The Palestine Chronology

Syrian, Israeli negotiators meet in Washington; U.S. Special Middle East Coordinator Dennis Ross observes. Military officers do not participate, pending agreement on composition of expanded delegations. (MM 12/20; QY 12/20 in FBIS 12/20)

Likud leader Netanyahu says Israeli army officials already met secretly with Syrian Amb. Mu`allim, U.S. coordinator Ross in Washington this month. FM Peres does not deny mtg. took place. (MM 12/19; WT 12/20; MENA 12/21 in FBIS 12/22) (see 11/30)

Rabin's government wins no-confidence vote (56 to 41) brought by Ultraorthodox rabbis who used FM Peres comments that King David was an adulterer to force PM Rabin to bring religious parties into the coalition in hopes of derailing the peace process. (WT 12/19; NYT 12/19; IDF Radio 12/19 in FBIS 12/21; WJW 12/22)

FM Peres makes statement before Knesset denying contacts with Iraq, reaffirming support for sanctions after receiving "demand" fr. U.S. to help consolidate support for U.S. position on Iraq. (HA 12/21 in FBIS 12/22)

Arafat asks French FMin. to transport 2,000 Fateh cadres fr. camps in Sidon and Tyre, Lebanon, to Gaza to bolster police force, help contain Islamist opposition. Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz says Lebanon has no objection. (Al-Majd 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; Al-Ra'y 12/30 in FBIS 12/30; AFP 1/4, RL 1/5 in FBIS 1/5; MM 1/6)

Israeli Pres. Ezer Weizman arrives in Cairo for 3 days of talks with Pres. Mubarak. Weizman says UN Res. 242 must be applied to Jerusalem "so that part of it would remain Arab." (MM 12/19; MENA 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; MM 12/20, 12/21; MENA 12/20, QY 12/21 in FBIS 12/21)

Arafat meets with UNRWA delegation to discuss moving UNRWA headquarters to Gaza; meets with U.S. Congressional delegation to discuss recent events in peace process, Israeli land confiscation. (VOP 12/20 in FBIS 12/20; PR 12/24; MEI 1/6)

PFLP-GC says it is reducing its military, organizational cadres by 30% and stopping payments to families of martyrs and wounded because of financial problems. (Al-Muharrir 12/19 in FBIS 12/19; Shishan 1/27)

2 IDF soldiers, 1 Hizballah mbr., 1 Palestinian Islamic Revolutionary Army mbr. killed in clashes in southern Lebanon. IDF shells villages north of self-declared "security zone," wounding 1 civilian. (RL 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; MM 12/20, 12/21; QY 12/19 in FBIS 12/22; NYT 12/20)

Israel, Jordan open embassies in Amman, Tel Aviv respectively. Crowds in Tel Aviv applaud; crowds in Amman protest. Ambs. to be exchanged in 6 wks. (JTV, QY, RJ, RMC 12/11 in FBIS 12/12; MM, NYT, WP 12/12; JP 12/17)

Arafat asks Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi to allow entry to 30 Palestinian families stranded on the Egyptian-Libyan border since early 11/94. The Palestinians, who have Libyan residency visas, traveled outside Libya but were denied permission to return. Libya says its policies on entry, reentry are an "internal affair." Egypt also denies reentry to group, says it is pressuring Israel to allow families to go to Gaza. Israel refuses. (VOP 12/11 in FBIS 12/12; Al-Hayat 12/11 in FBIS 12/14) (see 9/7)

1st group of Syrian tourists visits Israel, primarily to see their families in Galilee. (ITV 12/13 in FBIS 12/14)

Hizballah detonates bomb near IDF patrol in Marja'uyun, southern Lebanon, killing 1 soldier, wounding 7. IDF returns fire, killing 4 Hizballah mbrs. (AFP, RL 12/11 in FBIS 12/12; MM, NYT, WP 12/12; MM 12/13; JP 12/17)

Arafat, FM Peres meet at Erez checkpoint to discuss elections, troop withdrawal, implementation of DOP. Both say mtg. was constructive. (QY 12/8 in FBIS 12/8)

Israeli government releases vaguely worded statement saying it will uphold the DOP, but, Israeli cabinet remains divided on troop withdrawal. (QY 12/8 in FBIS 12/9; MM, NYT, WP 12/9; JP 12/17)

