WORLD : Shamir Begins Tense U.S. Visit
Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir today began an uneasy 52-hour visit in which tensions over setting up Mideast talks could test the U.S. alliance with Jerusalem.
He planned a reflective day punctuated by talks in his midtown hotel suite with leaders of various American Jewish organizations. Some of them have been urging Israel to be more conciliatory. Others have tried to bolster Shamir’s resolve not to make territorial and other concessions before negotiations are held.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. Nov. 17, 1989 For the Record
Los Angeles Times Friday November 17, 1989 Home Edition Part A Page 3 Column 1 Metro Desk 2 inches; 58 words Type of Material: Correction
Rabbis’ letter--The Times reported Wednesday that a Jewish Peace Lobby letter signed by more than 200 American rabbis urged Israel to agree to a peace settlement “that would establish a Palestinian homeland in return for Arab approval of a peace treaty with Israel.” The letter did not specifically mention a Palestinian homeland although it called on Israel “to accept the principle of exchanging land for peace.”
About 200 American rabbis signed a letter circulated by the American Jewish Peace Lobby urging Shamir to accept the principle--before any negotiations--that Israel should relinquish land in return for peace with the Arabs.
The Administration was slow in confirming President Bush would see the Israeli leader Wednesday, and the atmosphere also was cool for Shamir’s meeting and lunch the same day with Secretary of State James A. Baker III.
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