March 26, 1999

In Berlin, the EU issues its most far-reaching statement to date on Palestinian rights, recommends final status talks be completed within a yr. Arafat welcomes the statement. PM Netanyahu accuses the EU of jeopardizing Israel's existence. (MEI, MM, PR, WP, WT 3/26; RJ 3/26, RE, VOA 3/27, YA 3/28 in WNC 3/29; TJT 3/26, MENA, Le Monde 3/29 in WNC 3/30; WP 3/27; MM 3/29; MEI 4/9; al-Ahram 4/26 in WNC 4/29; PR 4/23)

PA releases Hamas spokesman Mahmud Zahhar, arrested 45 days ago for treating a Hamas fugitive who escaped after killing a PA policeman in 2/99. (NYT 3/27; MEI 4/23) (see 2/13)

Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, injuring 2 IDF soldiers. (RL 3/26 in WNC 3/29)