Jordanian FMin. initiates contacts with Syrian government in hopes of easing tensions following signing of Jordan-Israel peace treaty. (Al-Akhbar Al-Usbu` 12/8 in FBIS 12/8)

AIPAC announces it has restructured its operations to step up Congressional lobbying out of fear new Republican majority wants to reduce aid to Israel. (WT 12/14; WJW 12/15) (see 12/2)

Israeli Central Command Cmdr. Maj. Gen. Ilan Biran approves confiscation of 3,000 dunums of land to link Ma'ale Adumim settlement to Jerusalem, plans for 1,500 housing units, 10 hotels on site. Says expansion of Giv'at Ze'ev settlement fr. 22,000 to 40,000 dunums to link it with Jerusalem should be approved soon. (Ma'ariv 12/8 in FBIS 12/13; PR 12/24)

King Hussein asks M Ahmad 'Ubaydat, the only Senate mbr. to openly oppose the Jordan-Israel treaty and normalized relations with Israel, to resign. (JTV 12/8 in FBIS 12/8; CSM 12/22) (see 12/5)

1st issue of Hamas's daily Al-Watan is issued in Gaza. Shaykh `Imad al-Faluji, a Hamas leader in Gaza, is editor. (AFP, ITV 12/8 in FBIS 12/9; PR 12/18)

8 SLA soldiers killed in southern Lebanon when Hizballah detonates bomb as SLA patrol passes. (MM 12/9; ITV, RL 12/9 in FBIS 12/9; MEI 1/20)

Suha Tawil, Arafat's wife, announces she is pregnant. (NYT, WP, WT 12/9)

Turkish PM Tansu Ciller ends 3-day visit to Israel; meets with Arafat in Gaza City, pledges $50 m. to autonomous areas; causes conflict with Israelis by holding mtg. with PLO's Faisal Husseini at Orient House in East Jerusalem. (MM 11/4; WT 11/5, 11/6; QY, RMC, VOP 11/6 in FBIS 11/7; MM 11/7; MM 11/8; JP 11/12)

Syrian Pres. al-Asad, Lebanese Pres. Hrawi meet in Damascus to discuss Israeli PM Rabin's 11/1 remarks on southern Lebanon. (SARR 11/5 in FBIS 11/7; JP 11/12)

Israeli Dep. DM Gur says Israel will consider direct talks with Lebanon on phased pullout fr. southern Lebanon if Lebanese present viable plan ensuring total cessation of violence. (JP 11/12)

PNA announces Egypt will open representative office in Gaza, consulate in Jericho; Arafat names Zuhdi al-Qidrah as PNA representative to Cairo. (MENA 11/5 in FBIS 11/7)

Israeli study shows Fateh has not made any lethal attacks on Israelis since autonomy agmt. was signed in May. (QY 11/6 in FBIS 11/8; WT 11/8)

PM Rabin rejects offer by 2 Hamas leaders, Shaykhs Jamil Hamami and Hussein Abu Kwaik, to open dialogue. Offer is thought to be response to Dep. FM Beilin's statements 10/24. (WT 11/3)

Car bomb kills Hani Abed, leader of Islamic Jihad in Gaza; armed supporters riot, vow reprisals against Israel; no one claims responsibility for attack. (AFP 11/2 in FBIS 11/3; MM 11/3; VOP 11/3 in FBIS 11/4; WT 11/3; JP 11/5)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher announces he will resume trips btwn. Israel, Syria end of Nov. to spur Syrian track. (MM 11/3)

Arafat arrives in Cairo for talks with Pres. Mubarak on peace process, Casablanca; departs. (MENA 11/2 in FBIS 11/3)

In statement to Turkish reporters, PM Rabin suggests piping water fr. Turkey to Israel, Syria, Lebanon once peace agmts. are signed. (TRT Television, Ankara 11/2 in FBIS 11/3)

IDF orders Kiryat Arba settlers to remove stone monument honoring Baruch Goldstein, perpetrator of Hebron massacre. (WT 11/3; JP 11/12)

Israel shells areas of southern Lebanon. (RL 11/1 in FBIS 11/2)

