Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XXIV, North Africa

147. Memorandum of Conversation¹

Washington, April 17, 1985, 10:40–11 a.m.

SUBJECT

• Meeting with President Chadli Bendjedid of Algeria (U)

PARTICIPANTS

• The President
• The Vice President
• Secretary of State George P. Shultz
• Donald T. Regan
• Robert C. McFarlane
• Ambassador Michael Newlin
• Arnold Raphel, Acting Assistant Secretary
• Howard R. Teicher, NSC Staff
• Zaki Aslan, Interpreter
• President Bendjedid
• Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi, Foreign Minister
• Ambassador Mohamed Sahnoun

The President welcomed President Bendjedid to the White House and America, noting that he had looked forward to the visit with great anticipation and hope for future U.S.-Algerian relations. Before turning to the principal issues, the President expressed the gratitude of the American people for Algeria’s role in obtaining the release of U.S. hostages in Iran. He added that America also appreciates Algeria’s continuing effort to secure the release of Americans and others held captive in Lebanon. (S)

The President turned his attention to Middle East issues. “America’s top priority in the Middle East is to help move the peace process into direct negotiations based on UNSCR 242,”² he said. King Hussein’s effort to bring moderate Palestinians into the process should be encouraged. The President applauded Algerian support for the King, stressing his hope that it would continue. Palestinian participation is a prerequisite to meaningful negotiations. However, direct PLO representation creates problems for Israel. Prime Minister Peres has been flexible in exploring ways to overcome this hurdle and bring about peace. (S)

The President referred to earlier meetings with President Mubarak and King Fahd, noting that both had stressed the important role Algeria plays in shaping Arab attitudes toward the peace process. In this context, the President commented on the U.S. “appreciation of Algeria’s close ties with Syria. The U.S. hopes that President Assad has no doubts about our belief that the Golan Heights is also subject to UNSCR 242 and should therefore be the subject of direct negotiations between Israel and Syria.” (S)

The President described current U.S. efforts to move the process forward in terms of Ambassador Murphy’s current mission.³ He urged President Bendjedid to use his influence within Palestinian circles to develop the most positive, flexible position regarding participation in and the substantive issues of direct negotiations. The President stressed that American leverage can only be effective in the context of negotiations. He concluded his remarks by asking President Bendjedid for his assessment of the prospects for the peace process? (S)

President Bendjedid opened his remarks by thanking the President, on behalf of his delegation and the Algerian people, for the invitation to Washington in order to strengthen relations between the two countries.⁴ There is a willingness for better relations on both sides, but the question is how to achieve this goal. (S)

With regard to the hostages in Iran, President Bendjedid said Algeria performed its national duty for humanitarian reasons. No U.S. thanks are necessary. Iran’s confidence in Algeria helped a great deal. He added that Algeria will continue to exert every effort with the concerned parties to bring about the release of those held today. (S)

Concerning the basic Middle East issue, President Bendjedid stated that he welcomed any initiative, no matter how big or small. He described the current situation as likely to “lead to dangerous tension in the Arab world and beyond.” He did not believe the Government of Israel was helping to push a solution on the basis of the legitimate rights of the Palestinians. Referring to the unprecedented Fez proposals, President Bendjedid commented that “maybe we can meet halfway.” He continued that Arab requests are simple. “All have a right to live in peace and security. Why not the Palestinians?” He further opined that it is improper to call the Palestinians terrorists. They believe in their just cause, and are not just spreading international terror. “Algerians used to be called murderers and outlaws, but we were only seeking our rights. Algeria distinguishes between national action and unruly behavior.” (S)

With respect to political action, President Bendjedid stressed “Algeria’s belief in the Palestinian right to self-determination. This is not for the PLO, but for the Palestinians and everyone else in the area. The U.S. should take a step in this direction. It would convince people to act.” He continued that the Jordanian-Palestinian effort “is between them”. Syria also lost land in 1967. Damascus needs something to encourage dialogue. It is just not realistic to think Israel will be wiped out. (S)

President Bendjedid opined that given how the United States gained independence, America should understand the human dimension of the Palestinian issue. The failure to understand has bred extremism. Arabs and Muslims realize they have been insulted. This is why Islamic extremism is growing. The U.S. has a responsible role to play. Algeria has tried to help. But concessions, to be just and fair, must come from both sides. “If there is a will for peace, peace will triumph. Any positive step toward Palestinian self-determination will result in progress.” (S)

Apologizing for his lengthy remarks, President Bendjedid turned to the situation in Lebanon. President Gemayel had been in contact with him. Algeria is very worried about continuing outside interference, the religious dimension, and the deteriorating situation. Gemayel is suffering, especially due to those Christian factions who are working with Israel to establish Christian enclaves in the South and East. He hoped that all the interference in Lebanon could be stopped, noting that not only Israel interferes in Lebanon. Bendjedid closed his remarks by stressing that “it is Algeria’s duty to do all that can be done to help Lebanon.” (S)

In response, the President noted that the U.S. and Algeria seem to be in agreement. “My September 1 initiative is based on direct negotiations between Arabs and Israelis. The Palestinian problem has to be solved based on land in exchange for peaceful, secure borders.” The PLO’s refusal to recognize Israel’s right to exist leads to their exclusion from negotiations. “This is why King Hussein is working with Palestinians, unless the PLO acknowledges Israel’s right to exist.” (S)

President Bendjedid replied that when the Palestinians are asked to recognize Israel, they say “it’s their last card. What would the Palestinians get in return?” (S)

The President said that President Sadat showed that negotiations are necessary, and that they work. (U)

The meeting adjourned, and the participants joined the Plenary in the Cabinet Room at 11:07. (U)⁵

1. Source: Reagan Library, Near East and South Asia Affairs Directorate, President Bendjedid of Algeria Visit 4/17/15. Secret. Drafted by Teicher. The meeting took place in the Oval Office.
2. See footnote 5, Document 111.
3. Documentation on Murphy’s visit to the Middle East to discuss the Arab-Israeli peace talks is scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1981–1988, vol. XIX, Arab-Israeli Dispute.
4. See Document 140.
5. Later that day, Reagan wrote in his diary “Algeria under this Pres. is a different Algeria than it was a half dozen years ago. We have found major areas of agreement—on Quadafi, Middle East Peace etc.” (Brinkley, ed., The Reagan Diaries, p. 446)