President Nixon welcomed Egyptian President Sadat’s emissary to the White House Friday and declared that his “major goal” is to move off “dead center” in the Middle East crisis. Speaking of “this very troubled and explosive area of the world,” Nixon told Hafez Ismail, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s advisor on internal security, “that is why we are glad to talk with you.”
“We do not know what will come out” of the talks Ismail is having in Washington, Nixon continued but “we will have good and frank discussions.” He made his remarks while seated with Ismail for the benefit of news media cameras shortly after the Egyptian diplomat arrived at the White House for the start of his round of talks with top level American officials.
Ismail handed Nixon an envelope which he said contained “a message” to the President from Sadat. Ismail expressed Sadat’s “best regards” and “high appreciation” of the Egyptian government for being received at the White House.
During the few minutes newsmen were allowed to see Nixon and Ismail, the President did not mention either Israel or the downing of the Libyan airliner in the Sinai. Looking smilingly at the newsmen, the President said the press would not be informed “of what we talk about.”
The Egyptian emissary came here from London Thursday on a mission reported to be the climax of an Egyptian diplomatic offensive in major capitals to bring pressure on Israel to withdraw from the territories occupied in the 1967 war. When reporters crowded toward the President and his guest, Nixon and Ismail were heard discussing the travels entailed in diplomacy.
Nixon said “There is a great desire” by the Administration to help bring peace to the region, “Instant peace is a dream,” he added. “Permanent peace, as you know, can never be assured because people–even friends–have differences.” From the White House, Ismail went to the State Department for talks with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and other top officials. (See story P. 3.)
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