Sen. Charles Percy (R. III.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, backed Israel’s position that the withdrawal of its forces from Lebanon should be accompanied by what he called the establishment of “businesslike relations” between the two countries.
“This would ensure peace and security on their common border and thus satisfy Israel that the withdrawal of her forces would not endanger Israel’s border towns,” Percy said in a statement issued by his office here. “In my judgement, there is justification for the Israeli position that businesslike relations with Lebanon must be a priority.”
Percy said that while he understood the Lebanese government’s “desire to avoid antagonizing uncooperative or cautious elements” within Lebanon, “nevertheless, Lebanon should in her own interests be willing to take significant steps toward normalizing relations with Israel. Israel’s withdrawal would be a key element in the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
