Thursday, December 1, 1994

Israel hands over responsibility for taxation, health in West Bank to PA, completing 1st phase of expanded self-rule beyond Gaza-Jericho. (MM 11/30; IDF Radio 12/1 in FBIS 12/2; NYT 12/2; WJW 12/8; JP 12/10)

U.S. State Dept. issues 6-mo. compliance report on PA rule. Generally supportive, says PA rule is improving. (MM 12/19; NYT 12/3; WJW 12/8; MEI 12/16)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak arrives in Damascus to brief Pres. al-Asad on his trip to Europe, talks with EU leaders on peace process. Following mtg., al-Asad says if Syria is to choose btwn. status quo, meeting Israeli demands, he would prefer status quo to peace. (MENA, SARR 12/1 in FBIS 12/1; RMC, SARR, SATN 12/1 in FBIS 12/2; MM 12/5)

Norway promises $22 m. to PA for reconstruction of Gaza's electric system, formation of Palestinian electric company. (QY, VOP 12/1 in FBIS 12/12)