The latest fad among Israeli journalists is to telephone Cairo directly–either the office of the Middle East News Agency or AI Ahram, Egypt’s major newspaper. The front page of Israeli newspapers has been full of reports of the exchanges, although it appears now that the novelty is beginning to wear off.
In the meantime it was learned in Jerusalem, that Israel would not cut off the telephone communications with Egypt unless Egypt would ask to do so. Telephone communications with Egypt–and Morocco–were established for the first time, to allow the Egyptian journalists to report to their media. The communication was reached via the international operator in Athens. Direct dialing to Morocco also continued today.
The Egyptian who is called usually expresses satisfaction with President Anwar Sadat’s visit and contends Egypt has made its contribution toward peace and it is now up to the Israelis to make the next move. A spokesman for the President’s office told Yediot Achronot that Sadat returned from the visit deeply moved and will never forgot the warm welcome he received. An Egyptian sportswriter expressed the hope to Maariv’s sports editor that Egyptian and Israeli teams will soon compete against each other in athletic contests.
However, businessmen are also taking up the opportunity opened by the Sadat visit. Chaim Peled, head of a local public relations office, took out a quarter-page advertisement in Al Ahram for $250 urging Egyptian businessmen to use his company to advertise their products in Israel.
The director of an Israeli underwear company Delta, has asked its representatives in London to try to approach the Egyptians there about the possibility of buying Egyptian cotton. In exchange, the company proposes selling Israeli-made goods in Egypt.
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