The Ministers agreed that establishing enduring stability and peace in the region after the conflict, on the basis of effective security arrangements, will be a high priority of our two governments.

         Working to reduce the risk of war and miscalculation will be essential, particularly because a spiraling arms race in this volatile region can only generate greater violence and extremism.

         In addition, dealing with the causes of instability and the sources of conflict, including the Arab-Israeli conflict will be especially important. Indeed, both Ministers agreed that without a meaningful peace process - one which promotes a just peace, security, and real reconciliation for Israel, Arab States, and Palestinians - it will not be possible to deal with the sources of conflict and instability in the region.

         Both Ministers, therefore, agreed that in the aftermath of the crisis in the Persian Gulf, mutual US-Soviet efforts to promote Arab-Israeli peace and regional stability, in consultation with other parties in the region, will be greatly facilitated and enhanced.

         The two Ministers are confident that the United States and the Soviet Union, as demonstrated in various other regional conflicts can make a substantial contribution to the achievement of a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East.

(TASS, Information Department, USSR Embassy, New Delhi)

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