Arafat issues presidential decree delaying start of campaign period to 1/7. CEC calls on candidates to follow original campaign schedule. Nomination period is extended through 12/31 because of additional seats. Voter registration is reopened until 1/5. (JMCC, VOP 12/30 in FBIS 1/2; CSM 1/19)
1st round of Syrian-Israeli talks ends. Delegations decide to stay in Washington for further informal discussions until negotiations resume 1/3. (ITV, SATN 12/29, RMC 12/30, RMC, SARR 12/31 in FBIS 1/2; NYT, WP 12/30)
After rumors that Israel proposed an interim agmt. with Syria that would recognize the Syrian presence in Lebanon spark Lebanese-American fears of a shift in U.S. policy, Pres. Clinton issues statement reaffirming the U.S. commitment to "Lebanon's full independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity." (MM 12/14; WJW 1/18)