The visit to Israel by France’s Minister of Commerce and Economy. Michel d’Ornano, has been postponed indefinitely for political reasons, it was announced here last night. Government spokesmen said Israel suggested the postponement of the visit, which was scheduled for Feb. 7. because of the charged political atmosphere between the countries following France’s release of Palestinian terrorist Abu Daoud. No new date has been set for d’Ornano’s visit.
In related developments, Israel last week turned down an invitation to attend the inauguration of the European Parliament’s new building in Strasbourg. At the same time there was no confirmation of reports that French Foreign Minister Louis de Guiringaud would visit Israel Feb. 26 as had earlier been scheduled. Israel’s Ambassador to France, Mordechai Gazit. Is still in Israel after having been called home two weeks ago “for consultations” following Daoud’s release. However, Foreign Minister Yigal Allon is still expected to meet with de Guiringaud in Brussels Feb. 8 when Israel signs an agreement with the European Economic Community.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
