The Palestine Chronology

PFLP, DFLP activists issue communique in o.t. calling for 12/4 strike to protest reconvening of peace talks. (AFP 11/30 in FBIS 12/2)

Some 50 anti-nuclear activists demonstrate outside Israeli nuclear reactor at Dimona. Demonstration, organized by supporters of Mordechai Vanunu, Israeli nuclear technician imprisoned five years ago after he leaked details of the top-secret plant to European press, was first such demonstration ever held at site. (MM 12/2)

Iranian sources claim UN convenes secret, multilateral meeting in Damascus to discuss comprehensive hostage-prisoner exchange. (NYT 12/4)

IDF issues order closing Birzeit University for another three months. (MM 12/3)

Chinese FM Qian Qichen indicates China and Israel will eventually establish diplomatic ties, also noting that speed with which ties are established will depend upon progress of peace talks. (NYT 11/29)

Villagers in Tayr Diba, S. Lebanon, demonstrate against plans to remove Lebanese army troops from village [see 11/27]. (MM 11/29)

U.S. agrees to pay Iran $278 million in compensation for undelivered military equipment bought by Iran before 1979 hostage crisis. Both Iran and U.S. deny connection between agreement and current efforts to reach comprehensive prisoner-hostage exchange in Middle East. (WP, MM 11/29)

Israel says it won't attend 12/4 peace talks, but offers to attend one or two meetings beginning 12/9 to move talks to the Middle East. Syria accepts invitation, and PLO authorizes Palestinian participation but urges U.S. to reconsider its decision not to grant PLO officials visas to attend talks. (NYT, MM 11/28)

Lebanon decides to withdraw troops from Tayr Diba, inside UNIFIL zone, and replace them with policemen [see 11/18, 11/21]. (MM 11/28, 11/29)

U.S. declares State Dept. will not issue visas to PLO officials to travel to Washington during peace talks, in accordance with prior U.S. policy. (MM 11/28)

26th International Red Cross Conference, scheduled to begin 11/29 in Budapest, is postponed because of disagreement between U.S., Israel, and PLO, Arab states on whether representatives of PLO-affiliated Palestinian Red Crescent Society can attend. (WP 11/28)

DM Arens declares Lebanon and not Israel responsible for 11/25 deaths of three Lebanese soldiers, faulting Lebanon for not restraining Hizballah forces. (MM 11/26)

Islamic Resistance Movement detonates two roadside bombs near Tallusa, S. Lebanon, wounding two IDF soldiers. (MM 11/26, IDF Radio 11/26 in FBIS 11/27)

Hanan Ashrawi informs U.S. consul in E. Jerusalem that Palestinians will attend 12/4 talks in Washington. Lebanon also accepts. (Qol Yisra'el 11/25 in FBIS 11/26; MM 11/25)

Israeli attorney general notifies Israeli supreme court that he believes Jewish settlers still occupying eight Arab homes in Silwan [see 10/9] should be evicted. (MM 11/26)

Israeli finance minister proposes compromise in U.S. loan guarantee controversy whereby U.S. would phase out economic aid to Israel by end of decade in return for the guarantees. Spokesman for PM Shamir states Shamir is unaware of proposal. (WP 11/26)

Rocket fired from Israeli-SLA position kills three Lebanese army troops, wounds two in Iqlim al-Tuffah region of S. Lebanon; Lebanese forces return fire. Israel later claims rocket was aimed at Hizballah positions and regrets deaths of Lebanese troops. (MM 11/26)

Unified National Leadership of the Uprising (UNLU) issues leaflet no. 77 in o.t. on eve of 4th anniversary of beginning of the intifada. Pamphlet calls for end to settlement activity, calls on UN to adopt resolutions supervising o.t. (Tunisian Republic Radio 11/24 in FBIS 11/25; MM 11/26)

U.S. extends invitations for second round, bilateral peace negotiations to convene 12/4 in Washington. Neither Israel nor Palestinians immediately accept, Israel because it favors holding talks in the Middle East and is angered that U.S. has pressed ahead with holding them in Washington, Palestinians because certain persons associated with their delegation might not be granted U.S. visas. Syria and Lebanon did not respond; Jordan immediately accepts. Invitations include U.S. suggestions on overcoming differences, an indication that U.S. intends to continue playing an active role in the peace making process. (NYT 11/23, 11/26; LAT 11/25)

Chief Palestinian negotiator Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi joins Faisal Husseini and PLO exec. comm. mbrs. Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh and Mahmud Abbas in Moscow for talks with FM Shevardnadze. Palestinians will push USSR to insist on direct PLO participation in multilateral discussions. (MM 11/22)

Israeli attorney general announces Israel will not prosecute Hanan Ashrawi on charges she met with PLO officials. (MM 11/22)

Fighting in S. Lebanon continues as SLA artillery bombards villages in Iqlim al-Tuffah region. (MM 11/22

In Washington, PM Shamir discusses upcoming bilateral peace talks with Secy. of State Baker, expresses reservations about holding talks in Washington. Israel continues to push for holding talks in the Middle Est. (LAT 11/22)

Labor party adopts new party platform at its convention, dropping opposition to negotiations with PLO [see 11/19]. Platform also calls for one-year freeze on settlement building, recognizes Palestinian "national rights." But document states that Labor opposes creation of an independent Palestinian state, affirms that party does not oppose expansion of existing settlements. (MM 11/12; NYT 11/22)

Shamir, referring to creation of a Palestinian state, tells annual gathering of Council of Jewish Federations in Baltimore that there is "no room for two states in such a small area." Poll of Council members indicates 85% disagree with Shamir's policy of not surrendering any territory at all to Arabs as part of peace negotiations. (MM 11/21)

Debate breaks out in Lebanese parliament over UNIFIL's request that Lebanon withdraw army units deployed 11/18 in Tayr Diba, S. Lebanon. Most ministers argue army should remain to reestablish control over country. UNIFIL spokesman insists UNIFIL does not oppose this policy but merely seeks an orderly transfer of power. (MM 11/22)

Israeli police investigatory board determines police acted properly upon a report that armed men were present in building housing the Islamic court of E. Jerusalem, other offices shortly before police forces raided the site. Report also claims no documents were taken in 11/18 action. (MM 11/21)

EC announces appointment of its first representative to o.t., to be based in Brussels under terms of compromise recently reached between EC, Israel. EC sought to place delegate in the o.t.; Israel objected, fearing this would imply that the o.t. constitutes adiplomatic entity, and sought to attach the representative to EC mission in Tel Aviv. (MM 11/21)

Hizballah leader 'Abbas Musawi states that fate of Western hostages is separate from that of Arab prisoners held by Israel. (MM 11/20; NYT 11/21)

Girl is killed, five others wounded as SLA blows up two houses of suspected Hizballah guerrillas in Majd al-Sahm, S. Lebanon. Raid comes in midst of increased tension in S. Lebanon. (MM 11/20)

Israeli state attorney recommends that Israel take no action against Hanan Ashrawi for her alleged contacts with PLO officials, as had been recommended by Israeli police. Israeli attorney general must now decide Ashrawi's fate. (MM 11/19)

Jerusalem chief of police apologizes for 11/18 raid on Islamic court offices in E. Jerusalem (but does not return documents) as some 100 Palestinians, including members of the Islamic Higher Council, demonstrate against the raid in E. Jerusalem. Merchants in Hebron joined with those in the old city in strike to protest the raid. (MM 11/19)

E. Jerusalem, Hebron merchants strike ends. Nablus merchants strike 11/18 death of imam shot by IDF. (MM 11/19)

Labor party opens national convention in Jerusalem, struggles to develop a new election program to attract voters. (MM 11/19, 11/20)

European Commission announces EC will donate $61 million in aid to Palestinians in o.t. to help overcome economic effects of Gulf war. Grant is first expenditure from a $280- million assistance package established by EC in March 1991. (MM 11/19)

PM Shamir declares Israel will not release more Lebanese prisoners until it receives its missing servicemen. FM Levy calls on UN, Western countries to avoid "discrimination" during prisoner-hostage release negotiations, a reference to increased Israeli concern that such talks are focusing solely on Western hostages and ignoring Israeli demands for information on its servicemen missing in Lebanon. Israeli negotiator Uri Lubrani travels to New York for talks with UN Secy. Gen. Perez de Cuellar to push for progress on releasing airman Ron Arad, only Israeli hostage believed to be alive. Reversing earlier UN policy seeking a multilateral release, Perez de Cuellar states that he now accepts separating question of Western hostages from that of Israeli captives. (Qol Yisra'el 11/19 in FBIS 11/19; WP 11/21)

Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi states that as long as Israel refuses to implement UN Sec. Council Resolution 425, calling for Israeli withdrawal from S. Lebanon, he cannot stop attacks by anti-Israeli resistance forces. (MM 11/19)

Islamic Jihad releases British hostage Terry Waite and American hostage Thomas Sutherland in Beirut. Israel states it will not release any more Arab prisoners until it receives word about airman Ron Arad. (NYT 11/19)

Israeli police and border guards raid offices of Islamic court in E. Jerusalem, reportedly seizing hundreds of documents in search of "subversive" literature. Documents allegedly include court records documenting Palestinian land and property rights, some of which date from 12th century. (MM 11/19, 11/20)

Palestinian sources claim families of 350 Palestinians detained at Ansar-3 detention camp will be allowed to visit their relatives today, first time Israel has allowed such visits since Ansar-3 was established in March 1988. Visits will be coordinated by the Red Cross. (MM 11/18)

70-year-old Shaykh Radi Anis Bustami, imam of Jabal al-Shimali area mosque in Nablus, dies of wounds suffered 11/15 when Israeli troops fired on worshippers leaving the mosque. (MM 11/19)

Occupation authorities announce plan to encourage Palestinians inside o.t. and abroad to invest in development projects in o.t. The plan, which includes tax relief for new industries established and infrastructural development at government expense, will begin 1/1/92. (MM 11/19)

PLO exec. comm. mbrs. Mahmud Abbas, Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh, Sulayman al-Najab arrive in Amman for talks with Jordanian officials. Syrian delegates to peace talks also arrive to coordinate positions prior to second stage, bilateral negotiations. (Radio Monte Carlo, al-Ray, Radio Jordan 11/18 in FBIS 11/19)

Saudi Ambassador to U.S. Prince Bandar bin Sultan meets with some 60 American Jewish leaders in New York in first public meeting between American Jews and a Saudi official. Bandar states that if Israel freezes settlement building, Palestinians will halt intifada, Arab states will lift boycott of Israel. (MM 11/19)

Lebanese army deploys in village of Tayr Diba, S. Lebanon, to intervene inclashes between Amal, Hizballah fighters; first time in a decade Lebanese army has taken up positions within an area patrolled by UNIFIL troops. (MM 11/22)

Faisal Husseini and other Palestinian delegates arrive in Amman for talks with Jordanian officials. (Radio Jordan 11/17 in FBIS 11/19)

PFLP Gen. Secy. George Habash escalates PFLP's estrangement from PLO, threatening to withdraw from PLO should it continue "on its present course." (MBC Television 11/16 in FBIS 11/18)

Activists in Gaza City announce formation of municipal council for first time in 11 years and that negotiations among factions are underway concerning composition of the 17-mbr. council. Council will reportedly be headed by Fayiz Abu Rahma and funded by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Islamic countries, and European Community. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16, IDF Radio 11/17, Ha'Aretz 11/18 in FBIS 11/18; MM 11/18)

UN protests to Israel the death of Irish UNIFIL member killed night of 11/15-16 when SLA forces ambushed UNIFIL patrol near al-Tiri, S. Lebanon. Another Irish soldier was wounded; one SLA fighter died. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16 in FBIS 11/18; MM 11/18)

PM Shamir arrives in U.S. for private tour, although he plans to meet with Pres. Bush later in the trip. (MEM 11/15)

Israeli police recommends that attorney general prosecute Hanan Ashrawi, for allegedly meeting with PLO officials during peace conference. (NYT 11/16)

Large pro-PLO rallies held throughout o.t. to commemorate third anniversary of Palestinian "declaration of independence." Israeli border guards shoot, kill Musa Ghazi Muhammad Abu 'Id as he spray paints slogans on a wall inside E. Jerusalem's old city. (MEM 11/15)

E. Jerusalem newspapers list names of some 30 new members of the political committees in the o.t. The committees already count some 150 members, reportedly largely Fateh activists but some from the Palestine Communist Party, DFLP-'Abd Rabbuh faction. (Qol Yisra'el 11/12, 11/14 in FBIS 11/14)

Fateh leaflet circulated in o.t. orders political committees to disband after receiving orders to this effect from Yasir Arafat. The order stated that the committees should be reorganized by a special committee made up of seven representatives from both the West Bank and Gaza, plus a president. Fateh leaflet asserts that the underground committees of the intifada, not the political committees, should form the basis for the future Palestinian state. (Qol Yisra'el 11/12, Al Ha'mishmar 11/15 in FBIS 11/15)

