The resumption of Soviet-Israeli relations, which occurred in July, took on reality today with the arrival at Lydda airport of two Russian diplomats. They were greeted at the airfield by representatives of all missions of East European countries stationed here.
The diplomats were Yacov Medianik, the legation’s First Secretary, and Alexander Matyshkin, the Second Secretary. Neither man would say whether the Soviet legation would be established in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. When relations were resumed, reports were current that the USSR might open its legation in Jerusalem, thus becoming the first major power to recognize the transfer of Israel’s Foreign Ministry to the capital city. Both men were members of the legation staff before relations were ruptured last February.
They left the airport and went to a Russian monastery in Jaffa. It appears likely that they will remain there until the arrival of the Soviet Minister.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
