Wednesday, October 20, 1982

Military Action:

IDF relinquishes Chouf posts to Lebanese Army, but maintains checkpoints at several villages; bomb at Lebanese Embassy in Rome, on eve of Gemayel visit, damages building, hurts passerby.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Tourism slumps in wake of Lebanese invasion; Commission of Inquiry hears first testimony; Israeli officials call Gemayel "ungrateful," charge he turns back on Israel, which assisted Phalange (outrages Labor Party as well as government).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel, in Paris, says he wants peacekeeping force expanded from 3,800 to 30,000 and its responsibilities extended outside Beirut, also wants to increase importance of 7,000-man UNIFIL force, leaves open question of troops from more countries, shakes hand with Jumblatt in gesture of reconciliation.

Arab Governments: Moroccan delegation arrives in Washington for discussions with Shultz.

US and Other Countries: Kissinger, in San Diego, says chance for peace are best in decade; Mitterrand says he is willing to send additional French troops to Lebanon, appoints coordinator of French aid to Lebanon; Shultz asks to meet Shamir again.

UN: Arabs drop effort to expel Israel, focus on joint statement charging Israeli violations of charter.