October 3, 1999

PA, Israel continue safe-passage talks in Jerusalem. Both sides upgrade their delegations: Internal Security M Shlomo Ben-Ami for the Israel, chief negotiator Erakat for the PA. The main disagreement is over which side will issue entry permits. (MM 10/4; AFP 10/4 in WNC 10/5)

Barak officially opens new archaeological ruins nr. Temple Mount in Jerusalem, vows the city will remain under Israeli sovereignty. (MM 10/3)

A bomb explodes inside St. Georges Maronite Catholic Church in Beirut minutes after Sunday mass, killing the church caretaker. No one claims responsibility. (WT 10/4)