The State Department admitted today that it has discussed the Iraqi-Iranian war with Israel. But it refused to say whether it had asked Israel to stop sending arms to Iran or whether Israel was, in fact sending arms to that country. State Department spokesman Dean Fischer however, left the implication that the arms issue has been discussed with Israel.
That appeared to be the gist of Fischer’s remarks in the wake of news reports from Baghdad that Iraq has demanded several times of the Reagan Administration that it stop Israel from sending arms to Iran.
“Without getting into the specifics of our diplomatic exchanges, Iraq has raised reports of arms shipments to Iran with us from time to time,” Fischer said. He added, “Again, without getting into the specifics of our diplomatic exchanges, we have, in the context, with our frequent contacts with the Israel government, there have been discussions regarding the Iraq-Iran war.”
There have been frequent reports over the last 18 months that Israel has sold arms to Iran arranged for Iran to obtain arms. Some of these arms reportedly were manufactured in Israel under U.S. license. In addition, many Arab countries have been supporting Iraq. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak revealed in his speech to the National Press Club here last month that Egypt has sent arms and ammunition to Iraq. Jordan has reportedly offered troops to Iraq’s forces.
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