The United States has not asked Israel to provide a fresh initiative to break the deadlock with Egypt over a second interim agreement, and Israel has not presented any request to the United States to undertake new discussions involving the two countries, the State Department said today.
Department spokesman Robert Anderson, questioned on reports from the Middle East that Washington may resume its efforts, said after denying the reports that “We want to make it clear we are in touch with all the parties and all the parties hope these efforts will continue.”
He added that “no one has come up with anything specific on how they wish us to continue our efforts.” The Department has yet to say definitely whether passage of Israel-bound cargo would be permitted by Egypt through the Suez Canal when it opens in June.
As part of the January 1974 disengagement agreement Egyptian President Anwar Sadat assured the U.S. that he would reopen the canal and allow Israel-bound cargoes through it but not ships flying the Israeli flag, The Department said today it would have to check if the pledge was made.
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