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CUs President Jimmy Carter of the USA answers reporters questions on Middle East and Egypt (4 shots)
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TRANSCRIPT: CARTER: "I consider the deadline date to be quite important. If the Egyptians and Israelis cannot keep a commitment on a three month conclusion of a peace treaty when they themselves are the only two nations involved, us serving as a mediator in the process, then I think it will be very difficult for them to expect the terms of the treaty they are negotiating to be carried out with assurance. It sets a very bad precedent for Israel and Egypt not to reach a conclusion. I think the differences that presently divide Israel and Egypt are minor, certainly compared to the resolution of major differences in the past and I believe that President Sadat has reconfirmed his intention, his commitment, to Secretary Vance to conclude the negotiations without further delay. My hope is and my expectation is that the Israelis will have the same attitude.



REPORTER: "What would be the domestic and international effect, if the Shah fails to maintain power in Iran ?"



CARTER: "I fully expect the Shah to maintain power in Iran and for the present problems in Iran to be resolved, although there have been certainly deplorable instances of bloodshed which we would certainly want to avoid or see avoided. I think the predictions of doom and disaster which came from some sources have certainly not been realised at all. The Shah has our support and he also has our confidence. We have no intention of interfering in the internal affairs of Iran and we have no intention of forbidding others to interfere in the internal affairs of Iran. The difficult situation there has been exacerbated by uncontrolled statements made from foreign nations that encouraged bloodbaths and violence. This is something that really is deplorable and I would hope would cease after this holy season passes."




Initials JS/22.30



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: President Jimmy Carter of the United States has said his country has no intention of intervening in the present internal troubles in Iran and that he fully expects the Shah to retain power, despite the volume of opposition displayed in the current massive demonstrations. Speaking at a Washington press conference on Tuesday (12 December), the President was also asked how important he considered the deadline date for the conclusion of a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.