Israeli Environment Min. Yossi Sarid is reported to have met with PLO official Nabil Shaath with PM Rabin's knowledge. Rabin's spokesman denies meeting was on behalf of PM. Shaath refuses to confirm or deny meeting, says Palestinians "cannot accept" 6/30 U.S. paper (MBC Television 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; NYT 8/6)
Secy. of State Christopher meets with Jordan's King Hussein in Amman, then again with Palestinian and Israeli representatives in Jerusalem, bringing message from Syrian Pres. al-Asad to Israeli PM Rabin. Christopher states in Amman "there's been absolutely no change in the United States's position" on status of o.t. or Jerusalem (see 7/21). Rabin calls current shuttle diplomacy "a change for the better," says Palestinians "cannot get their act together." Christopher announces he will revisit Syria and assume role of "active intermediary." Palestinian delegation gives Christopher PLO memo on draft "statement of principles," but only after modifying it due to disagreements with Tunis's statements on jurisdiction of self-governing authority and Jerusalem. (JTV 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; Sawt al-Sha'b 8/5 in FBIS 8/5; Qol Yisra'el 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; NYT, WP 8/6)
Hizballah launches rockets into "security zone." IDF and SIA return fire. (WP 8/6)