1.
GV exterior State Department (3 shots)
0.16

2.
CU Sisco speaks
1.28

3.
CU Reporter interrupts
1.31

4.
CU Sisco continues:
2.08


TRANSCRIPT



SEQ. 2: SISCO: We feel that, this time, what we need is a peace agreement-not a de facto armistice arrangement, that existed for 20 years and gave rise to several wars during the period. We agreed with the Soviets, as late as last September, that negotiations ought to be pursued on the basis of the so-called Rhodes model-in other words, this was a proposition that afforded both sides to engage in both direct and indirect discussion. Unfortunately, the Soviet Union backed off-so there is no meeting of the minds as yet as to how the negotiations as a matter of form should proceed. Secondly, we've been absolutely insistent that the future agreement must be a peace between the parties, in which each of the parties undertakes reciprocal agreements in relationship to each other. The Soviet proposals have fallen short in this regard. Third, obviously, withdrawal is a key element. Withdrawal from the territories occupied during the June War, is a key element of the UN Security Council resolution of November, 1967.



SEQ. 3: REPORTER: Withdrawal from all occupied territories.........?



SEQ. 4: SISCO: No, and this is what the argument is all about. The Security Council resolution calls for withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories occupied during 1967. I was engaged in the negotiations, for months on that resolution. That resolution did not say total withdrawal, that resolution did not say withdrawal to the pre-June 5 lines. That resolution said that the parties must negotiate to achieve an agreement on the final and secure recognised borders. In other words, the question of the final borders. Mr. Spewack, is a matter of negotiations between the parties.




Initials LD/MR/BJ



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Speaking on a "Meet the Press" television interview yesterday (Sunday), the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs, Mr. Joseph Sisco, stated that the withdrawal of the Israelis from occupied territories defined by the United Nations Security Council resolution-and supported by the USA-did not mean that they would have to withdraw to pre-June 1967 lines. This is one of the finer points of contention between Israelis and Arabs on the withdrawal issue.

Secretary Sisco reiterated that the US would continue to give support to Israel - but refused to comment on whether they were currently supplying jets and electronic equipment to the Israelis. Then, as his country's chief negotiator with the Soviet Union on Middle East Affairs, he said: