Recognition call to P.L.O.

Press, 27 November 1982, Page 8

Recognition call to P.L.O.

NZPA-Reuter Cairo The Presidents of Egypt and France called on the Palestine Liberation Organisation yesterday to recognise Israel as a crucial step towards a solution of the Middle East conflict. Hosni Mubarak and Francois Mitterrand concentrated on the issue of recognition at a news conference after two days of talks largely devoted to Franco-Egyptian efforts to promote peace in the region. Departing from Egypt’s previous emphasis on mutual recognition, Mr Mubarak said that it was imperative for the P.L.O. to accept the Jewish State, “even if the Israelis cannot recognise the Palestinians.” “I don’t think they will lose anything by doing so ... It is a measure that will enable the United States to start the dialogue with them that we have been promised. “It is not advisable for the P.L.O. to reject all initiatives like Israel does. That is exactly what Israel wants.” Mr Mitterrand, who believes that France can play a key role as a “third force” in the peace process, said that mutual recognition between the P.L.O. and Israel would provide the breakthrough needed to open talks.

He also indirectly ' criticised President Ronald Reagan’s plan for an autonomous Palestine in association with Jordan, saying that Washington should talk directly to the Palestinians, since the problem centred on their future. , ■. > Mr Mubarak predicted that Israel would persist in rejecting the Reagan plan, announced in September, and all other proposals.