The Arab opposition to acceptance of the Hammarskjold plan for economic rehabilitation of the Arab refugees was apparently presaged here today when Abdul Monem. Rifai, of Jordan, addressed the General Assembly this afternoon.
Mr. Rifai, the first of the Arab delegation leaders thus far to speak before the General Assembly, enunciated what he called his country’s “basic principles” regarding the refugee problem. Stating that Jordan will file a fully documented review of the Hammarskjold plan, Mr. Rifai said that meanwhile, he wanted to make these points clear: 1. The Arab refugee problem cannot be isolated from the overall Palestine question. 2. The problem is political and not economic.
In regard to freedom of navigation through the Suez Canal. Mr. Rifai said. “Jordan on this issue stands side by side with the United Arab Republic.”
The Jordanian delegate told the Assembly that his government “does not recognize any Israel rights.” He said the Suez Canal is in Arab soil, under the jurisdiction of an Arab state,” and Israel is not entitled to any rights because she violates all rights.”
Mr. Rifai denounced the influx of immigrants into Israel, alleging that “Jewish immigration into Israel blocks the doors to the refugees while at the same time Israel plans further territorial expansion.” To eliminate the “threat” to the Arab states. Mr. Rifai said Jordan “requests all peace-loving nations not to permit Jewish immigration to Israel.”
ITALY BACKS ISRAEL ON FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION THROUGH SUEZ
Earlier, the Italian Foreign Minister Giuseppe Pella addressing the General Assembly, said that “Italy is always faithful to the principles of freedom of navigation and is particularly interested in the application of these principles to the Mediterranean area.”
The delegates representing Uruguay and Guatemala, in their addresses before the Assembly, similarly opposed the Suez blockade and emphasized the importance of upholding the freedom of the seas and of international waterways “as the expression of a principle which may benefit or affect all mankind.”
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