The Foreign Minister told the Knesset that Israel’s position at the United Nations has improved. At the same time, she mentioned the fact that UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold has failed to obtain from Jordan a promise to implement Article VIII of the Armistice Agreement, Which provides for Israeli free access to Mt Scopus and the Jewish Holy Plates held by Jordan in the Old City of Jerusalem. She reiterated Israeli insistence on free access to these places.
Reporting on Israels trade relations with countries of Eastern Europe, the Israel Foreign Minister said that, with the exception of the Soviet Union, all East European countries have increased their trading with Israel. She mentioned particularly the Excellent relations with Poland and said that, after seven years of absence of trading with Czechoslovakia, commercial relations will be resumed also with that country, She is so stressed the friendly relations with Yugoslavia.
Speaking of the relations with Moscow. Mrs. Meir expressed regret that, despite Israel’s efforts to improve these relations, no such improvement has taken place. The Soviet press, she reported, continues its violent anti-Israel propaganda. A large section of Mrs. Meir’s speech was devoted also to the friendly relations between Israel and Afro-Asian countries. She noted with satisfaction that the Egyptian ruler, Col, Nasser, has failed in his efforts to introduce the “Palestine problem” at two conferences of African nations held at Accra, in Ghana.
Mrs. Meir deplored the absence of diplomatic relations with India and China. She stressed that Israel cannot be accused of lack of interest in these nations. She revealed that the Israel Government or Israeli companies have initiated joint economic ventures with 20 Afro-Asian countries.
Mrs. Meir reported that she has held “friendly talks” with leaders of the Italian Government. She paid tribute to Pope John XXIII for his efforts on behalf of Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II and noted also Israel’s friendly relations with the nations of Scandinavia and Latin America.
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