In a major foreign policy speech before the Rumanian National Assembly today, Nicolae Ceausescu, the Rumanian Communist Party Chief, served notice on the Arab states that Rumania recognized the existence of the State of Israel and would not support Arab attempts to destroy Israel in any new war.
Rumania is the only country in the Soviet bloc that did not follow the lead of Moscow in breaking off relations with Israel last month on the outbreak of the Arab-Israel war and its foreign minister made at least one attempt during the recent emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly to secure agreement on a resolution that would commit the Arab states to recognition of Israel’s existence.
The Rumanian Communist leader said that while Rumania had always manifested friendship for the Arabs, “we wish to tell our Arab friends that we do not understand and do not share the position of those circles who speak in favor of the liquidation of the State of Israel.”
He added that “we do not wish to give advice to anybody, but the lessons of history show that no people can achieve their national and social aspirations against the right of existence of another people.” He made it clear that Rumania would continue to pursue a policy of friendship towards Israel and would not adhere to the anti-Israel line advanced by Moscow.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
