U.S. launches peace bid

Press, 26 June 1978, Page 8

U.S. launches peace bid

NZPA-Reuter Washington] The United States is! launching a new effort to' get the stalled peace talks) between Egypt and Israeli Igoing again. V i c e-President Walter . Mondale will meet the leaders of both countries within the next 10 days, it has been! announced in Washington. j And American officials I said that the Secretary ofj State (Mr Cyrus Vance)): would meet the Egyptian! and Israeli Foreign Ministers j in Europe soon afterwards, perhaps m London. Mr Mondale’s discussions i with President Anwar Sadat will take place at the EgypF-;.-- • nq ( J .a*’q spmWor

ildence in Alexandria on July] '3 on his way home from a ifour-day visit to Israel to) ,i take part in the 30th anni-i iversary celebrations of the iJewish State. ! The fresh round of discussions comes after the failure of the Israeli Cabinet to satisfy the United States On two questions about its plans for the future of the ioccupied West Bank and the, [Gaza Strip. The Israeli pro-) Iposal effectively delays any! j decision on withdrawal for [five years. i Egypt is preparing its own , jformula for a Middle East] peace settlement, but has re-1 jected Israel’s latest pronouncement. The Egyptian Foreign I Minister (Mr Mohammed' Tbrnhbv, K’niori caM FMfl

■ Cairo’s plan, based on the return of the West Bank and Ithe Gaza Strip to Jordan land Egypt, was expected to be completed within the .next two days. It would then be handed to the United States. President Sadat had earlier described the Israeli attitude as “elusive and not positive : at all.” :l Mr Sadat has hinted that jhe is counting on American (pressure to force the Israelis ito demonstrate flexibility. , “The general situation is (heading toward a serious attempt by President Carter to I give a push to the peace process,” Mr Sadat said. “Once we and the United (States reach a satisfactory 'idea, we will announce it I'nimorl'ot