Israel suspends all negotiations with PLO after Hamas announces it is holding an IDF soldier hostage. Hamas says it will kill the soldier 10/14 if 200 Palestinian prisoners--inc. Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, Shaykh Salah Shehadeh, Shaykh `Abd al-Karim Obeid, Mustafa al-Dirani--are not released. PM Rabin calls emergency cabinet mtg., suspends transfer of aid fr. donor countries, seals Gaza, says he holds Arafat responsible. Arafat condemns abduction, calls mtg. of PSF. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/12; AFP, ITV, JP, Al-Quds radio 10/11, MENA, VOP , QY 10/12 in FBIS 10/12; CSM 10/13; HA 10/14 in FBIS 10/14)

Jordanian, Palestinian officials conclude talks in Amman, announce broad agmts. on trade, customs, banking, civil aviation; agree to draw up position papers on Awqaf, refugees. (JT 10/12 in FBIS 10/12; JTV 10/12 in FBIS 10/13)

U.S. FM Christopher meets with Syrian Pres. al-Asad, says both Syria, Israel have made significant movements towards peace, says he has been pleased al-Asad has taken U.S. advice and made public gestures showing he is serious. (SARR 10/11 in FBIS 10/11; WP 10/12)

FM Christopher leaves Syria for Amman, meets with King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan to discuss U.S.-Jordanian relations, peace talks, Iraqi maneuvers. (JTV 10/11 in FBIS 10/12, MM 10/12)

PM Rabin confirms that rifles used in Hamas attack 10/10 were AK47's belonging to the Palestinian police. (NYT 10/12)

The Nobel committee decides to award the Nobel Peace Prize to PLO chmn. Arafat, Israeli PM Rabin. (MM 10/11; NYT, WT 10/12; CSM, WJW 10/13; MM 10/14)

U.S. Commerce Sec. Ron Brown holds mtg. with mbrs. of Overseas Private Investment Corp. (OPIC) delegation of Palestinian businessmen on 5-day visit to seek American funding for projects in West Bank, Gaza. (WT 10/12; JP 10/15)

Iraqi retreat is detected by U.S. intelligence. Pres. Clinton says it is too early to reach conclusions on Saddam Hussein's action, U.S. will continue reinforcement of the Gulf, may press for enlarging demilitarized zone along Kuwaiti border. (NYT, WP, WT 10/12)

IDF, SLA continue shelling southern Lebanon, "deport" 26 Kufr Hunah villagers fr. self-declared security zone. Lebanese FM Buwayz asks UN to act. (RL 10/11 in FBIS 10/12; MM 10/12)

Israeli PM Rabin publicly outlines timetable for early withdrawal fr. Golan for 1st time: proposes initial "very slight" pullback for 3 yrs. (preserving all settlements) in exchange for full normalization of relations, inc. exchange of ambs. Syrian FM al-Shara` replies Syria is ready for a "warm peace," but long period of withdrawal is unacceptable. (MM 9/8; ITV 9/8 in FBIS 9/14; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/9; JP 9/17)

IDF says it will change patrol routes in southern Gaza after study shows 1 soldier wounded in earlier attack was shot accidently by Palestinian police. New roads will be built for IDF use only; joint patrols will "only meet at junctions." (HA 9/8 in FBIS 98)

Arafat meets with Hamas leaders for 1st time, says PNA will give financial aid to Islamic University in Gaza, a Hamas stronghold. (AFP 9/8 in FBIS 9/9; JP 9/17)

Israeli FM Peres says Orient House is open for political meetings with diplomats, contradicting previous government statements. (Al-Hamishmar 9/8 in FBIS 9/8)

IDF arrests 1 settler fr. Qiryat Arba, 1 fr. Hebron on charges of harassing Arabs. (IDF Radio, QY 9/8 in FBIS 9/9; MM 9/9)

Hizballah fires on IDF patrol in Marj `Uyun in southern Lebanon, kill 1 soldier. 2 hrs. later, 2 Lebanese civilians wounded by IDF retaliatory fire. (ITV 9/8 in FBIS 9/9; WP 9/9; WJW 9/15)

Palestinian police release 10 Islamic Jihad mbrs. arrested 9/6. (QY 9/8 in FBIS 9/9)

American Jewish Comm. release survey showing 77% of American Jews approve of Israel's handling of peace negotiations; 53% believe PLO's true intent is to destroy Israel; 44% believe Palestinians are interested in "lasting peace." (Near East Report 9/19)

