Thursday, March 15, 1984

Social Economic/Political:

Arab World: Participants in Lebanon reconciliation talks agree all political prisoners of Lebanon's warring factions be released. IDF reopens Sidon port after 10-day closure.

Other Countries: In response to remarks by King Hussein, Reagan admin. says "there is no possibility of progress toward peace" unless Jordan and other Arab countries change their attitude and agree to negotiate with Israel; White House sends cable to US amb. Viets in Amman, demanding explanation why Washington not alerted to Hussein's seeming abrupt loss of confidence; State Dep't. suggests Syrian-backed extremism provoked his rejection of Reagan "peace initiatives."

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Home-made bomb hurled at IDF patrol near Gaza; no casualties.