May 12, 1991

In talks with Sec. Baker, Syrian Pres. Asad refuses to compromise on 2 major issues concerning Middle East peace conference: Asad demands UN have "significant" and "important" role in conference, and that peace conference reconvene periodically. Israeli leaders have previously stated they want no UN role and a one-time conference [WP, NYT, LAT 5/13; SANA 5/12 in FBIS 5/13]. Baker also talks with Bessmertnykh in Cairo [MENA 5/12 in FBIS 5/13].

Lebanese Armny troops take up positions at entrances to Palestinian refugee districts in southern Lebanon as well as posts close to Israel's "security zone" [NYT 5/13].