December 20, 1996

In Cairo, Arafat briefs Pres. Mubarak on talks with Israel. (WT 12/22; WJW 12/26)

Israel stops entry of a 40-ft. pine tree donated to the PA by Finland for the Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem (see 12/10), saying the tree could be diseased, "could affect all the trees in Israel." (PR 2/20; CSM 12/23)

U.S. "strongly advises" Turkey not to improve its relations with Iran. (WP, WT 12/22) (see 12/19)