It is definitely possible that Israeli journalists will visit Egypt shortly, Saad Zaghloul Nassar, press secretary to President Anwar Sadat, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency yesterday. Nassar was interviewed at the King David Hotel where he prepared the visit of Sadat.
“Just like the visit of Egyptian journalists in Jerusalem became a reality, so could a visit by Israeli newsmen materialize, “Nassar said, hinting that this was subject to the political developments arising from the Sadat visit. Nassar headed a team of officials at the government information office who arrived Friday to set up the facilities for Egyptian newsmen covering the visit.
Nassar described his impression of the event as “fantastic, unbelievable, abnormal.” But he was quick to add he did not find Israel any different from what he had expected. “The people are friendly and helpful, and I think we can get together and reach an agreement.” He said as soon as Sadat told the Parliament in Cairo that he was ready to go to Jerusalem, he knew the visit would materialize.” I know that when the President says something, he means it.”
Nassar is a respected veteran journalist in Egypt. Before serving as the President’s press secretary, he was a popular columnist, noted for his critical articles against Israel. But as he sat yesterday at the King David Hotel, surrounded by aides and officials of the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, he beamed and smiled praising the Israeli cooperation.
His attitude characterized the attitude of most of the Egyptian officials in Jerusalem. The security guards preferred to keep quiet, but the others were friendly, as if no state of war existed between the two countries.
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