Reports say Israel wants U.S. to suspend shuttle missions btwn. Israel and Syria, U.S. Secy. of State Christopher to cancel trip to region planned for end of month, talks to stay on ambassadorial level since Pres. al-Asad will not soften position. (Al-Hamishmar 11/7 in FBIS 11/7)
PNA Econ. M Qurai`, Palestinian officials boycott Jerusalem business conference in protest over continued partial closure of Gaza, West Bank. (QY 11/7 in FBIS 11/8)
Syrian FM al-Shara` arrives in Cairo for talks with Pres. Mubarak on peace process, Clinton visit. (MENA 11/7 in FBIS 11/7; SARR 11/8 in FBIS 11/8)
Tomb of the Patriarchs, site of the Hebron massacre, reopens with metal detectors, electronic gates, cameras. Jews, Muslims completely segregated by partitions. (MM 11/7; QY 11/7 in FBIS 11/7; CSM, NYT, WP 11/8; JP 11/19)