Kissinger Very Likely to Visit the Mideast in February

A visit by Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger to the Middle East is “a very high likelihood” in February, the State Department said today. It declined, however, to announce any dates, saying that the Secretary is discussing possible dates in his close contacts with the parties in the Middle East.

Department spokesman Robert Anderson acknowledged that Syria and Egypt were among the countries with which Kissinger is communicating. He also indicated the Soviet government was included, but was not specific, Israel had invited Kissinger to make an official visit at his convenience. Anderson said he had no idea whether Kissinger and Soviet Foreign Minister Andrel Gromyko would meet in the Middle East. Gromyko is to visit Egypt next month.