Ignoring U.S. protests, Israel's cabinet unanimously approves 6/18 plan to extend Jerusalem's municipal authority. PA calls move "de facto annexation" of the settlements. Netanyahu accuses PA of creating an "artificial storm" for political gain, says "those who make a fuss over the plan are the ones who undermine the [peace] process." Israelis in areas likely to be annexed complain that their taxes would rise by being brought under the poorer Jerusalem municipality. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/22; MA 6/22 in WNC 6/23; RJ 6/23 in WNC 6/25; MEI, PR 7/3) (see 6/20)
Arafat sends letter to Albright urging her to publish the U.S. FRD plan. (IDF Radio 6/22 in WNC 6/23)
PA Higher Education M Hanan Ashrawi arrives in Turkey on 4-day official visit aimed at improving bilateral relations, education cooperation. (Anatolia 6/22 in WNC 6/23)
The settler group Elad takes over another Palestinian home in Silwan, plans to occupy 4 more homes soon. (ITV 6/21 in WNC 6/23; AFP 6/25 in WNC 6/16) (see 6/8)
3 linked grenades explode in Christian East Beirut, half a mile fr. the U.S. embassy, injuring no one. U.S. officials say embassy was not a target. (AFP, MENA, RL, VOL 6/21, AFP, RL, VOL 6/22 in WNC 6/23; WP, WT 6/22; MM 6/23; al-Safir 6/24 in WNC 6/26; WT 6/25) (see 6/19)
Kuwait grants Syria a $26.3-m. loan toward the Nahr Sinn irrigation project. (SANA 6/21 in WNC 6/23)
Iran beats the U.S. (2-1) at World Cup soccer match in Lyon, France. (MM, NYT, WT, WP 6/22; CSM 6/23; YA 6/23 in WNC 6/25; MEI, MM 7/3)