The significant part of the statement, issued in Washington after Mr. Vance reported to President Carter on his Middle East trip, was the fact that the major differences between Israel and the Arab states on the Palestinian issue, secure and recognized borders remain, but that the U.S. would continue its efforts to bring together the parties for a Geneva conference. The statement stressed the intention of the U.S. to remain in close touch with the Soviet Union as co-chairman of the Geneva conference. This close cooperation would result on I October in the joint U.S.-U.S.S.R. statement on the Middle East. Text of White House statement:
Secretary Vance reported today to the President on his discussions in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Israel, which continued the Administration's sustained search for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. He also reported on the talks held in London concerning Southern Africa.
Secretary Vance held in-depth discussions on all issues both substantive and procedural and with each of the leaders he met. He suggested a number of principles which might guide the negotiations and discussed with the parties their proposals on how to narrow the remaining differences. Progress was made in some areas, particularly in reaffirming Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 as the basis for negotiations and in moving closer to a common concept of the mutual obligations of peace although much remains to be accomplished in this respect. Major differences between Arabs and Israelis remain on how Palestinian views can best be represented in negotiations but also on the definition of secure and recognized borders and the nature of a Palestinian settlement.
Difficult choices requiring courageous leadership face all parties in the future. President Carter and the Secretary believe that all of the leaders desire peace and are aware of the dangers of stalemate.
The President emphasized the importance of making progress in the coming months building on the foundations already laid. Each of the parties has been asked to provide more detailed expressions of their positions on order to accelerate the reconvening of a well prepared Geneva Conference. We remain hopeful that the conference can be reconvened this fall. In September the Secretary of State will meet in the United States with their Foreign Ministers for intensive talks to continue those held during this trip. The President will also meet with the Foreign Ministers during their upcoming visits to the United States.
The President and the Secretary of State remain determined to do all that is possible to bring about a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. With the approval of all concerned the United States will use its influence, offer its advice, volunteer its suggestions and work to bring the parties into fruitful negotiations. The United States will also stay in close touch with the Soviet Union as Co-chairman of the Geneva Conference. Secretary Vance will meet later this week with Ambassador Dobrynin to discuss his recent Middle East trip and to hear the latest Soviet views.