Israel, Jordan conclude economic agmt. permitting Jordan to export up to $30 m. of goods to West Bank through Palestinian merchants licensed by PNA. (QY 8/16 in FBIS 8/17; NYT 8/17; JP 8/27)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` briefs Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak on U.S. Secy. of State Warren Christopher's visit to Damascus. Shara` reports Israel willing to withdraw fr. Golan in 2 yrs; Syria wants withdrawal within months. (WT 8/17)

Jordan's King Hussein cancels trip to Jerusalem to attend Mulid al-Nabi prayers. (MEI 8/26)

Monsignor Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo takes up his position as 1st Vatican amb. to Israel. (WT 9/6)

PNA announces it will begin disarming civilians. Civilians have 2-wk. grace period to obtain gun permits. (al-Sharq al-Awsat 8/16 in FBIS 8/17)

Palestinian police arrest 3 Hamas mbrs. in connection with 8/14 shooting. (QY 8/17 in FBIS 8/17)

DFLP Central Comm. dismisses 10 Politburo, Central Com. mbrs. for urging front to join PNA as "constructive opposition." (WT 8/17; al-Sharq al-Awsat 8/16 in FBIS 8/17)

U.S. demands Israel end any secret contacts with Iraq after learning Israeli Lebanon coordinator Uri Lubrani had met with Iraqi officials. (WT 8/17)

3 South Lebanon Army (SLA) mbrs. killed by Hizballah in ambush in southern Lebanon. IDF, SLA shell Hizballah targets. (MEI 8/26)

Secy of State Christopher proceeds to Syria fr. Israel after mtg. PM Rabin, FM Peres, saying of recent fighting in southern Lebanon that "comprehensive peace is the answer."  Mtg. Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad for 5 hrs., Christopher bears "decisive request" fr. Israeli FM Peres to Syrian and Lebanese leaderships urging restraint of Hizballah.  (SARR 8/7 in FBIS 8/8; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/8)

U.S. officials announce in Jerusalem that conference on Middle East economic development will be held in Casablanca, Morocco, 10/30-11/1.  (NYT 8/8)

Direct Jordan-Israel telephone links inaugurated with call fr. Israeli Pres. Ezer Weizman to Jordan's King Hussein.  (Qol Yisra'el 8/7 in FBIS 8/8; CSM 8/9; WT 8/10)

Al-Nahar newspaper announces it will close down indefinitely after being barred fr. distribution in Palestinian self-rule areas.  (WT 8/1)

PNA announces it will send 5-mbr. delegation under Faisal Husseini to Jordan to discuss strains in relations caused by Washington Declaration.  (Jericho VOP 7/31 in FBIS 8/1; NYT 8/2)

PM Rabin, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak meet at Taba, Sinai.  Rabin says Israel understands there are "certain requirements" for peace with Syria, asks for gestures fr. Damascus.  (MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/1)

Pro-Iran Lebanese militants pledge to "bombard" northern Israel if Israel carries out threat of "painful response" to recent bombings.  UN sources say 5% of southern Lebanon's 300,000 inhabitants have fled.  (WT 8/1)

PNA bans distribution of al-Nahar newspaper, Akhbar al-Bilad magazine,  causing al-Nahar to cease publication.  Both publications regarded as pro-Jordanian; PNA says al-Nahar advocates "line that contradicts the national interests of the Palestinian people."  Pretext for banning al-Nahar is that it had not renewed circulation permit.  Akhbar al-Bilad publisher Nasr al-Din Nashashibi, calls PNA move "intellectual terrorism."  (Qol Yisra'el 7/28 in FBIS 7/29; CSM, WP, WT 7/29; NYT, WT 7/30; JP 8/6)

PLO, Israeli negotiators reach draft agreements to give PLO control of education, health, and taxation in West Bank.  PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath denies reports that Janin will be next self-rule area, saying "it's all the West Bank."  (Qol Yisra'el, MENA 7/28 in FBIS 7/29; CSM 7/29)

Gaza municipal council holds 1st mtg.  Municipality head Awn Shawa says main task is preparing for municipal elections.  (Algiers VOP 7/28 in FBIS 7/29; TJT 7/29)

Secy of State Christopher, testifying to House FA Comm., criticizes PLO Chmn. Arafat's admin. of Gaza, saying he feels "frustration" with him and that Arafat failed to comply with international donors' requirements.  (WT 7/29)

U.S. announces VP Al Gore will visit Israel, Jordan 9/94 to promote Syria-Israel talks.  (MM 7/28)

