August 27, 1983

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat meets Jordanian foreign minister in Tunis; McFarlane, in Paris, holds meetings with Wadi Haddad, National Security Adviser to Gemayel, and with Jumblatt; Jumblatt also meets French Foreign Ministry officials.

Arab Governments: Syria says it will defend its Druze ally in Lebanon if government sends army into Chouf.

US and Other Countries: Reagan says his peace plan is still alive, West Bank settlements are an obstacle to peace, and he remains committed to finding a compassionate, fair and practical resolution of the Palestinian problem.