TEL AVIV, Renter: Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Per ¢s said today the Soviet Union’s decision to hold talks with Israel] on resuming consular relations signaled the start of a change in its policy towards the Jewish state,
I don’t underestimate this first step taken now by the Soviet Union, although in appearance and definition it is limited and technical, Peres said in a speech. It is a step that contains the beginning of change.
Israeli and Soviet officials will meet in Helsinki on August 18-19 for talks both sides said would deal exclusively with consular matters rather than politics. The Soviet Union severed diplomatic relations with Israel during the 1967 Middle East war. Israeli leaders have said Moscow cannot play a role in any future peace talks until it restores full ties.
Addressing his labor party’s central committee, Peres repeated Isael’s refusal to negotiate with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
Several members of the party’s young guard have called for the policy to be softened, proposing that Israel accept a Palestinian right to self-determination and agree to talk to the PLO if it recognizes its right to exist and renounce violence.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 15, 1986
