September 14, 1993

The agency inspecting for asbestos in the New York City schools failed yesterday to provide the new Chancellor with a report he had ordered to determine which classrooms could open and which would have to remain closed next week. Article, page B3.

Six years ago, when Bill Clinton, then the Governor of Arkansas, introduced Dr. Joycelyn Elders to the press as his newly appointed director of the State Health Department, he quickly learned what he had got himself into. A reporter asked whether Dr. Elders wanted to give condoms to public school children. "Well, I'm not going to put them on their lunch trays, but, yes," she answered.

Arafat's Strategy: '2 Olive Branches' Transforming one's image from guerrilla leader to statesman is not easy, but Yasir Arafat was trying hard to make it happen. Efforts in the past have had mixed results for all the countries involved. "This time," he said just an hour after making peace with Israel, "I am coming with two olive branches." Page A15. Arabs and Jews Reflect As many speak out about the events of recent days, there are new hopes, on both sides, but fears from years past remain. Page A16. Divisions in Syria Thousands marched in Syria, waving black flags in protest against Mr. Arafat, but elsewhere in the nation the response was more stunned, disbelieving, silence. Page A17. Security Surprises Security for the dignitaries was about what you would expect in the capital, but despite the hardware and planning, there were surprises. Page A14. A 45-Year Struggle Over the years since the birth of Israel in 1948, the Palestinian movement has drawn support from Palestinians inside Israel, in Israeli-occupied territories and in neighboring Arab countries while pressing for nationhood or self-rule. Page A15.

Two of the nation's largest blood testing laboratories agreed today to pay the Federal Government $39.8 million to settle charges that they submitted false Medicare claims for unnecessary blood tests. Metpath and Metwest, which are divisions of Corning Lab Services Inc., a subsidiary of Corning Inc., admitted no wrongdoing in settling the case, which is a result of a two-year Federal investigation into the marketing and billing practices of the diagnostic testing industry.

Following the lead of Northwest Airlines, the nation's airlines cut fares yesterday up to 45 percent on domestic flights through Dec. 16. But tickets must be bought before Saturday. Some airlines, including Northwest, have included flights to Mexico and the Caribbean in the sale. But on all carriers, including American, United, Delta and T.W.A., the fares are nonrefundable, a Saturday stay is required, flights on certain days of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend are out and tickets must be bought at least 14 days ahead. Seats on all flights are limited, and the lowest fares apply to travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays.