Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

State Department Considering Whether to Allow Jiryis to Attend Meeting of Quaker Group

February 7, 1977
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The highest levels of the State Department were reported today to be considering whether to allow Palestine Liberation Organization propagandist Sabri Jiryis to re-enter the United States in order to address the conference of the American Friends Service Committee Feb. 11-14. Secretary of State Cyrus R. Vance, who goes to the Middle East Feb. 15, was said to have the matter on his desk for a personal decision.

The AFSC, which has long contended that the terrorist organization should be included in the Middle East settlement process, has listed Jiryis as a featured speaker at its four-day program that it states is designed to influence the Carter Administration.

Jiryis was directed in mid-November by the State Department to leave the United States by Nov. 30 after it was found that he had provided false information on his visa application. Jiryis, a Palestinian, came to the U.S. ostensibly to set up a propaganda office for the PLO in Washington. While here he engaged in talks with Jews in New York and Washington. The AFSC set up the Washington meeting.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement