Arab diplomatic sources reported that Mr. Abdel Halim Khaddam, the former Syrian Vice President, traveled to Algeria yesterday to join President Amin Gemayel after discussions in Damascus with Richard Murphy, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State.
There has been no official explanation for the visit, which comes just hours after Lebanon requested a postponement of talks with Israel regarding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
The diplomatic sources indicated that President Gemayel and Mr. Khaddam are scheduled to meet with Algerian President Chadli Bendjedid. However, they were unable to provide further details about the reasons for this sudden and intensive diplomatic activity.
Syrian and American officials declined to comment on Mr. Khaddam’s meeting with Mr. Murphy, who arrived the night before last after several meetings with Israeli leaders concerning withdrawal talks.
The diplomatic sources suggested that Mr. Khaddam is likely to discuss with the Algerian President efforts to convene a session of the Palestinian National Council, which is considered the highest decision-making body in the Palestinian movement.
