French Political Circles, Press Optimistic over Chances of Success in Peace Talks

French political circles and newspapers expressed optimism today over the chances of a successful conclusion to the Middle East peace talks which got under way at the United Nations in New York this morning. French newspapers also expressed the conviction that the talks could lead to the beginning of a new chapter in Mideast relations. However, in a front page editorial, the newspaper Le Monde warned that “The chances of success would still be further reinforced if the Israeli and Egyptian governments would cease exchanging accusations over the breach or alleged breach of cease-fire agreements.” The newspaper Le Figaro also expressed the hope that the talks would end with a final settlement and that “one would be even more optimistic if one had the feeling that the acceptance of the American plan was mainly caused by a desire to end a long fight which seems without a possible solution unless the talks succeed.”