Arabs hail Waldheim s victory

Press, 12 June 1986, Page 10

Arabs hail Waldheim s victory

NZPA-AP Cairo Arab countries and newspapers have hailed the victory of the Austrian President-elect, Kurt Waldheim, as a triumph for democracy and repudiation of “Zionist influence” in Europe. Official statements and editorials discounted allegations by the World Jewish Congress and others that Dr Waldheim had been engaged in Nazi atrocities against Jews -and resistance fighters in World War 11. The Egyptian President, Mr Hosni Mubarak, leader of the only Arab country to have made peace with Israel, sent Dr Waldheim a telegram expressing

“sincerest congratulations” and expressing hope that bilateral relations “will witness greater development and growth.” The Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Gadaffi, offered Dr Waldheim congratulations on his victory "despite the efforts made by Zionism ... to discredit you.” The. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Sheikh Sabah alAhmed al-Sabah, praised Dr Waldheim as “a wise man with long experience in international diplomacy,” and praised Austrian voters for their decision “despite the unfair Zionist campaigns and falsehoods.” While United Nations secretary-general, Dr

Waldheim supported various Arab causes and allowed the Palestine Liberation Organisation’s chief, Yasser Arafat, to address the General Assembly, in 1974.

State-controlled newspapers, including those with radical and pro-West-ern leanings, hailed the election as a setback for Israel and accused the Jewish State’s supporters of trying to meddle in the affairs of a sovereign country.

“The election of Waldheim to the post of President is proof- that Zionist influence in Europe has been shrinking,” said the radical daily, “al-Rai al-Am,” of Kuwaj|.

The Saudi daily, “alJazira,” published what it called “a message of greetings to the (Austrian) people, who rejected Zionist pressure and elected a President of their own choice.”

Egypt’s State-owned newspaper, “al-Gomhu-riya,” said the United States and Israel had never forgiven Dr Waldheim for allowing Mr Arafat a United Nations forum. In Jerusalem Israel’s Prime Minister, Mr Shimon Peres, said that damaging evidence against Dr Waldheim was mounting in his country’s investigation of his activities during the war. “We are examining it

and the feeling is very bad. Evidence is mounting and we will continue to analyse it.” Mr Peres gave no details of the material being studied by the Justice Ministry or when the investigation would be completed.

In Vienna two Cabinet Ministers announced their resignation. The Foreign Minister, Dr Leopold Gratz, and the Agriculture Minister, Mr Guenter Haiden, said they would not join the government to be formed by Franz Vranitzky next week when he succeeds Fred Sinowatz, who resigned as Chancellor on Tuesday. Dr Gratz said his view

oft Dr Waldheim as a candidate had been no secret: “I therefore feel on purely personal grounds I would be overtaxed in the future to carry out certain aspects of the Foreign Minister’s functions.”

Mr. Haiden, under criticism for months from farmers for a tough new wine law imposed after a serious wine scandal last year, said, “In 1988 we have market regulation negotiations which have to be prepared in advance, and this would be the rights time to go. “I am' not a deserter, but I am* not the type to stay glued to my chair either.. I think this is a