Controversy Over Cutting Aid to Israel

Wilson’s article contains numerous statements which require rebuttal.

He wrote, “The PLO opposes free elections because it does not want to surrender its power and influence to elected representatives.” This is simply untrue. The PLO does support free and democratic elections which would be held under either United Nations or Palestinian auspices and not Israeli government auspices as proposed by the Shamir government.

Also, one may legitimately ask just how democratic elections can be when candidates will be deported if they declare support for the PLO? (Shamir’s policy.) If Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced that he would deport (to Miami) anyone who supported the Contras, then how many people would consider those elections democratic?

Wilson wrote, “Egypt’s acceptance in principle of the Baker plan reinforces Israel’s position that negotiations must be limited to the authentic civilian leadership of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, which further isolates the terrorist elements of the PLO from the search for a diplomatic resolution.”

Perhaps the senator is unaware of the situation, but Egypt is negotiating on behalf of the PLO. Egyptian agreement does not “in principle” reinforce Israeli desire to eliminate the PLO from the negotiating process. Egypt’s acceptance was authorized by PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat and its acceptance was predicated upon PLO participation. The Palestine National Council is the authentic civilian leadership of the Palestinian people.

Wilson concluded his article by urging Americans to “unequivocally” support Israel. If the senator believes that Americans should uncritically accept Israeli policies, then the senator does a disservice to the American public. Americans have the right and the obligation to question our government’s policies.

Americans should unequivocally support the creation of a free and democratic Palestinian state, existing in peace along side of Israel, and which may become model for the Arab people in their quest for democracy.

ARCH MILLER

Chair, Media Committee

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination

Committee, Los Angeles