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GV Knesset building
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GV INT Golda Meier walks to platform.
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GV's AND LV's Audience listen while Mrs Meier speaks from platform
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Initials GHB/MR/CO



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The Israeli Prime Minister, Mrs Golda Meier, today-(Monday) told the Knesset (Parliament) that Israel welcomed any sincere political aid aimed at influencing the countries of the Middle East to turn their faces towards peace, to stop shooting and to start talking. But she rejected the idea of a limited ceasefire with Egypt.

In the first Israeli reaction to the new American Middle East initiatives outlined by U.S. Secretary of State William Rogers last Thursday, Mrs Meier also said that Israel would continue its present military activity to defend itself. The country would also continue to oppose the establishment of missile bases on the Egyptian-held western bank of the Suez Canal.

Referring to the idea of a limited ceasefire, suggested by President Nasser of the United Arab Republic, Mrs Meier said that if the suggestion was accepted the renewal of fire at the end of the limited period of time would be legitimated in President Nasser's eyes. "The aggressor could then claim that he is freed of his obligations and entitled to renew the war", she said.

Mrs Meier accused the Soviet Union of encouraging "warmongers" in Arab Governments and states. She made no reference to Israel's request for 125 jet aircraft, to which Mr. Rogers made no reply in his press conference, nor did she mention the present state of Israel - U.S. relations.