U.S. is Prepared to Take an Active Role in Helping to Solve the Issue of Israeli Settlements

The United States took the position today that it is prepared to take an active part in solving the Israeli settlements issue but believes Egypt and Israel will resolve the matter themselves at their forthcoming discussions in Jerusalem.

This outline of the American role was sketched by the State Department’s chief spokesman, Assistant Secretary of State Hodding Carter, who announced that Secretary of State Cyrus Vance will spend only “a few days” with the Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Israel at their meetings beginning Jan. 16.

His remarks were in response to a question related to the Israeli Cabinet decision yesterday not to build new settlements in Sinai but to strengthen and expand existing ones. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat told 15 U.S. Congressmen visiting him that he will not tolerate any Israeli presence in Sinai under a Middle East agreement and asked for the Congressmen’s support. He said Israel has not “really responded to my initiative.”

Noting “obvious disagreement” between Israel and Egypt regarding settlements, Carter said that when Vance is in Jerusalem “at that time, if useful, we will present our views on this general issue.” He was therefore “reluctant to comment now,” Carter said.

Reminded that the U.S. in the past had referred to Israeli settlements as “illegal and obstacles to peace,” Carter replied that he was “not backing away from our general position on settlements” but “quite frankly, we think this issue can be resolved in discussions” and “we believe Egypt and Israel can” resolve it.

TO PUSH FOR RESOLUTION OF PALESTINIAN ISSUE

Carter indicated that Vance may visit Cairo where the Israeli and Egyptian Defense Ministers are to meet but his presence there will be to confer with Egyptian political leaders. He does not expect Vance to go to Saudi Arabia. Vance will leave for Jerusalem Jan. 14.

Privately, a usually reliable State Department source made it clear that Vance is not going to Jerusalem as an “observer” but to push for a resolution of the Palestinian issue as outlined by President Carter Friday on his way home to Washington from his overseas journeys.

The Voice of America amplified this view saying, “It would not be surprising if Vance were to urge consideration” in Jerusalem of President Carter’s formula. But the broadcast tactfully cautioned “It must be remembered, however, that the American views are being presented strictly as suggestions.”

Nevertheless, there were indications that the U.S. was preparing to take a tough stand at the talks in Jerusalem. One major source put it this way: “When we get our position on the table in Jerusalem this is going to cause a lot of friction with the Israelis.” So far, the U.S. has been careful to steer an even course, showing support for Sadat who is under fire from Arab rejectionists and for Israeli Premier Menachem Begin who is in trouble with many of his Herut supporters over his peace plan.