August 1, 1999

PA chief negotiator Erakat, Israeli chief negotiator Sher hold their 2d mtg. on Wye implementation, which breaks up suddenly with the PA accusing Israel of trying to avoid carrying out FRDs, Israel accusing the PA of inflexibility. As a goodwill gesture, Israeli PM Barak sets a target date of 10/1 to carry out the 2d stage of the Wye FRD, but still hopes the PA will agree to a delay of the 3d stage. (MM, WP, WT 8/2; IDF Radio, QY, RE 8/2 in WNC 8/3; CSM 8/3; MM 8/6; WJW 8/12; JP 8/13)

Knesset approves legislation allowing PM Barak to expand the cabinet. The bill does not place a limit on the number of ministers Barak can add, but he has said previously that he intends to raise the number fr. 18 to 24. (WJW 8/5)