(7 Jan 2000) Eng/Nat
Peace talks are continuing into the night in Shepardstown, West Virginia where Syrian and Israeli delegations are meeting.
As the two sides struggle over the basic issues dividing Damascus and Jerusalem, President Clinton plunged back into the slow-moving talks.
The U-S aim is a treaty that would exchange the Golan Heights for diplomatic and economic relations with Syria.
Late on Thursday afternoon, President Clinton arrived from Washington by Presidential helicopter.
The president immediately met with his top advisors, including Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
Following his meeting with Albright, Clinton headed into a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
While the exact content of the meeting was not disclosed, a source close to the president said Clinton was satisfied when he came out of the session that the meeting was constructive.
Following his meeting with Barak, Clinton began a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister
On Wednesday, Syria outlined its offer in a mixed committee meeting under the supervision of Assistant Secretary of State Marin Indyk.
But there have still not been any face-to-face talks over Syria's key demand: a specific timetable for Israel to turn over the Golan Heights.
Earlier in the day, the President's National Security Advisor Sandy Berger addressed members of the National Press Club in Washington.
He said both sides are reaching for what is an historical moment in time when peace might be possible.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I think both parties are serious about making peace. I think both parties have a sense of the urgency of the moment."
SUPER CAPTION: Sandy Berger, National Security Advisor
He warned that there may not be a final agreement this time.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Having said all of that, one should not underestimate the degree of difficulty of what is involved her. These are very difficult issues that divide the parties. They have been at war three times."
SUPER CAPTION: Sandy Berger, National Security Advisor
Berger then accompanied the president to Shepherdstown in the afternoon.
By Thursday evening, it was apparent that both sides were struggling to move forward.
Both White House Press Secretary Joe Lockhart and State Department Spokesman James Rubin offered the latest update on the talks, again suggesting caution is a key factor guiding the talks.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I think the feeling is that those meetings have been sufficiently good and constructive - that they have in effect superceded committee meetings so the short answer to your question is they're hasn't been committee activity today but the people feel that the sessions with the leaders were sufficiently good and constructive to supercede any need for them at this particular phase."
SUPER CAPTION: Jamie Rubin, U-S State Department spokesman
There appears to be some discontent concerning the talks on the part of the Syrians.
On the other hand, the Israeli's appear to be pleased that the negotiations are focused on peace terms and security measures.
Late Thursday night, President Clinton returned to the White House.
There is yet no word on whether he will return to Shepardstown on Friday.
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