Syrian govt. newspaper al-Ba`th criticizes Jordan for signing Washington Declaration, calling pact a "surprise" and a "violation" of Arab position in peace process.  (NYT 7/29)

Jordanian M of State Jawad Anani, speaking to Washington Institute for Near East Policy, says Amman favors Dead Sea-Red Sea canal project with Israel, Aqaba-Eilat free-trade zone.  (WT 7/31)

Lebanese PM Hariri orders military to prepare for possible Israeli strikes in retaliation for 7/18 bombing in Argentina  blamed on Hizballah.  Civilians in southern Lebanon flee north in anticipation of Israeli incursion.  (NYT, WSJ 7/29)

WJC Pres. Edgar Bronfman says Argentina warned UK of potential bombings in London; UK denies advance warning.  Argentine govt. official says Iranian diplomats suspects in 7/18 bombing. (NYT, WP, WT 7/29; JP 8/6)

Israeli intelligence agencies reach agreement with unspecified other countries on counterterrorism cooperation.  (Ha'Aretz 7/29 in FBIS 7/29)

Israeli PM Rabin, Jordan's King Hussein sign "Washington Declaration" ending state of belligerency at White House ceremony with U.S. Pres. Clinton as witness.  Declaration says sides "recognize their right and obligation to live in peace with each other."  Agreement mandates direct telephone connections, linking of electrical grids, and immediate opening of 2 border crossings.  Declaration also recognizes Hussein's "historic role" in safeguarding Muslim holy places in Jerusalem. Clinton calls Syrian Pres. al-Asad after ceremony, saying opportunity exists for progress in Israel-Syria talks.  Later, Rabin and Hussein attend state dinner in their honor. (MM 7/25; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/26)

Israeli, Palestinian negotiators meet in Norway to discuss sharing of water resources.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; WT 7/26)

PLO Chmn. Arafat swears in Judge Qusay al-Abadlah as PNA chief justice and head of supreme court.  (Algiers VOP 7/26 in FBIS 7/27)

Kach movement holds paramilitary summer camp for youths at Qiryat Arba, including prayer at grave of Hebron killer Baruch Goldstein.  Organizers avoid direct connection to Kach, outlawed after 2/25 massacre.  (JP 7/25 in FBIS 7/27; WT 7/26)

Hizballah ambushes IDF patrol in southern Lebanon, killing 1 officer and wounding 13 soldiers.  IDF tank unit pursues guerrillas to Yuhmur village.  (RL 7/25, Qol Yisra'el 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; MM 7/26; WT 7/27)

UNSG Butrus Butrus-Ghali, in report to UNSC on renewal of UNIFIL mandate, orders study of how to reduce UNIFIL's 5,244-mbr. force.  (WT 7/27)

Argentine officials blame Iran for 7/18 bombing of Buenos Aires Jewish center as confirmed death toll reaches 80.  (NYT 7/26)

Israeli High Court of Justice accepts petition fr. Tsomet party to bar Yi'ud party fr. joining cabinet.  Yi'ud made up of frmr. Tsomet mbrs.  (MM 7/25)(see 7/12)

Israel lifts ban on entry of PNA officials into Gaza, Jericho after 4 Palestinians it holds responsible for 1974 Maalot massacre return to Egypt.  Due to enter are Yasir `Abd-Rabbuh, Ahmad Qurai`.  (MM 7/14)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, U.S. AID Administrator J. Brian Atwood cut ribbon on U.S.-funded $6.9 m. apt. complex in Jabaliya r.c., Gaza Strip, marking start of international aid to Palestinian self-rule areas.  Atwood also tours U.S.-funded sewage, urban-renewal projects.  (MM 7/14; WP, WT 7/15)

Association of Israeli-Palestinian Physicians for Human Rights petitions PM Rabin to allow ICRC access to Khiyam prison in southern Lebanon's "security zone."  (MM 7/14)

Israeli FM Peres tells United Kibbutz Movement "Israel recognized Syrian sovereignty over the Golan Heights,"  saying an agreement with Syria would entail withdrawal to international border, demilitarization of Golan, and unrestricted flow of Jordan River.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/14; MM 7/14, 7/15)

PLO official Nabil Shaath, visiting Jericho, postpones trip to Jerusalem's Haram al-Sharif in move interpreted as showing PLO reluctance to provoke Israeli right on Jerusalem issue.  (MM 6/20; NYT 6/21)

