In Ramallah, PA, Israeli final status teams hold another round of talks on the FAPS. The PA demands that Israel allow Palestinian refugees to return to their homes, provide them with compensation. Israel rejects the demand. PA chief negotiator `Abid Rabbuh says that the FAPS should include Israel's recognition of its "ethical responsibility regarding he displacement of the Palestinian people and their homelessness." (WP 1/11)
In Shepherdstown, Israeli, Syrian teams adjourn negotiations, with plans to resume talks on the U.S. working paper on 1/19. The entire delegations return home; earlier the sides had discussed having the comms. stay on to work while Barak, Shara` returned home (see 1/8). (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/11; al-Quds 1/11 in WNC 1/13; WJW 1/13; MEI 1/14; AYM 1/14 in WNC 1/21)
In Tel Aviv, 100,000 Israelis, many of whom are West Bank settlers, rally to protest any withdrawal fr. the Golan Heights in a peace deal with Syria. (MM, NYT, WP 1/11; CSM, MM, NYT 1/12; al-Quds 1/13 in WNC 1/18; MM 1/17; WJW 1/21)
More than 150 Reform Jewish leaders visit the Israeli emb. in Washington to show support for peace talks with Syria, countering recent demonstrations by ultra-Orthodox Jews who oppose trading land for peace. (WP 1/11; WJW 1/13)
PA Finance M Nashashibi announces the establishment of the PA Higher Council for Development, chaired by Arafat, to insure the transparency of the public finance system. (AYM 1/13 in WNC 1/18)
Israel lowers the minimum age for Palestinians to work inside Israel fr. 25 to 21, increases the number of Palestinians allowed to drive their own cars into Israel, cuts fees for commercial traffic entering Gaza through Qarni crossing. (WT 1/12)
Israel says that Oman has decided to reactivate bilateral trade links. (WP 1/11)