A group of Israeli “doves” issued a manifesto today calling for coexistence between Israel and a Palestinian state. The manifesto, which contained about 100 signatures, was prepared by the Committee for Israeli-Palestinian Rapprochement which includes among its leaders Meir Payil of Moked, former MK Uri Avneri and Gen. (Res.) Mati Peled.
Avneri said he understood that there are moderate Palestinian leaders who agree to the proposals contained in the manifesto. He quoted an un-named Palestinian leader on the West Bank as saying he would agree to initiate talks in that territory on the basis of the proposals, provided that the Israeli authorities permitted the West Bank and Gaza Strip population to organize politically.
The manifesto would have Israel withdraw to its pre-June, 1967 borders with some modifications. It would remain a Zionist-oriented state with an affinity to world Jewry at large. The adjacent Palestinian state would also be sovereign and maintain its affinity with the Arab world. Avneri said the time has come for the government to announce its readiness to negotiate with the Palestinians as such.
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