The Kremlin said yesterday in Moscow that the Israeli charges of enemy violations of the standstill cease-fire were “fabrications” and “noise” that demonstrate “how some circles in Tel Aviv fear a peaceful settlement that must put an end to the consequences of the Israeli aggression.” The Kremlin’s comments, made through the government newspaper, Izvestia, constituted Moscow’s first major statement on the issue of Israel’s claims that Egyptians and Soviets advanced SAM missiles toward the cease-fire line after the standstill went into effect. “The Israeli lies,” Izvestia said, “have short legs. The UAR has officially refuted the Israeli assertions.” The paper added that “The aims of the clamor are so obvious that even (Defense) Secretary (Melvin R.) Laird found it necessary, in substance, to disavow its authors.” Mr. Laird said Sunday that it was difficult to determine exactly when the missiles were moved and that in any case the issue should not be allowed to sabotage peace talks. Izvestia added that the Soviet military presence in Egypt had offset Israeli military superiority. Reports from Moscow said the Kremlin is taking advantage of the new disagreements between the United States and Israel by pledging Egyptian recognition of Israeli security in return for Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Arab territory.
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