In mid February, Mr. Arens travelled to London for meetings with the British Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary. Prior to his departure he indicated that he would meet Soviet Foreign Minister Shevardnadze in Cairo later that week. He said that for the time being there was no Israeli official peace initiative approved by the cabinet. Excerpts:
Q: Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze will visit the Middle East later this week, but he will not be coming to Israel. Would you like to host Shevardnaze, with whom you met in Paris several weeks ago, in Israel?
A: That depends on him. When he decides to visit us, we will be pleased to receive him here, and I will be happy to speak with him.
Q: Did you invite him here during your meeting in Paris?
A: When we met in Paris we spoke of the possibility of meeting in some location, perhaps even in this region, but we made no firm plans.
Q: The Europeans are expecting a new Israeli peace initiative. Do you intend to fulfill those expectations during your visit to London?
A: As you know, a government initiative must be based on discussions held by the Cabinet. When such an initiative exists, the prime minister will be the one to present it.
Q: Does that mean that no such initiative exists yet? Are you bringing along some sort of portfolio with you?
A: A portfolio? Of course I am bringing along a portfolio. We have much to discuss with Margaret Thatcher and the British foreign minister.
Q: Does your portfolio contain any new ideas or positions? Not long ago you told the Knesset Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee that it is not necessary to adhere to all the old stands.
A: This is an opportunity for us to present our appraisal of the situation and the future as we foresee it. I assume that, on the British side, we will hear their ideas. I do not know whether they have new ideas, but they will certainly wish to inform us of what they are thinking.
Q: Do you see any role for Europe in a political move in the Middle East?
A: I believe it is clear to all that progress toward peace in the region can and must be based solely upon direct negotiations between the parties involved, This does not mean that countries outside [the region], or perhaps leaders of these countries, cannot help. It is conceivable that they can also contribute something, if they have good ideas and demonstrate good will. Today, there is a long list of countries prepared to assist; I assume that England is near the top of that list due to the direct ties it has with the region in the past; and also because of Mrs. Thatcher's special stature.
Q: Some have warned that American aid is liable to be reduced because of the situation in the territories. Aren't you concerned about an erosion in our relations with the U.S.?
A: You know, this is not the first time we have heard warnings concerning a reduction in aid or a change in Israel-U.S. relations. But, in effect, when you look at the history of relations between the two countries, you see that aid has increased and relations have grown closer.
Q: Still, it seems that it is more important to meet with the Americans than the British. Would it not have been preferable to expedite a visit to the U.S.?
A: I do not think there is any contradiction. There is one difference between Washington and London: Mrs. Thatcher has been prime minister for many years. She is among the most veteran heads of state.
Q: So she no longer has anything to learn.
A: It is not that she has nothing to learn, but that everything there is in order. In the U.S., there is a new administration that is in the process of organizing itself. But don't worry: we will certainly meet with them and speak with them. I have many friends [in Washington]; I was ambassador there. The stories that have appeared in the newspapers to the effect that [the Americans] do not wish to meet with us are nothing more than stories.
Q: Will Israel Ambassador to France Ovadiah Sofer be reprimanded for inviting to his residence MKs who were in Paris to attend a conference also attended by PLO representatives?
A: I cannot comment on press reports that I have not read. I also cannot answer your question without speaking with the ambassador, so you will excuse me if I do not respond to your question.
Q: But if it becomes apparent that this encounter occurred?
A: We were just speaking about a report that appeared in the newspapers yesterday to the effect that the U.S. secretary of state does not want to meet with me. That report is groundless. So do not attach too much importance to press reports.
Q: Nevertheless, will you clarify this matter with Ambassador Sofer?
A: I am in constant contact with our ambassador in Paris.