UN Secy.-Gen. Butrus-Ghali says he would welcome the return of 100 deportees, provided it was a step toward implementation of UNSCR 799. (MM 2/4)
Israeli interministerial comm. completes new guidelines for Shin Bet in interrogation of prisoners, pending PM Rabin's approval. The 1987 Landau Commission's "moderate physical pressure [is allowed]" clause will be replaced by a specific list of employable measures, and interrogators whose prisoners die under questioning will be immune from criminal charges, unless the rules were broken. (Qol Yisra'el 2/4 in FBIS 2/10; MM 2/5)
Pres. Clinton announces that Secy. of State Christopher will tour the Middle East 2/17-2/24, to persuade Arabs and Israelis to resume the peace talks. Christopher spends the day on the phone with officials in Russia and the Middle East. (WP, WT 2/5)