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VOLUMES 4-5: 1977-1979
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236. Israel Government communique on the invitation by President Carter to Premiers Begin and Khalil, 27 February 1979.
At an extraordinary session of the cabinet, a decision was taken to reject the invitation of Mr. Begin to Washington, primarily because Mr. Khalil was not the supreme decision maker in Egypt, as was Mr. Begin in Israel. But in order to continue the talks, Mr. Begin left the door open and said he was willing to consider a separate meeting between the President and himself. Text:
The Foreign Minister and the members of the Israeli delegation reported to the Cabinet on the talks at Camp David. It is now evident to the Cabinet that in those talks no progress was made towards an Israeli-Egyptian agreement. On the contrary, a more extreme position was presented by the Egyptian delegation. In addition to the previous Egyptian proposals, which were unacceptable to Israel, new proposals were made which are inconsistent with the Camp David agreement of September 17th, 1978, and in fact nullify the meaning of the peace treaty between the two countries. The Israeli delegation put forward counter-proposals which were rejected by the other side. Prime Minister Khalil insisted upon the Egyptian proposals referred to above. Under these circumstances, the Cabinet decided that the Prime Minister is not in a position to participate in the proposed meeting with Dr. Khalil. The Government has empowered the Prime Minister to write to President Carter a letter, giving the detailed reasons for the Cabinet's decision. The Prime Minister is prepared, at any time convenient to President Carter, to leave for the United States to meet with the President, to discuss matters relating to the peace-making process, regional issues in the context of recent developments, and questions concerning the bilateral relations between the United States and Israel. This decision was adopted by the Cabinet by a majority. Fourteen members voted in favour and two against.
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