At the Shepherdstown talks, Syria complains that Israel has refused to convene the technical comms. on withdrawal or water, agreeing to discuss the border issue informally only (see 1/4, 1/5); says it will not participate in further mtgs. of the security or normalization comms. until Israel agrees to discuss withdrawal formally. Pres. Clinton flies to Shepherdstown for 3d time this wk., holds 6 hrs. of talks with Barak, Shara` but does not break the impasse. (SA 1/6 in WNC 1/7; MM, NYT, WP 1/7; MEI 1/14)
Russia, the U.S. announce plans to host a FM-level mtg. of the multilateral steering comm. in Moscow on 2/1. (ITAR-TASS 1/6 in WNC 1/7; MM, WT 1/7)
The PA frees Qassim and Dudin, the last 2 Palestinians who signed the Petition of the 20. (NYT 1/7; LAW 1/12; MEI 1/28) (see 12/19)
Turkey's amb. to Washington hosts a farewell reception for outgoing Israeli amb. Zalman Shoval. (WT 1/7)