January 31, 1997

In Paris, Pres. Chirac meets with Israeli FM Levy, says France is willing to act as Israel's intermediary with Syria to close the gaps preventing a resumption of negotiations. (AFP 1/31 in WNC 2/3)

In Sincan, Turkey, 100s come together to celebrate Jerusalem day, a day (1st set aside 17 yrs. ago by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini) for Muslims to protest Israel's occupation of Jerusalem; hear speech by Iranian Amb. Muhammad Reza Bagheri. When Bagheri arrives, the crowd chants of "Down with Israel! Down with Arafat!" (MM 2/6; NYT 2/13)

Sweden reopens its embassy in Beirut, which was closed during the 1975-90 Lebanese civil war. (RL 1/31 in WNC 2/4; Svenska Dagbladet [Stockholm] 2/1 in WNC 2/5)