Vance joins outcry

Press, 13 June 1979, Page 8

Vance joins outcry

* NZPA-Reuter Washington) The American Secretary oil State (Mr Cyrus Vance) has joined the Egyptian Vice-1 President (Mr Hosni Muba-! rak) in objecting to Israel’s) decision to build a new Jewish settlement on the occupied West Bank of the Jordan. Speaking after talks in Washington yesterday, Mr Vance said: “We believe that continuing with the building of settlements is a hindrance to the peace process." Mr Mubarak said Egypt disagreed with Mr Begin’s statements about. Israel’s right to establish new settlements.

Egypt was doing its utmost to achieve full peace in the region “but we are very sorry to say that now and then after the peace treaty is signed we hear so many statements,” he said. Later Mr Mubarak met President Carter to discuss a possible long-term American programme of military aid for Egypt's defence needs. The White House said after they conferred for 45 minutes that the President had reaffirmed his intention t<? assist Egypt, and emphasised the SUSI.S billion made available in militarysales to Egypt after the signing of its peace treaty with Israel.

“They also discussed how the United States might help to meet Egypt’s longer term defence needs and the desirability of regular and systematic consultations towards this end," it said.