Some 200 supporters of Hamas, leftist factions demonstrate against peace talks at a gathering ofsome 500 supporters ofthe peace process who were listening to a presentation made by Faisal Husseini in Hebron. (MEM 11/14)

Celebrations marking the third anniversary of Palestinian "declaration of independence" [11/15/89] begin in the occupied territories. (MEM 11/15)

Two alleged Palestinian collaborators are found dead in Gaza. (MEM 11/15)

Fighting continues in S. Lebanon as SLA artillery shells Iqlim al-Tuffah, Nabatiyya areas of S. Lebanon. Israeli helicopters attack PFLP office in Rashidiyya cmp, S. Lebanon. Aircraft later bomb Hizbullah bases in Malita village, Jabal Safi area of S. Lebanon. (MEM 11/14)

Faisal Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi hold meeting at Islamic College of Hebron to explain what transpired at Madrid. Fights break out between supporters, opponents of peace process. (Qol Yisra'el 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

Additional members of the political committees resign (See 11/12) (Qol Yisra'el 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

In Washington, West Bank academic Sari Nusseibeh, the driving force behind creation of the political committees, meets with State Department officials, requests U.S. intervention with Israel to assure Palestinians in o.t. be given freedom to express themselves politically, an essential step if the committees and other forms of political expression are to succeed. (MEM 11/14)

In Damascus, Fateh Central Comm. mbr. 'Abbas Zaki states that Fateh, Syria have agreed to normalize relations. Fateh-Syrian discussions have been ongoing since a Fateh delegation's arrival in Damascus 11/8. (AFP 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

PLO Executive Committee begins meeting in Tunis to discuss the venue for second phase of peace talks. (MEM 11/14) 

Member of advisory committee to Palestinian delegation Ziyad Abu Zayyad confirms the existence of an eight-page document discussing the eventual transfer of power from Israeli occupation forces to Palestinians in the o.t. during the "transitional period" of self-rule envisioned as part of the peace process. The document, which he states is only a draft proposal, was written by residents of the o.t. and suggests establishing management committees to oversee administration of the territories. (Qol Yisra'el 11/12 in FBIS 11/14)

Five members of the new political committees in o.t. resign, but 25 new members are added. Move seen as part of behind-thescenes conflict between the original founders of the committees and the PLO, members of the Palestinian delegation over the nature of the committees. (Qol Yisra'el 11/13, Ha'Aretz 11/13, Israel Television 11/12 in FBIS 11/14)

Faisal Husseini holds debate with Riyad al-Maliki, leading PFLP supporter in West Bank and opponent of the peace process, at Bethlehem University. (MEM 11/12)

Syrian VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam meets with delegation from Palestinian National Salvation Front, including PNSF head Khalid al-Fahum, PFLP-GC Gen. Secy. Ahmad Jibril, Fateh-Uprising leader Sa'id Musa Muragha (Abu Musa), other top PNSF figures. Meeting comes in wake of improved Fateh-Syrian, PLO-Syrian relations. (al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio [clandestine] 11/12 in FBIS 11/14)

Pres. Bush, speaking before ameeting of Jewish American leaders in New York, regrets language he used during his 9/12 comments about the loan guarantees to Israel [in which he obliquely referred to the power of the Jewish lobby]. (MEM 11/13, 11/14)

Meeting of Israeli Labor party, called by Labor party leader Shimon Peres in an attempt to bridge gap among hard-liners and moderates within the party on foreign affairs and security matters, fails to reach agreement. Meeting comes in wake of rightward turn within Labor party toward security issues, evidenced by the tough 11/10 draft of the party's political platform adopted by the party's political committee and by the support given by several hard-line Labor parliamentarians to an 11/11 Knesset resolution that called for permanent Israeli control over Golan. (MEM 11/13)

Meeting of the "Damascus Declaration" nations ends without agreement on ways to turn their Gulf war alliance into a deeper multi-lateral relationship. (MEM 11/12)

Knesset passes resolution declaring Israeli control of Golan is not negotiable. The resolution was supported by a broad coalition which included members from Likud, Labor parties. Prime Min. Shamir states current borders and ceasefire lines (including 1967 occupied territories) are "an essential minimum of territory." (MEM 11/12)

