A summary of meetings held between Erich Honecker and other GDR officials with the Emir of Kuwait.

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.

Attachment to a letter from Koenig to Sieber dated 10 July 1986. This report assesses the increase in contact between the GDR and Israel, especially in the field of culture and science. It identifies the advantages and disadvantages of this development, including the negative impression it might create in Arab countries. Greater contact with Israel may damage the GDR's relations with the Arab countries. A proposal is made on the basis of this analysis: all contact with Israel must be carefully coordinated with the GDR Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The report provides a general list of basic principles for relations with Israel. Attached is a note containing policy advice on Israeli compensation claims.

Alexander Schalck-Golodkowski informs politburo member Günter Mittag about arms deals that will be discussed during the upcoming visit of the President of the Iranian Parliament, Rafsanjani, to the GDR.

Schalck informs Guenter Mittag about the details of an arms deal with Iran.

Request by the Ethiopian leader, Mengistu Haile Mariam, for immediate delivery of weapons to support the government in the Ethiopian civil war.

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.

The conversation deals with permanent PLO representation in the GDR. The PLO has had official representation since 1978, with the opening of a PLO embassy in Berlin. The PLO ambassador points out that this status necessarily leads to more expenses. He applies for more GDR funding.

Brezhnev appeals to Assad to continue his support for the PLO. He blames the passivity of the other Arab states for the critical military situation in Lebanon.

Qaddafi is disappointed wit the insufficient support of the Socialist states for the Arab countries in the war in Lebanon.