In Shepherdstown, PM Barak and FM Shara`, with Secy. Albright attending, set up 4 technical comms. to discuss simultaneously withdrawal fr. the Golan, security arrangements, normalization of relations, water. U.S. mediators hold an informal session with Syrian military officers to discuss the border issue. In the evening, Pres. Clinton holds a small "ice-breaking" reception with Barak, Shara`. (AYM 1/4 in WNC 1/6; MM, NYT, WP 1/5; MM 1/6; WJW, WP 1/6; MEI 1/14)
Israel, the PA agree to carry out the 2d stage of the 2d FRD based on the maps that were originally presented by Israel and rejected by the PA on 11/11. The PA suggests that Israel may give more desirable areas in the 3d stage of the 2d FRD, which is to be carried out on 1/20. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/5; AFP 1/5 in WNC 1/6; al-Quds 1/5 in WNC 1/7)
In the 5th day of escalating violence, Lebanese troops engage Takfir mbrs. in house-to-house fighting in 2 villages n. of Beirut. In total, 11 soldiers, 10 civilians, around 25 rebels have been killed, some 20 rebels have been wounded and around 55 captured since 12/31. (CSM, NYT, WP 1/5; al-Nahar, RL 1/5 in WNC 1/6; GIU 1/7; MM 1/11; MEI 1/14)