Eban today contained no reference to the new Middle East emissary whom the Secretary-General will appoint to investigate the condition of Jews in Arab countries and Arab civilians in Israel-occupied territories, it was learned here. Press reports that Dr. Jarring would draw up the new emissary’s terms of reference were believed here to have been based on a misunderstanding.
Dr. Jarring apparently had nothing new to convey from Cairo in yesterday’s meeting with Mr. Eban. But Egypt’s intransigent policy is reflected in President Nasser’s recent speeches which, if anything, sound a harder line than before. Egypt will not accept Dr. Jarring’s proposals for bringing both sides together according to the terms of the Security Council’s Nov. 22. 1967 resolution. Cairo’s contention that Israel will not implement the resolution is seen here as “falsification” and “a smoke screen” to put the blame on Israel should the Jarring mission end in failure.
Israel has accepted Dr. Jarring’s proposal for meetings under his auspices, the diplomatic sources pointed out. But Egypt persists in its refusal to recognize or make peace with Israel, the main objectives laid down by the Nov. 22 resolution and is the source of intransigence on the part of the Jordan Government as well, they said. Egypt is also flouting other provisions of the resolution which calls for negotiating secure and permanent boundaries and free passage for the shipping of all nations in the Suez Canal and Gulf of Aqaba.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
