adminThe Rhodesia Herald,
December 12, 1977
JERUSALEM. – The Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Menachem Begin, yesterday expressed optimism that the problem of Palestinian Arabs would be solved in peace talks following the Cairo conference starting on Wednesday.
After a day of discussions with the US Secretary of State, Mr Cyrus Vance, Mr Begin was hopeful about the way the peacemaking process was developing.
As for the position Israel will take in the negotiations, Mr Begin said: “Everything is negotiable except the destruction of Israel,” reports Iana-Reuter.
He told a Press conference that Israel had no intention of concluding peace with Egypt and leaving other countries out.
“On the contrary,” Mr Begin said, “we are interested in doing as much as possible to bring about the signing of peace treaties between Israel and all her neighbours.”
Asked whether Israel had new proposals on the issue of displaced Palestinians, Mr Begin said: “The problem of the Palestinian Arabs will be discussed and I am sure we will find a solution to it.”
Mr Vance also said the Palestinian question would be discussed in Cairo.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Menachem Begin, served as the Israeli Prime Minister from 1977 to 1983. He made this statement during a pivotal time in Middle Eastern politics.
The Cairo conference referenced was part of on-going efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and broader Arab-Israeli relations.
The late 1970s and early 1980s were marked by significant diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving peace in the region, particularly following the Camp David Accords in 1978, which were brokered by President Carter.
Begin’s statement encapsulates a complex interplay between optimism for peace talks and an unwavering commitment to national security principles amidst ongoing conflicts over territory and governance involving Palestinian Arabs.
Online Reporter