January 1996

Diplomatic Doings

Arab Diplomats Participate in Israeli Embassy Program for Zionist Groups

Representatives of four Arab missions spoke at a precedent-setting Nov. 30 Israeli embassy forum for guests from the American Zionist Movement, Baltimore Zionist District and World Zionist Organization Leadership Development Department. Israeli embassy deputy chief of mission Shlomo Gur told the gathering at his embassy that if anything good had emerged from the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, it was that the "silent majority" of Israeli and American Jews who support the peace process are silent no more.

Equally optimistic was Egyptian Ambassador Ahmed Maher el-Sayed. He told the group, "I do not see any problem for which we can't find a solution." He added that a solution can be found "even on Jerusalem," but "don't ask me how." With a smile he amended his statement to "I know how, but I won't tell you."

The Egyptian ambassador compared Rabin to Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated after signing a peace agreement with Israel in 1979. Their assassinations will not reverse the course of history, El Sayed said, because with their help Middle East peace has developed strong roots.

Deputy director Khalil Foutah of the Palestine Information Office in Washington, a U.S. citizen, noted that in the past he had demonstrated outside the Israeli embassy in protest against Rabin's order as Israeli defense minister in 1988 to "break the bones" of Palestinians participating in the intifada. Since then, Foutah said, "We became partners." Turning to the Israeli and Arab speakers at the forum he added: "It's like we are giving the same speech. I agree 100 percent with what was said."

Deputy chief of mission of the Qatari embassy in Washington Sultan Al Moraikhi also spoke at the forum, as did Rania Atalia, director of the Jordanian Information Bureau in Washington. She joined the other speakers in expressing hope for final agreements between Israel and the Palestinians and Israel and Syria. "We need a comprehensive peace to have a genuine peace, she said.

—Richard Curtiss