U.S. Secy. of State James Baker departs Israel for Washington after talks with Israeli leadership, which still rejects U.N. role in proposed Middle East peace talks. Two sides reportedly agreed to include Palestinian participants in negotiations through joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation comprised of Palestinians living in Jordan. The trip is Baker's fourth to region within two months. (NYT, WP 5/17)
PLO Pol. Dept. Head Faruq al-Qaddumi meets with Lebanese For. Min. Faris Buwayz in Cairo over PLO disarmament in S. Lebanon as directed by Lebanese government. Al-Qaddumi, while stating PLO will cooperate with government in establishing state's sovereignty, noted that PLO will not disarm, offering instead formation of Palestinian brigade which could coordinate with Lebanese army command. Buwayz rejected proposal. (MEM 5/17; NYT 5/18)
Al-Qaddumi also meets with Syrian For. Min. Faruq al-Shar' in Cairo to discuss U.S., Soviet peace initiatives. (MEM 5/17)