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The Peace Process: Arafat Seeks Visa After Compromises on Israel

(November 22, 1988)

Palestinian political figures here are very pleased and encouraged by the PNC’s actions, which went further than they expected by accepting [UN Security Council Resolution] 242. They believe their efforts to push the PNC toward more decisive and realistic action have been rewarded. They see the PNC’s action as a historic decision to coexist with Israel, and believe that it provides a platform for a new Palestinian political program that will ultimately engage the U.S. and Israel in negotiations for a two state solution. They credit Arafat with leading the PNC toward realism and have sent a petition to the U.S. expressing their “acceptance of a Jewish state In Palestine.” They see Arafat’s proposed UNGA speech (which is also anticipated in the latest Intifada leaflet) as an important next step, and let us know that a U.S. turn down will be a serious setback for the moderates. We have cautioned contacts that no decision has yet been made on Arafat’s visa.

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Source: U.S. State Department