Wednesday, June 30, 1999

Shas becomes 7th party to agree to joint PM-elect Barak's government, cementing a broad-based coalition (mixing left- and right-wing, secular and religious parties) that should give Barak a strong majority in the Knesset. After details of the coalition agmt. are finalized, Barak will formally present the government. (Xinhua 6/30 in WNC 7/1; NYT, WP, WT 7/1; WT 7/)

U.S. signs 3 new grants for Jordan, giving the kingdom $134.7 m. to support balance of payments, technical and training assistance, water and sewage projects. (Petra-JNA 6/30 in WNC 7/1)