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VOLUME 13-14: 1992-1994
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84. Summary of a Meeting between Prime Minister Rabin and British Parliamentarians, 2 June 1993.
Israel was in the midst of an effort to bring about a change in the attitude of the European nations concerning the peace process and the Arab economic boycott against Israel. The reference to the Libyan pilgrims was in connection with a visit of scores of Libyans who made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem but denounced Israel and Zionism at a press conference. Israel was committed to the principle of freedom of religion and access to the holy shrines, said the prime minister. This applied even to nationals of enemy countries such as Libya. Text:
Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin met yesterday (Wednesday), 2.6.93, with two delegations of 20 British Parliament members - friends of Israel from the Conservative and Labour parties who are visiting Israel - in his office. The prime minister said that the time has come for Europe to present a more balanced position vis-a-vis the conflict in the Middle East, and to update the Venice decision. According to Mr. Rabin, the Egyptian position is much closer to [Israel] than the positions of Europe. He added that England, one of the [most] important European countries, is not involved in the multilateral peace talks in the region - and [Rabin] called on [England) to take a more active part in the peace process. The prime minister called on Britain to invest in the territories for the welfare of the Palestinian residents, and he said that Britain can directly assist them without Israeli mediation. He presented Israeli positions in the peace negotiations to the [visiting] British Parliament [members].
In response to a question regarding the pilgrims from Libya, the prime minister explained that Israel is committed to the principle of freedom of religion and access to the holy places - and this also applies to pilgrims from Libya, despite the fact the Libya has declared that it is in a state of war with Israel. In response to a question about the Arab boycott, the prime minister said that he raised the issue in a meeting with British Prime Minister Major. In practice, Mr. Rabin said, only Germany has enacted legislation prohibiting [people] from taking part in the Arab boycott against Israel. The prime minister called on the British Parliament members to assist in improving the 1975 European economic agreement with Israel, as well as the trade balance between Israel and Europe - whose gap stands at about $4.5 billion in favor of Europe, without justification. At the same time, the prime minister admitted that the trade balance with Britain is quite good. |
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