Israeli PM Rabin visits Gaza, says self-rule will not be expanded until the PNA makes "a serious effort" to curb attacks on Israelis. He also postpones scheduled introduction of free passage between Gaza and Jericho. PNA denounces 8/14 Hamas attack, detains 35 Hamas mbrs. for questioning. 200 Hamas supporters protest the crackdown in front of the police headquarters in Dayr al-Balah. (NYT, WP, WT 8/16)
Bolivia, Dominican Republic, and Paraguay announce they will move their diplomatic offices to Jerusalem to keep Israel from closing its embassies in their countries. Israeli F Min. states "We won't close embassies in countries that move their embassies to the Jerusalem area." (WT 8/16)
International terrorist "Carlos" (Ilich Ramirez Sanchez) flown to France after arrest in Sudan previous night. France sought his extradition for 1975 Paris killing of 2 French agents investigating failed rocket attack on an El Al plane. Sanchez most widely known for 1975 Vienna kidnapping of OPEC oil ministers in which 3 killed, 11 wounded. Israel announces it will not attempt to extradite him. (NYT, WP, WT 8/16)
Israeli and PLO negotiators say they are nearing an agreement on the expansion of Palestinian authority in the West Bank. (WSJ 8/15)