Kohl and Rabin discuss the situation in the Near and Middle East and the changed in Syria's position toward Israel after the demise of the Soviet Union. Rabin expresses concern about the continued arms race in the region and Syria's purchases of Scud missiles from Russia and Slovakia. He also reiterates Iraq's continued capability to go nuclear within 5 to 6 years despite international arms control inspections. Last but not least, Kohl and Rabin discuss the situation in Iran and Kohl's contacts with President Rafsandjani.

The agreement contains the basic elements of SED-PLO relations for 1978/1979, such as the exchange of delegations to consider bilateral relations and the fight against Zionism and imperialism, material support for civil and military purposes, and the exchange of leading personnel of different mass organizations.

This is an excerpt of a conversation which appears in full at BA-SAPMO J IV 2/201/1416. The conversation opens with the issue of French-Israeli relations. France plans to deliver a nuclear reactor to Israel to the opposition of the Arab world. Also mentioned are the deliveries of arms from the GDR to the PLO. Arafat reports on the use of chemical weapons by Israel in Lebanon. These weapons were reportedly delivered by the FRG. Israel also seems to use biological weapons. Final topics of discussion are the role of the Pope in Poland, the question of Jerusalem, and the Islamic movement in Afghanistan.

The report evaluates the internal situation of the PLO, which lost its bases in southern Lebanon and is exposed to increased pressure by Arab governments. The report describes the conflict between Arafat and the Syrian branch of the PLO and notes the increase in Syrian influence following a violent incident in Tripoli, in which Arafat and the Muslim Brothers were supposedly involved. Regardless of Syria's strength, the report states that Arafat has shown no inclination to work with the Syrian government. It concludes that a split seems likely, especially since Arafat has oriented himself towards the reactionary Arab forces.

Honecker criticizes aggressive US policy in Europe, emphasizes the importance of unity among the Arab states and reassures the PLO of continuing GDR support in its struggle for an independent Palestinian state.

At a meeting held in Moscow on the occasion of Soviet General Secretary Yuri Andropov’s funeral, Arafat cordially thanks the GDR for its “permanent support and solidarity”. Arafat and Honecker discuss the Middle East’s fractious situation, agreeing in particular that the Camp David Accords must be nullified.

The conversation is mainly concerned with the situation in the Middle East, but there are also some remarks about Poland, Afghanistan, and French-Israeli relations. Honecker emphasizes that only the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state can solve the Middle East conflict. He underlines the continuing support of the GDR for the PLO, for example, through military aid and the opening of an official PLO embassy in Berlin. Arafat points to the West German support for Israel and asks for further military aid.

Fischer forwards greetings and thanks from Arafat, as well as Arafat's request that 40 wounded soldiers and civilians be accepted by the GDR. Fischer proposes to fulfill Arafat's appeal.

Abu Iyad provides information on recent developments in the Middle East and within the PLO. He reports about Fatah splinter groups which are supported by the SAR and the evolving conflict between the Syrian Arab Republic and the PLO. He inserts a brief analysis of the development of Syria since 1976 and the influence of the USA and Israel. Axen gives his assessment of the situation and the conflict and points out the negative effects of the conflicts within the Fatah and between the PLO and Syria. He emphasizes the Syrian role in the alliance against imperialism and advises the PLO to again ameliorate the relations between the PLO and Syria.