Netanyahu, Clinton meet in Washington. Clinton presents U.S. proposal for a 3-stage second FRD fr. at least 10% of the West Bank. Secy. of State Albright also holds 2 mtgs. with Netanyahu during the day to discuss "appropriate elements for a further redeployment." Netanyahu does not agree to anything. (NYT, WP, WT 1/20; IDF Radio, MA 1/20 in WNC 1/21; ITV 1/20, IDF Radio, MENA, RE 1/21, JT 1/22 in WNC 1/23; MM, WP, WT 1/21; CSM, MM, WJW 1/22; Tishrin 1/22, YA 1/26 in WNC 1/27; CSM, NYT 1/23; MM 1/26; MEI 1/30)
In Paris, PA's Arafat, fmr. Israeli PM Peres sign agmt. with the World Bank that will create a new Peace Technology Fund for invest in the West Bank, Gaza. Arafat also meets with Pres. Chirac. (NYT 1/21; PR 1/23; JP 1/31)
Reversing its 1/16 decision in the face of public outcry, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum invites Arafat to make official visit 1/23. Arafat says he will do so if time permits. (WP 1/20; MM, NYT, WT 1/21; WJW, WP 1/22; MM 1/26, 1/27; MEI 1/30)
Israeli politician Yossi Sarid of Meretz calls on Pres. Clinton to recognize the Palestinians' right to their own state now if he hopes to rescue the peace process. (WT 1/21)
Israeli extremist group Kach distributes leaflets in Hebron, warning that if American Christians living in the city do not leave Israel, their lives will be endangered. (IDF Radio 1/20 in WNC 1/21)
54 mbrs. of the Catholic hierarchy send letter to Pres. Clinton, calling for end to sanctions on Iraq. 3 Catholic bishops also begin hunger strike. (WP 1/21)