M.E. CRISIS Report of interim accord

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33779, 27 February 1975, Page 17

M.E. CRISIS Report of interim accord

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter— Copyriphi) CAIRO, Feb. 26. The Cairo daily newspaper “Al-Gomhouria” reports today that Egypt is preparing for a troop-disengagement agreement with Israel in the Sinai Desert. In a front-page report, the newspaper’s diplomatic correspondent writes: “All expectations indicate that Israel’s withdrawal in Sinai will include the strategic passes of Mitla and Giddi as well as the Abu Rudeis oilfields.” The report adds that the United States Secretary of State (Dr Henry Kissinger) is soon due to arrive in Aswan, Upper Egypt, for two days of talks with President Sadat which will include the draft of a new troopdisengagement pact. A Washington report today says that Dr Kissinger will begin his next Middle East peace mission in Cairo on March 8, believing that Egypt is ready to offer Israel concessions in return for another troop withdrawal in the desert. Asked at a news conference yesterday if he believed that President Sadat was prepared to offer a quid pro quo arrangement for an Israeli withdrawal. Dr Kissinger replied: “The fact that I am returning to the Middle East indicates that I believe there is a chance to implement that principle.” There is speculation in Washington that Egypt may offer assurances to Dr Kissinger that she will not attack Israel if further troop withdrawals take place in Syria and Jordan. There is also talk of the United States offering assurances to Israel of her full military, economic and diplomatic support in case of an attack by Egypt while a new interim agreement is in effect. These assurances would stop short of guarantees to Israel, which would need Congressional approval.