‘Canal plan will be rejected’

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32588, 23 April 1971, Page 9

‘Canal plan will be rejected’

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright)

CAIRO, April 22. Egypt welcomes a planned visit to Cairo by the United States Secretary of State (Mr William Rogers), but the authoritative Cairo newspaper, “Al-

Ahram,” says that 1 opening the Suez Ci “Al-Ahram” which reflects Egyptian Government thinking says that the Middle East crisis reached an even more sensitive stage after the talk.in Washington between Mr Rogers and the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Yigal Alien). “Al-Ahram” also says that the Government is studying what measures it should take in face of reports that the United States has supplied Israel with new arms.

“This is an act in contradiction with all measures that the United States claims it is adopting to implement the United Nations Security Council resolution of 1967.” the newspaper says. It recalls that on April 2, President Sadat emphasised that Egypt would accept a limited cease-fire in exchange for an Israeli part withdrawal during which the United Nations’ envoy, Dr Gunnar Jar-

Israel's terms for reinal will be rejected. ring, would draw up a timetable for a complete withdrawal. Egyptian troops would immediately move across the canal, but in the interest of maintaining peace. Egypt would accept practical arrangements for dividing the belligerent parties. “Any other talk contrary to this is completely rejected by Cairo.” the newspaper adds Cairo also rejects categorically any discussions for the demilitarisation of Sinai, but

is prepared to accept the demilitarisation of certain areas on both sides of the borde, between Egypt and Israel, “Al-Ahram” says, adding: “Proposals such as leasing Sharm El Shiekh to Israel, or having Israeli forces partic, pate in a United Nations force in that area, are a joke that is not worth considering while discussing such a serious issue as the Middle East crisis.”