May 2, 1998

VP Gore travels to Saudi Arabia to discuss peace process, bilateral relations with Crown Prince Abdullah. Gore then heads to Ramallah for late-night mtg. with Arafat; urges him to take serious steps in London to reduce gaps, reach peace. Secy. Albright says that she "has not reason to believe" that London talks will be successful. (NYT, WP 5/3; NYT, WP 5/4)

Nr. Baalbeck, Lebanon, Hizballah mbrs. clash with supporters of fmr. Hizballah chief Shaykh Subhi Tufayli, leaving 2 people wounded. Lebanese army units encircle the area, halt fighting. (RL 5/2 in WNC 5/6) (see 2/1)