Waldheim Says Geneva Talks May Begin Late This Spring

United Nations Secretary General Kurt Waldheim said Friday that the Geneva conference on the Middle East “cannot open before late in the spring and this is a guess.” Meeting with reporters at the State Department after lunching with Secretary of State Cyrus R. Vance, Waldheim said he and Vance were “in general agreement on how to approach the negotiating process,” but that they are under “no illusion” on the “many difficulties.”

Asked about “PLO representation.” Waldheim said that was “one important element and difficulty in our efforts” and that “as of now no agreement” has been reached. Asked whether the PLO would accept UN Secretary Council Resolutions 242 and 338, he said that “is an open question that has to be discussed.”

Waldheim said the PLO “is interested in getting an invitation” to Geneva and he indicated that “a final position” would be taken by the PLO at its meeting in the latter part of February “probably” in Cairo.

Waldheim, who goes to the Middle East, Tuesday, two weeks before Vance departs on a week-long tour of six countries in the area, said there is “a good chance to overcome difficulties” because of a “more flexible” attitude in the Middle East towards a settlement. Waldheim will visit Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel and will meet with PLO leader Yassir Arafat.

Israeli authorities have informed Waldheim that he is welcome in Israel but that all discussions between him and the Israeli government will be within the context of the Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338. This position was taken by Israel in view of the General Assembly resolutions that call for the PLO to participate in the Geneva talks.