Two days of high level meetings in London, persuaded Mr. Arens that Prime Minister Thatcher had a profound understanding of the complexity of the problems of the Middle East. Britain felt that the PLO was not the exclusive representative of the Palestinians, but urged Israel to present a peace initiative. On the issue of the initiative, the foreign minister said it was still being formulated, and once decided upon, it will be presented by the prime minister. Text:
Q: You have spoken with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and with Foreign Minister Geoffrey Howe. What is the practical significance of Thatcher's statement that the PLO is not necessarily the exclusive representative of the Palestinians?
A: I believe this means that Mrs. Thatcher understands very well - I would even say she has a profound understanding - of the complexity of the problems of the Middle East, and an understanding of the dangers facing Israel. This, combined with a deep - I would even say emotional - friendship with Israel, constitutes a comfortable basis for talks.
Q: Yes, but whom does she believe could be a better representative?
A: I think she stated in Parliament that the PLO is not necessarily the representative, certainly not the exclusive representative, of the Palestinian population. I also think that this is really her assessment. In recent years she has excelled in the war against terrorism. She has no doubts about the terrorist organizations, and I think that the comment you quoted also expresses this approach.
Q: Did she say something similar in your talks with her?
A: Yes, I heard something similar.
Q: Along with the "carrot" for the Israeli position, she must certainly be making demands of Israel.
A: First of all, I would not call it a "carrot." I believe that this is her sober view of the state of affairs in the region. She is certainly interested in starting up the peace process; she thinks this is important even urgent. At the same time, she also says that we must be very cautious, must give careful consideration to the expected consequences, must not be hasty, and must begin to initiate such processes only when we are sure that the steps we will be taking will actually lead in a positive direction. She made similar comments in Parliament.
Q: Does she have practical advice for Israel?
A: She has advice, too. She is familiar with the area, and has a very good understanding of the area, of the problems, and of the dangers. I therefore have no doubt that she can also make a contribution; in addition to ideas, she has a great deal of good will, and that is also important.
Q: Did you talk in general terms, or did you discuss concrete solutions and processes?
A: I think the discussion was fairly to the point, but of course it was a long discussion, in which we talked much about numerous issues. I think that what was noteworthy about the discussion was that there was a great deal of understanding - I don't want to exaggerate and say agreement - but a very large amount of understanding between us.
Q: When will the Israeli political initiative we heard about several weeks ago be presented to the world?
A: I am often asked that question, and I explain, and I will also repeat the explanation to you. Israel is the only democratic country in the region, and we have certain processes that are required of a democratic regime: First of all elections, then formation of the government, now discussions we are conducting in the Cabinet in order to formulate positions. If and when we arrive at an initiative, it is the prime minister who will present it.
Q: Did you present the new ideas to Thatcher?
A: I don't think this would have been wise to do, and she did not ask, either. She understood that when a position is formulated, it is the prime minister who will present it. But this did not prevent us from holding an in-depth discussion, which I also think was very useful.
Q: A discussion which concluded in the prime minister being invited to London, and the scheduling of a visit to Israel soon by the British foreign minister.
A: Yes, that is correct. The English foreign minister will come to Israel.