May 25, 1997

In Israel, Mubarak adviser Osama Baz meets with PM Netanyahu in preparation for Mubarak-Netanyahu mtg. 5/27. Netanyahu refuses to freeze construction at Har Homa as a gesture to the PA, but agrees to temporarily suspend demolitions of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem. (IDF Radio, ITV 5/25 in WNC 5/28; WP 5/26; HA 5/26 in WNC 5/28)

11 Jordanian opposition parties criticize the government for passing temporary press, election laws; make effort to muster the 41 signatures needed to convene an extraordinary session of parliament to debate the issue. The opposition holds 23 of the 80 parliamentary seats. (JT 5/26 in WNC 5/28; MM 5/27) (see 5/20)