Monday, December 20, 1999

In Ramallah, Israeli, PA final status teams meet but make no progress on the FAPS. The PA reportedly rejects Israel's demand that decision on final borders be based on Israel's security needs and continued Israeli sovereignty over settlements. (CSM 12/21)

Syrian FM Shara` stops in Beirut to brief Lebanese leaders on the Washington talks with Israel. (RL 12/20 in WNC 12/21)

Arafat arrives in Amman for 2-day visit to brief King Abdallah on talks with Israel, discuss Arab coordination in light of the resumption of the Syrian-Israeli talks. Arafat asks the king to intervene with Syria to improve PA-Syrian relations, encourage coordination on their negotiating tracks. Arafat would like hold a 5-way summit among Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the PA, Syria. (AYM, al-Quds 12/20 in WNC 12/22; al-Quds 12/21, JT 12/22 in WNC 12/23; AYM 12/21 in WNC 12/27; JT 12/28 in WNC 12/29)