Since 1982, Israeli diplomats were busy seeking the restoration of diplomatic relations with certain African states, who broke off these ties in the course of the Yom Kippur War. Zaire was among the first, then came Liberia whose foreign minister visited Israel in June 1986. This was followed by the Ivory Coast and finally by Cameroon. The announcement of the restoration of ties with Cameroon was made during the visit there of Prime Minister Peres. Text of an Israel Television interview with David Kimche, the director general of the foreign ministry, in which he discussed the significance of the move, follows:
Q: What do we stand to gain by the renewal of relations?
A: First of all, we stand to gain many things both politically and economically. But I wish to ask you: do you really seek to see Israel, or more correctly, Israel's image as one which leans solely on the U.S., on Western Europe and with good relations with South Africa's racist, despotic regime, and perhaps several other similar regimes? It is important for us to achieve relations also with countries such as Cameroon.
Q: Do our relations with South Africa not prevent renewed relations with other African countries?
Q: First of all, its a fact that we have achieved relations with the Ivory Coast, with Zaire, Liberia, and now Cameroon. 1, personally, am an optimist. I believe that we shall progress, that this is a process, and that in the near future we shall also reach other countries.
Q: It this at the expense of reduced relations with South Africa?
A: Our position, or more precisely our relations with South Africa, is a very complex topic. As you know, there is a large Jewish community there and we must also consider this community. However, I do not believe that our relations with the South Africa regime are beyond those of other countries: the U.S., European countries, and even moderate, liberal countries such as Sweden, etc. And if you check, for example, the trade relations of these countries with South Africa, you will see that they are certainly no less than ours.
Q: I assume that Cameroon President Paul Biya will raise the issue of our relations with South Africa. What is Prime Minister Pere's response likely to be?
A: I believe that he will say that we shall respect all decisions made by the Western democratic nations. What they will do, so shall we.
Q: Does this refer to sanctions and resolutions against South Africa?
A: We are part of the democratic family of nations, and thus we shall act. Absolutely.
Q: I think this is a new approach in Israel's foreign policy toward South Africa.
A: Well, we have not been asked as yet. And you asked me how I thought the prime minister would respond. It seems to me that we cannot say anything other than this. We are a part of the democratic nations and certainly, we shall have have to act as they do.