vra

James Baker:
Mideast Liasion?

Mideast analysts were puzzled,
and Jewish right-wingers posi-
tively thrilled by last week's
reports that the Clinton admin-
istration sanctioned a Mideast
shuttle mission by former Secre-
tary of State James A. Baker. III.
The hard-liners are happy be-
cause the reports, which surfaced
in an Israeli newspaper interview
with Itamar Rabinovich, that
country's outgoing ambassador to
Washington, are another arrow
in their quiver as they take aim
at the Clinton administration.
Mr. Baker, remembered for his
frequent clashes with Israel's
leaders and what many regard-
ed as his antipathy to pro-Israel
forces in this country, reportedly
was responding to requests from
Syria.
Mr. Rabinovich reportedly told
Ha'aretz that Mr. Baker met with
the late Prime Minister Yitzhak
Rabin and Syrian leader Hafez
al-Assad last year, a report con-
firmed by Israeli officials in Wash-
ington.
But early this week, the White
House continued to remain mum
on the subject, despite queries
from reporters.
And several close observers of
the peace process were baffled.
`The administration may have
been right in trying to leave no
stone unturned in the effort to
bring Syria and Israel back to the
negotiating table," said an official
with a major Jewish group here.
"But it's hard to imagine how
Baker could have been seen as
the right man for the job, given
the baggage he carries with the
Israelis and with the American
Jewish community."
In any event, Mr. Baker was
no more successful than his suc-
cessor, Secretary of State Warren
Christopher, in narrowing the
wide Syrian-Israeli rift. ❑

Publicity
Deadlines

The normal deadline for
local news and publicity
items is noon Thursday, eight
days prior to issue date. The
deadline for birth announce-
ments is 10 a.m. Monday,
four days prior to issue date;
out-of-town obituaries, 10
a.m. Tuesday, three days pri-
or to issue date.

All material must be type-
written, double-spaced, on
812 x 11 paper and include
the name and daytime tele-
phone number of sender.

1996 IS 400

Trac Control, CD Player, Power Moonroof, Secutity System, Dual Airbags, ABS
Brakes, Full Power, Memory Seats, Leather, Keyless Remote Enty & Much More.

FREE PICK UP & DELIVERY ANYWHERE IN MICHIGAN AND OHIO.

mhedeiN-emiNvi,

'40 tklex

*24 Mo. closed end lease based on approved credit. 24,000 maximum miles w/150 per mile over. $450 acq. fee, 1st mo. pymt., tax, plate &
title due at inception. $500 refundable sec. deposit. Lessee resp. for excess wear & tear. Purchase option at lease end $36,293.56. Total
obligation equals mo. pymt. x term. •Plus tax, title, plates. Prior sales and leases excluded.

800-539-8748

THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF PERFECTION
Exit 104 Off 1-96 • 5709 S. Pennsylvania, Lansing

TWICE THE CAR

Why rent, when you can

$65o/mo

LEAs

EIRS)

(

the money, but it will
a car for the season,
Opting.

e1, frill sized`

tritkq-Hno

]

OuRs

Why pay the high prices for a short-term re
when you can have all the benefits of a low-cos
lease?

All it takes is one simple call and the car of
your choice will be waiting for you.

Call Toll Free 1-888-247-3600

RD EASING

affiliate of National Fleet Leasing with over 50 years of experience.

dieixeciaiikplicablefees, Six month minimum lease term.

Larry Whitman