Friday, February 9, 2001

Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. The IDF shells residential areas of al-Bireh, severely damaging the Local Government Min., Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, Fatah High Command offices. (WP, WT 2/10)

Arafat phones Sharon to congratulate him, expresses hopes peace talks could resume soon, mentions the economic hardship in the West Bank and Gaza. Sharon says he will only take steps to lift the blockade if the PA halts violence and rearrests Islamists released fr. PA jails in the past 4 mos. (Chicago Tribune [Internet], NYT, WP 2/10)

PM-elect Sharon meets with outgoing PM Barak, who has yet to officially resign as head of Labor, and offers him position of DM in a unity government. Labor MK Peres would be offered the role of FM. Barak, Peres to not reject the offers. (MM 2/9; NYT, WP 2/10; WT 2/11; WJW 2/15)

In a Sharq al-Awsat interview published today, Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad says Syria's peace terms have not changed, he would resume talks with any Israeli PM who is serious about reaching an agmt., he is willing to meet with Arafat if there is a clear objective and agenda. (MM 2/9; SA 2/9 in WNC 2/13; SA 2/14 in WNC 2/15)