March 25, 2000

Israel, the PA reportedly hold the 1st mtg. in what they hope to be a series of "back channel" contacts to establish a "real" track to draw up solutions on major final status issues. Israel is supposedly represented by Tourism M Amnon Shahak, Internal Security M Shlomo Ben Ami, the PA by PC speaker Ahmad Qurai` and Oslo negotiator Mahmud Abbas. (MM 3/30; AYM 4/1 in WNC 4/6)

The pope conducts morning prayers and mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth. He also meets with Greek Orthodox patriarchs and bishops, urges Christian communities to resolve their differences. (NYT, WP, WT 3/26)