Statement by the President
Restoration of Technical Assistance to Israel

Over the past few days, I have held extensive consultations with many delegations. They reveal a clear preference for a conclusion of this item.through an agreed Presidential Statement.

I have however also been made aware of much impatience that arrangements have not yet been achieved to ensure that the Middle East is free of nuclear weapons and I have found unanimous support for a nuclear weapon free zone in that region.

It is recognized that in principle, technical assistance should be available for the benefit of all Member States, in accordance with the Agency's Statute. A number of delegations feel strongly that it would be wrong to try and settle the issue of technical co-operation with Israel at this time. Others feel equally strongly that restoring it is warranted at this time. My dominant impression is that the delegates to this Conference wish to do what they can to accelerate the peace process in the Middle East and to contribute to the goal of nuclear non-proliferation in the region.

REVISED VI 23.09.94 4:40 P.M

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