Secy. of State Albright meets Netanyahu in Paris, then flies to London to meet with Arafat. After mtgs., she announces that Clinton will meet separately with both men in Washington in 1/98. (MM 12/18; ITV 12/18 in WNC 12/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/19; JP 1/3)
PA-Israel joint subcomm. on economic affairs meets. (ITV 12/18 in WNC 1/20)
In light of new Iraqi obstacles (see 11/23, 12/5), UN Security Council (UNSC) begins debate over how to gain unrestricted access for UNSCOM inspectors. U.S. calls for tough approach, possible military action. Russia suggests conciliatory gestures. (NYT, WP 12/19)
1 SLA soldier is killed when large explosive device is detonated in Jazzin in s. Lebanon. In Qabrikha, IDF shelling damages 7 Lebanese homes, wounds 1 civilian. (IDF Radio, RL 12/18 in WNC 12/20)