Spain intends to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, according to Edgar Bronfman, president of the World Jewish Congress. He was informed of this by Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez during their private meeting at the Moncloa Palace, Bronfman told reporters at the airport as he ended a two-day official visit to Spain Thursday night.
Bronfman was the first world Jewish leader to make such a visit to this country since the end of the Franco era. He said Gonzalez told him he was committed to the principle of relations with Israel and intended to fulfill his commitments. “The Spanish Prime Minister has informed me that diplomatic relations between Spain and Israel will be established,” the WJC leader declared.
He added that he gained the impression that Gonzalez already has a date or time in mind to act formally on this matter. He quoted the Prime Minister as saying that the timing would be dictated by “Spanish national interest only” and that no pressure from any quarter would influence the manner and timing of this decision.
WJC sources reported that Bronfman and Gonzalez agreed to hold an “Iberio-Jewish dialogue” next year under the joint sponsorship of the WJC and the Spanish government. It is expected to be held in Cordoba, the birthplace of Maimonides.
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