The State Department today expressed “disappointment” over the expulsion of two West Bank Arab mayors by Israel which, it said, was a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. It also registered “disapproval” of the seizure of television tapes by Israeli soldiers from American correspondents covering riots on the West Bank over the weekend.
Department spokesman John Trattner was questioned about the deportations of Mayors Fahd Kawasme of Hebron and Mohammed Milhim of Halhoul after the Israeli Supreme Court upheld the legality of the deportation orders last week. “We are deeply disappointed in it,” Trattner said. “My understanding is that deportations are prohibited by the Fourth Geneva Convention which lays out the duties and responsibilities of an occupying power in an occupied territory. That convention prohibits deportations regardless of motives.”
Trattner added, “Previously, a number of times, we have said that we hoped a way could be found to allow the mayors to return to their homes and assume their responsibilities. We believe these expulsions will weigh heavily on families and believe they cannot help but complicate the search for peace in that part of the world.”
Commenting on American reporters’ encounters with Israeli soldiers, Trattner said, “We are disturbed by the reports that legitimate activities of the press are being interfered with, that is the confiscation of film. We are looking into the matter. Our position on freedom of the press has always been crystal clear and stated repeatedly. We urge other governments to adhere to international standards of press freedom in which we believe and which we respect.”
U.S. ARMS DELIVERIES TO EGYPT
Asked about reports that the U.S. may accelerate arms deliveries to Egypt, the State Department spokesman said “We are not going to get into decisions made or possibly made. When they are made, we will announce them.”
He added, “As you are aware, Vice President (Hosni) Mubarak (of Egypt) who was here recently, and a group of senior advisors, discussed a number of matters with us during their visit. The topics covered certainly involved our military supply relationship with Egypt, as well as an exchange of views on regional security and regional defense. I will not be able to get into the substance of these discussions.”
Trattner said he had no update on the situation on the Jordanian-Syrian border. He observed, however, that “My impression is that tensions in that situation have noticeably abated. But I don’t have any details to provide.”
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