December 17, 1996

Israeli government rejects Pres. Clinton's 12/16 comments on settlements; says they are unhelpful, especially during an impasse in the PA-Israeli talks; vows to strengthen settlements. (MM 12/17; RE 12/17, IDF Radio, QY 12/18 in WNC 12/19; MM, WP, WT 12/18; WT 12/20)

UNGA appoints Ghana's Annan as Butros-Ghali's successor. He will become UN secy. gen. 1/1. In his last speech, Butros-Ghali criticizes the U.S., among others, for failing to pay its debts to the UN. (NYT, WT 12/18) (see 12/13)