EGYPT: EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT, ANWAR SADAT, MEETS PLO LEADER, YASSER ARAFAT, WHILE EGYPT'S FOREIGN MINISTER ISMAIL FAHMI DESCRIBES SYRIAN INTERVENTION INTO LEBANON AS A "SERIOUS PRECEDENT".

Record ID: 208445

  • Title: EGYPT: EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT, ANWAR SADAT, MEETS PLO LEADER, YASSER ARAFAT, WHILE EGYPT'S FOREIGN MINISTER ISMAIL FAHMI DESCRIBES SYRIAN INTERVENTION INTO LEBANON AS A "SERIOUS PRECEDENT".
  • Date: 15th June 1976
  • Summary: 1. SV Arafat and Sadat greet each other and sit down 0.34 2. GV Presidential Palace in Cairo 0.40 3. SV Fahmi (centre) speaks in Arabic to council members (2 shots) 1.05 4. SV Committee members listen as Fahmi speaks 1.39 Renewed fighting in some parts of Lebanon was threatening League plans to bring peace to the country. The Voice of Palestine radio also said Syria had sent extra forces into eastern Lebanon, including tank battalions and a rocket unit. Fighting between joint left-wing commando and right-wing forces continued near the ski resort of Faraya, which dominates a key mountain approach from the east ti the Maronite Christian heartland. Initials CL/1830 Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
  • Embargoed: 30th June 1976 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: CAIRO, EGYPT
  • Country: Egypt
  • Reuters ID: LVA79PPDZEGN4YEF5CBTXJ1BVJSX
  • Story Text: Egypt's Foreign Minister, Ismail Fahmi, said on Monday (14 June) that Syria's intervention in Lebanon was a "serious precedent, which, if repeated, could bring chaos to the area".

    Meanwhile, on the same day, President Anwar Sadat met the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, Yasser Arafat in Cairo.

    SYNOPSIS: The visit came as President Sadat was due to leave for talks with the Shah of Iran. The Lebanese situation was certain to be high on the agenda. During his visit a statement by Mr. Arafat was read on the Voice of Palestine radio appealing for Arab volunteers to fight on the side of the Palestinians in Lebanon. He also urged immediate intervention by the non-aligned and African countries to save his people from what he termed "the war of annihilation launched by the Syrians".

    At the People's Assembly in Cairo, Mr. Fahmi Addressed a meeting of the Parliamentary committee. He said the entire Middle East region was heading towards total war and the Arab world these days was marked with what he termed hysterical reactions and impulsive politics. President Sadat has earlier described the Lebanese civil war as a heinous crime and repeated allegations that Syria had delivered arms to both sides during the 14-month long war.

    Meanwhile, Arab League Secretary General Mahmoud Riad was expected in Lebanon. He will try and give impetus to the League's efforts to mediate in the Lebanese crisis. Disputes and confusion apparently still surround the League's decision to send an Arab security force to end the fighting. Mr. Riad had been in Syria for talks and has said about 8,000 men may be needed for the force. He said it could be sen into Lebanon within ten days. Syria has indicated that it is keen to see the peace force take up its responsibilities.
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