Uar Diplomatic Offensive Reaches Argentina; Uar Mission Meets with Nation’s Leaders

Cairo’s diplomatic offensive intended to promote Egypt’s point of view in the Middle East conflict, reached Buenos Aires this week. A five man Egyptian mission, headed by Minister of State Hussein Zulficar Sabri, held a press conference following two days of meetings with Argentine leaders, including President Roberto Marcelo Levingston and Foreign Minister Louis de Pablo Pardo. Argentina is one of the new non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Sabri said he found “much understanding” of Egypt’s position among Argentine leaders. He said his country accepted the Security Council’s Resolution 242 but claimed that Israel rejected it. He said Egypt would not extend the current cease-fire in the Suez Canal zone because “it would mean accepting the occupation of our territory” by Israel. He said however, the Egypt will “maintain, for the time being, a defensive position.” indicating that Egypt does not intend to resume warfare when the cease-fire expires on Feb. 5. Asked if Egypt would establish diplomatic relations with Israel within the framework of a peace agreement, he replied, “It is not possible. We accept Israel as an imposed state.”