Israel will not call off its Independence Day military parade in Jerusalem on May 2 despite a Jordanian protest to the United Nations Security Council, it was learned here today. The parade, marking the 20th anniversary of Israel’s independence, is scheduled to begin in East Jerusalem.
Informed quarters said that Israel would probably withhold its official reply to the Jordanian complaint until it was known what action the Security Council President intends to take. The Council is headed this month by Yacov Malik, chief of the Soviet delegation, to whom the protest was addressed.
It is known here that most U.N. members disapprove of the parade being held in Jerusalem, and especially its routing through the Old City. Observers recalled that last year the General Assembly called on Israel to take no steps to change the pre-June war status of the Old City which Israel has since united with the rest of Jerusalem. Because of official disapproval, foreign diplomats have not been invited to the Jerusalem parade. Military attaches of the various embassies are expected to attend since their presence will have no political significance.
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