Calling the Arafat speech "a monumental act of deception, " and stating that the PLO was attempting to deceive the international community, Mr. Shamir called on the United States not to enter into any dialogue with the PLO. He thought that the PLO had not met the conditions agreed upon by Israel and the U.S. on I September 1975. Using strong language, the prime minister hoped that 'for the sake of promoting the chances of peace and advancing the struggle against terror and violence, the United States will never establish any contact with the PLO." Text:
"We are witnessing a monumental act of deception. In Algiers, Stockholm, Strassbourg and now Geneva, a mirage was created to deceive the international community by an illusion of moderation. However, in all his appearances and in particular in the Algiers terrorist conference, the PLO chief repeats his basic position, in different versions. Its simple meaning is the rejection of Israel's existence, the continuation of terrorism and the encouragement of violence.
The United States has promised Israel that it will not recognize the PLO nor negotiate with it unless it recognizes Israel's right to exist, accepts U.N. Security Council Resolution 242 and 338 and renounces terror and violence.
It is our conviction that the PLO has not accepted these conditions. In his Geneva speech Arafat did not announce that he recognizes Israel's right to exist. He ostensibly renounced terror but, at the same time, hailed what he calls a struggle of liberation. We do not believe that the PLO is inherently capable of accepting the United States conditions that contradict its very existence and raison d'etre.
I hope that for the sake of promoting the chances of peace and advancing the struggle against terror and violence, the United States will never establish any contact with the PLO. Such a step will only encourage extremism and violence and will suppress the voices of those who are really interested in coexistence, negotiation and peace between Israel and its neighbors.
Israel is a peace loving nation, yearning for peace with all its neighbors. We repeat our invitation to our neighbors, including the Palestinian Arabs, to join us for genuine uninterrupted negotiations, among equals, with no preconditions, until peace agreements are achieved. Whoever truly desires peace will find us ready, as faithful partners to the attainment of this noble goal."