Peres Ready to Talk to Moderate Palestinians, Jordanian Delegates

Prime Minister Shimon Peres told his Cabinet on Sunday that Israel will talk peace “at any place and at any time” with a delegation of Jordanians and moderate Palestinians. However, he said his government firmly opposes any prior meetings between such a delegation and the U.S. government.

Peres’ statement was seen as a response to Secretary of State George P. Shultz, who said Friday that the United States would consider meeting a joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation as a way to advance the peace process.

In the statement, Peres objected to talks that exclude Israel, “because the aim of the proposal is to reach a prior, mutually agreed position which would be imposed on Israel.”

“The prime minister made clear that Israel is willing to hold direct negotiations with a Jordanian-Palestinian delegation without PLO participation at any place and at any time.” Israel refuses to negotiate with the Palestine Liberation Organization, which it regards as a terrorist organization.

Meanwhile, army sources said the last of “several hundred” women soldiers serving in southern Lebanon were pulled out Friday because of growing attacks by Shia Muslim guerrillas.