Mr. Shamir once again rejected the new proposals emanating from Washington saying that the PNC is the heart and soul of the PLO and any efforts to separate the two are with no value. Mr. Shamir was leaving for Western Europe to discuss economic matters with members of the EEC He termed the new American ideas a "mistake" Text:
Mr. Shamir: Regarding the statement by the U.S. secretary of state on a possible meeting between U.S. representatives and a Jordanian-Palestinian group - with the Palestinian part to comprise members of the Palestine National Council: This
is contrary to our position, as well as to the United States' traditional stance on recognizing and talking with the PLO. The Palestine National Council is an integral part of the PLO; furthermore, this body is the mind and soul of the PLO. We are therefore opposed to their participation, and we see it as a departure from the heretofore accepted route for promoting direct negotiations between Israel and the Arab countries. These proposals by Hussein, along with [Shultzs] pronouncement, do not promote the direct negotiations between Israel and Jordan which we advocate, but may rather lead, or are aimed at leading, to direct talks between the United States and the PLO.
Q: Today it was reported that President Reagan is asking the European nations to support King Hussein's policy. What position will you present in the countries you are about to visit? Will you second the U.S. president's request?
A: Insofar as direct negotiations between Jordan and Israel are at issue, we support this and also favor European support for these moves. But insofar as PLO - or PLO members' - participation in this process is at issue, we are against that and will explain our position to the European countries.
Q:_ The sale of U.S. arms to Jordan is once again on the agenda. What is our position on this issue?
A: The Israeli position is as it has been: We are against the supply of sophisticated weaponry to countries in this region which are in a state of war with Israel.
Q: Finally, would you say there has been erosion in the U.S.'s position vis-a-vis Israel, in the points of agreement between the U.S. and Israel?
A: I would refrain at this point from making any such determination. There is great pressure on the United States to bring about negotiations, to bring about some move toward peace negotiations; but I think this statement [by Shultz], this route of bringing in members of the Palestine National Council, is a mistake.