SOME TALK ABOUT CHANGE,
OTHERS MAKE IT HAPPEN.
"The basic positions of
Peres are closer to the
American position," said
Shimon Shamir, a fellow
with the United States In-
stitute of Peace and a former
Israeli diplomat. "But there
are two problems with the
peace process. One is to
negotiate a workable com-
promise with the Arab
states. The second is to
mobilize the support of the
Israeli constituency. The
administration sees that
Rabin has a much better
chance of doing the latter."
So the fact that Mr. Rabin
will retain the peace process
portfolio is another factor
contributing to the new
sense of goodwill and op-
timism in Washington.
The new prime minister's
invitation to Arab leaders to
visit Jerusalem to get the
peace process moving — and
his offer to travel to Arab
capitals — added to that op-
timism.
"The offer itself is not par-
ticularly innovative," said
an official with a major Jew-
ish organization. "But the
point is that for the first
time in many years, it's
possible that such an offer
may be taken seriously —
almost certainly by the Pa-
lestinians, possibly even by
,Syria's President Hafez)
Assad. So Mr. Rabin's
statement has added to the
expectation here in Wash-
ington that we may be on the
brink of significant forward
movement."
That feeling could produce
quick dividends in terms of
Israel's request for $10
billion in loan guarantees.
Since the Israeli elections in
June, Jewish Republicans
have been urgently pressing
the administration to move
quickly on loan guarantees
— the only way to salvage a
modicum of Jewish support
for George Bush, they argue.
Pro-Israel groups have
continued to press the loan
guarantee issue, focusing on
the positive impact such a
gesture would have on the
ongoing peace process.
Speculation is growing
that Mr. Bush and Mr.
Rabin will work out a
preliminary agreement for
at least part of the $10
billion guarantee package
when they meet at the presi-
dent's summer home in
Kennebunkport, Maine ear-
ly next month.
The signs are favorable on
Capitol Hill, as well.
Some 186 House members
have signed a letter urging
the administration to move
quickly on loan guarantees,
now that Mr. Rabin has taken
power. ❑
KIRK NEMER
FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE
V
Professor of Constitutional Rights and Liberties.
Kirk Nemer knows the importance of education!
Legislative Attorney for the United States Congress
where he fought government waste and helped
citizens cut through bureaucratic red tape.
V Legal clerk, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Federal Highway Administration, where he reviewed
the impact of roads, bridges and highways upon
commerce and our environment.
// Legal Clerk, General Counsel of West Bloomfield Township,
where he gained a deeper understanding of the issues,
needs and concerns of our district.
Magna Cum Laude graduate with a degree in Economics
from The American University's School of Government and
Public Administration, where he earned the Fletcher
Scholar Award.
Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University.
V
COURAGE, COMPASSION, COMMON SENSE .
KIRK NE1VIER
SEND A FRESH, NEW VOICE TO LANSING!
Paid for by People for Kirk Nemer, 6726 Red Cedar Lane, West Bloomfield, MI 48387
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THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS
37