Arab Foreign Ministers to Discuss Iran’s Recognition of Israel

The Arab League will review the entire question of Arab relations with Iran at an Arab foreign ministers’ meeting in Lebanon next month, it was reported here today from Beirut.

The issue was brought to the fore by the clash between the United Arab Republic and Iran which wound up with the ending of diplomatic ties between the two countries amidst a sharp exchange of mutual recrimination. President Nasser attacked the Shah of Iran for announcing recognition of Israel.

Israel’s success in establishing friendly relations with Iran, a Moslem but not an Arab country, is a matter of concern to the Arab countries not only for itself but because it might encourage other Asian and African countries to do likewise, particularly India, which has been under steady pressure from many of its intellectual leaders to extend recognition to Israel.

Pakistan has indicated it will adhere to its policy of non-recognition of Israel. Efforts by Arab diplomats to persuade leaders of Cyprus against establishing ties with Israel after Cyprus becomes independent next month have not been very successful. Cypriot leaders so far have indicated an intention to seek friendly relations with both Israel and the Arab countries.

Whether other Arab countries, such as Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, will follow the UAR lead in ending ties with Iran was not definite, according to the reports. The Arab press in Lebanon and Jordan and the Government in Iraq have made it clear that they are strongly opposed to the Iranian recognition announced by the Shah on July 23.

Efforts of Iranian diplomats to stress that Iran gave de facto recognition to Israel 10 years ago and that the Shah’s announcement adds nothing to that status have failed to placate the Arab leaders. The announcement was widely regarded in Arab capitals as portending full de Jure recognition by Iran. Iran, however, has not made any mention of exchanging ambassadors with Israel.