WEST ASIA-Decline of PLO

Decline of PLO Ramesh Jaura DURING the recent flurry of diplomatic activity in West Asia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria have urged the US, France and West Germany to bring Israel round to accepting the participation of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (FLO) in the forthcoming Geneva Conference, expected to be held this summer. Until now the Israelis have refused to oblige the Arab states and have made it clear that they would not budge from their stand unless the PLO recognises the right of Israel to exist as a state. There are, however, indications that the Israelis have not yet spoken the last word on the subject. They might be prepared to accept the participation of the PLO as a part of the Arab delegation, including members from several Arab states. In this context, it is pointed out that the outcome of the approaching elections in Israel would play an important role. Equally significant are the attempts by the US and West Germany to persuade Tel Aviv to accept the Arab proposal, on the plea that the time for a workable settlement in West Asia was never so opportune as it is now.