PM Rabin asks Arafat to tell Hamas Israel is willing release movement's spiritual leader, Shaykh Yasin, in exchange for kidnapped IDF soldier. Hamas gives no definitive response. (QY 10/14 in FBIS 10/17; JP, WT 10/15)
U.S. Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Damascus fr. Kuwait for 2 days of talks with Pres. al-Asad. (SARR 10/13 in FBIS 10/14)
Senior Hamas official, Ibrahim al-Yazuri, says kidnappers of IDF soldier are acting without approval from leadership, Izzeddin al-Qassam brigades "belong to Hamas but operate alone. No one gives them instructions . . . ." (HA 10/13 in FBIS 10/14)
Hamas delegation meets with Lebanese Chamber of Deps. Speaker Nabih Birri to discuss Palestinian-Israeli peace process, Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. (RL 10/13 in FBIS 10/14)
Arafat recalls PSF head Col. Rajub fr. Egypt to help deal with Hamas, kidnapping. (QY 10/13 in FBIS 10/14)