Syrian vice pres. 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam meets with Fateh delegation which has been in Damascus during the week. (MEM 11/13)

Nayif Hawatma, leader of one wing of the DFLP, meets with King Hussein, Jordanian prime min. Tahir al-Masri in Amman. (MEM 11/12)

Foreign ministers of the "Damascus Declaration" nations (Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman) begin meeting in Cairo, the fifth time the countries have met. Meeting expressed satisfaction atrecent Madrid peace conference. (MENA 11/11 in FBIS 11/12)

Israeli army kills four persons in the western Negev desert who infiltrated into Israeli territory from Egypt. (IDF Radio 11/11 in FBIS 11/12)

Palestinian delegates return to West Bank via Allenby Bridge as thousands cheer them in Jericho. Member of advisory committee to delegation Ziyad Abu Zayyad announces establishment of"political committees" throughout o.t. to advise Palestinian delegates, reportedly under the leadership of Sari Nusseibeh in the West Bank and As'ad al-Saftawi in Gaza. DM Moshe Arens, Chief-of-Staff Ehud Barak, Police Min. Ronni Milo brief Israeli cabinet on decrease in intifada activities during the week after the peace conference, noting that incidents such as rock throwing have decreased 30% in West Bank and 70% in Gaza. (WP, MEM 11/11)

A poll described as the largest ever carried out in Israel is published, revealing that 74% of Israelis are ready to yield territory in the West Bank and Gaza for peace. Thirty-one percent stated that land in the Golan Heights should be exchanged for peace. (MEM 11/11)

PLO officials state Syria has agreed to allow PLO to reopen offices in Syria, that delegation headed by Faruq al-Qaddumi which arrived in Syria 11/8 was working on details of reopening offices. (NYT 11/10)

Chmn. Arafat arrives in Cairo meets with Pres. Mubarak, further symbolizing improving PLO-Egyptian relations. (MENA 11/10 in FBIS 11/12)

Faruq al-Qaddumi, top official of both Fateh and PLO, arrives at head of Fateh delegation to Syria in aftermath of Chmn. Arafat's recent meetings with Pres. al-Asad. (NYT 11/10; AFP 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

Israeli aircraft attack alleged DFLP positions in Rashidiyya refugee camp near Tyre, Fateh-Force 17 positions in 'Ayn al-Hilwa camp near Sidon in S. Lebanon, while Israeli-South Lebanon Army bombardment of S. Lebanese villages continues. (MEM 11/8)

Israeli DM Arens returns from China. (Qol Yisra'el 11/22 in FBIS 11/22)

Poll released in Israel finds that almost 30% of Soviet Jewish immigrants who have arrived in Israel since September 1989 would like to be living in another country within five years. Also, 52% stated they would advise other Soviet Jews to delay immigrating to Israel; only 37% had said they would do so in a similar poll conducted in June 1991. (MEM 11/8)

Israeli helicopters fire rockets at DFLP office in Palestinian refugee camp of Rashidiyya, S. Lebanon, while Israeli, South Lebanon Army artillery continue barrage of villages near Israeli "security zone." Israeli, SLA forces reportedly fired more than 1,200 shells during their two-week campaign of shelling. (MEM 11/7)

Chmn. Arafat arrives in Damascus at head of four-person delegation, holds talks with Syrian vice pres. 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam. Arafat later meets with Pres. al-Asad in Ladhaqiyya. (MEM 11/7)

At Damascus press conference, PFLP Gen. Secy. George Habash states PFLP has suspended its membership in PLO executive committee due to its opposition to peace conference. Habash notes PFLP will reserve final decision on whether to stay in committee. (Radio Monte Carlo 11/6 in FBIS 11/6; MEM 11/7)

Hizbullah-led Islamic Resistance movement detonates another roadside bomb in Israel's "security zone" near village of Rashaf; casualty reports vary. (MEM 11/6)

Secy. of State Baker criticizes 11/4 opening of Israeli settlement in Golan, calling it "provocative." (NYT 11/6)

Chmn. Arafat arrives in Amman for discussions with King Hussein in advance of return of Palestinian, Jordanian delegates from Madrid. The two cochair a committee overseeing activities of the joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation to the peace talks. (MEM 11/6)

