THE Americans were still wiping their tears at the senseless killing of 69yearold invalid Leon Klinghoffer by PLO members. The United States Navy was still looking for Klinghoffer’s body in the depths of the Mediterranean.
And folks, meanwhile back at the Ranch (the United Nations), the alleged “largest democracy” of the world India was urging for an invitation to Yasser Arafat to address the General Assembly.
Mayor Edward I. Koch cancelled his proposed visit to India as a protest. Instead of apologizing to the Mayor or showing any understanding for the sentiments of American people, India retaliated with its traditional arrogance. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi refused to come to a reception hosted by the Mayor in his honor on October 23.
Why did India sponsor a resolution to invite Arafat? Arafat’s presence at the United Nations would have embarrassed the American government. Reagan could not go and speak from a podium which had been used by PLO Chief Arafat. He would have to cancel. American public opinion would then turn against United Nations and lead to withdrawal from this important international forum.
All this will benefit Soviet Union. Intense behind these scenes negotiations and almost begging by American diplomats prevented this from happening. Not that India showed any mercy but because other cosponsors of the resolution refused to back India’s bid to embarrass Reagan an slap the American people in the face.
And folks, this isn’t the first time it has happened.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 19, 1987
