President Carter meets with Syrian foreign minister Khaddam, and apparently clarifies administration position with regard to Palestinian representative at Geneva conference
After meeting, Khaddam says United States favors participation of PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) at Geneva conf.; it was previously known that United States supported participation of Palestinians from west bank, but now American plan rptdly. calls for representatives of both groups to be part of all-Arab delegation to conference Is attempt to compromise Israeli acceptance of west bank Palestinians at peace talks, with Arab position that PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) represents all Palestinians. [Syria foreign minister Abdel Halim KHADDAM – (thru translator) notes as far as Syria is concerned, PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) is representative of Palestinians, and that he has stated Syrian position that no Palestinian outside PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) can claim to represent Palestinians.] United States spokesperson refuse to confirm or deny Khaddam’s statement; some officials stress importance of PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) eventually accepting UN Resolution 242, recognizing Israel’s right to exist.