The Salvadorian president expresses support for a Palestinian state . The Palestinian Authority president has called for U.N. recognition of a Palestinian state . U.S. officials have vowed to block the measure , though they most likely want to avoid an American veto out of concern over a potential backlash across the Middle East . - December 22 – President Clinton announces that the U.S. will withdraw its troops from Somalia by March 31, 1999 and leave behind all remaining combat forces in the country at least until June 30, 1999.
The Salvadorian president expresses support for a Palestinian state . The Palestinian Authority president has called for U.N. recognition of a Palestinian state . - December 22 – President Clinton announces that the U.S. will withdraw its troops from Somalia by March 31, 1999 and leave behind all remaining combat forces in the country at least until June 30, 1999.