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Chairman Tells Israelis He Will Seek to Avoid Politicization of Unctad

June 20, 1983
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The Israeli delegation to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Developement (UNCTAD) which just opened in Belgrade, was assured by Yugoslavia’s Foreign Minister, Lazar Moisov, that he will do his best to avoid politization of the gathering.

Moisov, who is President of the Conference, made that commitment to Meir Gabay, head of the Israeli delegation, Gabay told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency by telephone. The Arab delegations have so far conducted themselves in a low key except for the Jordanians.

Gabay said the head of the Jordanian delegation attacked Israel over the Sabra and Shatila refugee camp massacres last September. Gabay said he replied by pointing out that the killings were done by Lebanese forces and reminded the Jordanians of their own massacre of Palestinians during the “Black September” of 1970.

The Arab delegations have presented a resolution asking UNCTAD to set up a special unit to prepare a report on the economic condition of Arabs in the Israel-occupied territories. Gabay said most Western delegates opposed the resolution.

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