Word: plo
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...point is not to condemn either side, but to observe that both have made mistakes and that both have sincere desire for peace. No long term interests are served by ignoring the PLO and wishing the problem away. A meaningful, durable peace can be achieved only by including the displaced, homeless people who live there. The Palestinians are central to a peace treaty and the PLO seems to have the support of most Palestinians, a group that has no other voice...
This may not be the time, however, for the U.S. to officially recognize the PLO. That option should be reserved as a carrot if the PLO acts reasonably and in good faith. This approach would be consistent with American policy toward the People's Republic of China before the normalization of relations early this year. Although the U.S. did not officially recognize China, the two countries did hold periodic talks to keep open the lines of communication...
Furthermore, a willingness by the U.S. to talk to the PLO would provide a much-needed assurance to Third World countries that the U.S. is indeed sensitive to the problems and aspirations of nonwestern nations. Such a move would also improve America's standing among the Arab nations, all of which recognize the PLO. Refusing even to listen to the Palestinians can only aggravate the petroleum exporting countries...
Israel and the Arab nations also must pay more attention to the plight of the Palestinians. But a change in the American policy toward the PLO would make it more likely for other countries to follow suit. Israel Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan already has met with PLO sympathizers--a significant step forward indicating that Israeli policy with respect to the Palestinians may not be as rigid as most people believe, particularly if the next prime minister adopts a more moderate position than Begin's entrenched opposition to a palestinian state...
ISRAELI SECURITY--Begin's utmost concern--can best be ensured by a comprehensive peace that provides a homeland for the Palestinians. Israeli security and Mid-East justice can go hand in hand, but progress can be achieved only through the participation of all parties--including the PLO...