Meeting with PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem, U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Indyk publicly criticizes Israeli settlement expansion as an obstacle to peace, Israel's rapprochement with Russia. Indyk is in Israel for a mtg. of the Israeli-U.S. strategic planning comm. that was established as part of the Wye agmt. (MM 4/12; WP 4/13; MA 4/13 in WNC 4/14; WJW 4/15; MM 4/19; PR 4/26)
Israeli FM Sharon arrives in Russia for 3 day visit, his 3d since 3/99; announces opening of Israeli consulate in St. Petersburg. (MM 4/13; Globes [Internet], Interfax, ITAR-TASS 4/13 in WNC 4/14; WJW 4/15; CSM 4/16)
Syrian pres. Asad indefinitely postpones trip to Russia, planned for 4/12+n13, because of Israeli FM Sharon's current visit to Moscow, Russia's hesitation, under pressure fr. the U.S., to finalize an arms deal that was to have been signed during this visit. (MM 4/12, 4/13; WJW 4/15; WP 4/25)