The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations said yesterday that Egypt’s attack against Israel in the United Nations was “a profoundly disturbing setback to the hopes for peace in the Middle East.”
Rabbi Alexander M. Schindler. chairman of the Presidents Conference, declared that “Egypt’s purpose” in demanding the Security Council meeting “is political, not humanitarian. President (Anwar) Sadat apparently feels under pressure to try to outdo Syria in being anti-Israel. If he were truly concerned about the welfare of his fellow Arabs, he would long ago have called for a Security Council meeting to put an end to the slaughter in Lebanon.”
Schindler added that Egypt’s move was “particularly disturbing” because it “is contrary to the spirit” of the interim agreement signed last September between Egypt and Israel which included a cease-fire in the propaganda war. Ahmed Meguid, the Ambassador of Egypt urged the Council to adopt a resolution condemning “Israel’s brutal and illegal actions” in the administered territories and calling for “immediate and effective” steps to stop what he said were violations of international law.
Meanwhile, the Security Council debate which began Tuesday has been recessed till Monday for lack of any speakers. In addition, it is believed that the Arab delegations are preparing a resolution condemning Israel for its practices in the occupied territories and need time to consult with their governments. No date has been set for a new meeting.
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