Five Palestinians are injured when violent confrontations break out between Palestinians, Israeli security forces in Jenin following assassination of Fateh activist Mahdi Abu al-Hasan by Israeli undercover agents. Abu al-Hasan, whom security forces had been seeking for some time, was reportedly ambushed in his car without warning. (MEM 11/6)

First direct Moscow-Tel Aviv flight transporting Jewish immigrants carried out by Aeroflot arrives with 125 Soviet Jews. Flight was operated by Transair, an Aeroflot subsidiary. (Qol Yisra'el 11/5 in FBIS 11/6)

Israel, South Lebanon Army shell targets outside of Israel's "security zone" in S. Lebanon for tenth consecutive day. Gen. Antoine Lahad, commander of the South Lebanon Army, states Israeli-Lebanese peace talks will not lead to dismantling of SLA or of the "security zone." (MEM 11/6)

Israeli DM Arens makes secret trip to China. (ITV 11/8 in FBIS 11/17)

Less than 12 hours after concluding bilateral talks with Syria, Israel inaugurates Qela', new settlement in Golan. Present at the ceremony are three cabinet ministers, Rafael Eytan, Yuval Ne'eman, Anel Sharon. (MEM, WP 11/5)

Elections for Gaza chamber of commerce, first such elections since 1964, return thirteen pro-PLO candidates, two Hamas supporters, and one independent. Elections were viewed as a surprisingly strong turn of Palestinian public support away from Hamas, which opposes the peace conference, toward the PLO. (NYT 11/6)

Israeli army announces it will ban all demonstrations in the o.t., citing instances where some of the pro-peace conference demonstrations of recent days allegedly turned violent. (Ha'Aretz 11/4 in FBIS 11/4)

Second phase, face-to-face bilateral talks between Israeli, joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation begin in Madrid. Israeli negotiating team is headed by Elyakim Rubinstein, while Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi and Abd al-Salam al-Majali colead the Palestinian-Jordanian delegation. Negotiators agree to discuss proposal for Palestinian autonomy in occupied territories. Syrian delegation headed by Muwaffaq al-Allaf agrees to participate in direct talks at last moment, but no progress is made. Israeli team negotiating with Syria is headed by Yossi Ben Aharon. Bilateral Israeli-Lebanese talks also commence. (NYT, MEM 11/4; NYT 11/5)

Curfew imposed on Gaza on eve of peace conference islifted. (Qol Yisra'el 11/3, in FBIS 11/4)

Lebanon sends 500 troops to Kufr Rumman, Nabatiyya, S.Lebanon to face Israeli troops who have been shelling the towns. (NYT 11/5)

Faisal Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi, two other members of the Palestinian steering committee, fly to Morocco for consultations with Chmn. Arafat. (NYT 11/3)

Pro-peace marches continue in o.t., including one involving thousands of marchers in Jenin. Curfew imposed 10/27 on Nablus lifted, but is imposed on 400,000 Gaza residents. (MEM 11/4)

Thousands flee Kufr Rumman, S. Lebanon, after Israeli troops order them to evacuate the area, which has come under recent heavy Israeli artillery fire. South Lebanon Army radio broadcast also orders 100,000 residents of some 100 villages near the Israeli "security zone" to flee. Israel denies it officially ordered the evacuation, claims order came from a local Israeli commander or from SLA acting on its own authority. As Israel continues its bombardment of the area, Lebanese pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi calls Lebanon's defense council into emergency session, and Shi'ite Amal militia announces a general mobilization, vowing to stand with Lebanese army troops in repelling any Israel attacks. (NYT, WP 11/3)

Peace conference opening ceremonies end as each of the delegations delivers closing remarks. It remains unclear whether or not Syria and Lebanon will proceed to the second phase of bilateral negotiations with Israel, although Palestinian delegates indicate they intend to hold such talks. (NYT 11/2)

Pro-peace conference demonstrations continue in occupied territories. (MEM 11/1)

Some 4,000 anti-peace conference demonstrators turn out in Amman to hear leaders of the country's Muslim Brotherhood movement state that their "long battle with world Zionism" has just begun. (MEM 11/1)

Some 2,500 supporters of Hizbullah, anti-Arafat Palestinian groups protest peace conference in Sidon, S. Lebanon. Israeli jets later bomb Hizbullah positions near Luwayza, 'Arab Salim, S. Lebanon. Israeli, SLA artillery later shell Luwayza and Nabatiyya. (MEM 11/1; NYT 11/2)