Premier Golda Meir’s contemplated visit to Valeta, Malta, in her capacity as vice-chairman of the Socialist International is now in doubt. Labor sources here revealed that information arriving from the London-based Bureau of the Socialist International stated that Maltese Premier Dom Mintoff has suggested that it would be inappropriate for Mrs. Meir to attend the discussion planned for leaders of the Socialist International on the Middle East conflict during the scheduled meeting in Malta at the beginning of Nov.
Mintoff was not against her presence but he claimed that she should not take part in the Middle East discussion because of lack of balance: Arabs have no representation in this body. It was also learned that most delegates at the London Bureau of the International have rejected the Maltese Premier’s argument.
However, it was hinted here that the question of Mrs. Meir’s participation in the Maltese consultation depends on the participation of other Premiers. In any case. Mintoff or any other host of a meeting cannot intervene in the naming of representatives to the meeting. Two weeks ago Mintoff issued a statement saying that if he were a Palestinian he might very well be a terrorist.
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