Jerusalem Waqf authorities stop Israeli bulldozers digging tunnel nr. Haram al-Sharif.  (TJT 6/24)

IAF airstrikes on Jabal al-Raffih in southern Lebanon wound 2 Hizballah guerrillas.  Raid follows Hizballah firing on 2 SLA positions. Incident is 22d IAF airstrike in Lebanon in year. Later, Hizballah ambush of IDF patrol in "security zone" kills 3 Israeli soldiers, wounds 3, according to Lebanese security sources.  IDF sources say only 1 killed.  Artillery and rocket duels erupt btwn. SLA, Hizballah.  (MM 6/20; CSM, WP, WSJ, WT 6/21; JP 7/2)

Syria deliberates on supplying Hizballah with SA-14 and SA-16 antiaircraft missiles in reaction to increased Israeli air raids, according to "diplomatic sources."  (WT 6/21)

Jordan's King Hussein, Secy of State Christopher meet in Washington.  Hussein says he hopes for high-level mtg. with Israel.  (MM 6/21; CSM, WP 6/22)

Palestinian police in Jericho, Gaza Strip receive salary, paid with $5 m. in U.S. aid.  Payment comes after PECDAR officials had complained of financial crisis.  (WT 6/9)

Deadline for release of 5,000 Palestinian prisoners under 5/4 agreement passes with only 1/2 that number freed.  (NYT 6/10)

Hizballah fires katyushas on northern Israel.  IAF sends 4 planes on sortie against Hizballah positions in Iqlim al-Tuffah, southern Lebanon in 18th IAF raid on Lebanon of 1994.  No casualties reported.  (WP 6/9)

Russian Chief of Staff Col. Gen. Mikhail Kolesnikov ends visit to Syria, having signed 12 military-cooperation agreements.  Russia reportedly agrees to sell Syria $500 m. in anti-tank weapons and radar, as well as $1.6 b. in other arms.  (WT 6/21)

Palestinians clash with IDF in Hebron, Ramallah.  (WT 6/6)

IDF closes 4 entrances to Nur Shams r.c., nr. Tulkarm.  (UNRWA News 6/15)

Nabil Shaath says world community "moving very, very slowly" on aid to Palestinian self-rule areas, PLO needs "bridging measures."  $7 m. received of $2.4 b. in aid pledged, according to Shaath.  (Qol Yisra'el 6/5 in FBIS 6/6; WT 6/8)

GCC foreign ministers issue statement "welcom[ing]" 5/4 Cairo Agreement as "positive step" toward "comprehensive" solution to Arab-Israeli conflict.  (Saudi TV 6/5 in FBIS 6/6)

Conservative Labor MKs form "3d Way" lobby group to limit amount of o.t. land ceded to Palestinians.  Group includes Agriculture M Yaacov Tsur, Dep. DM Mordechai Gur, 19 of 44 Labor MKs.  Lobby opposes Palestinian state, return to 1967 borders.  Group's outline of future o.t. settlement resembles "Allon Plan" of 1970s.  (WT 6/6; WJW 6/9)

Official Lebanese sources say Syria, Iran pressuring Hizballah to cease firing katyushas at Israel.  Reports follow 6/4 visit of Iranian FM Ali Akbar Velayati to Damascus.  (WT 6/6)

Arab League, Organization of the Islamic Conference condemn recent Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon.  (MENA, SPA 6/5 in FBIS 6/6)

Russian Chief of Staff Col. Gen. Mikhail Kolesnikov opens 3-day visit to Syria. (WT 6/21)

2 IDF guards at Haram al-Ibrahimi tell commission of inquiry they fired into door leading to mosque, contradicting officers' testimony and confirming accounts by Palestinians that soldiers fired on worshippers fleeing massacre. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/18)

Dep. DM Mordechai Gur visits Beit Hadassah, Qiryat Arba settlements toreassure Hebron settlers of govt. commitment to their safety. (CSM 3/18)

PLO accepts U.S. proposal, made in a telephone call by talks coordinator Dennis Ross, for 3/19 mtg. btwn. PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli FM Peres to explore resumption of negotiations. Arafat, PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Samir Ghawsha say talks' resumption contingent on passage of UNSC resolution condemning Hebron massacre. (MM 3/17; WP, WT 3/18)

Pres. Clinton telephones Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, Syrian Pres. al-Asad to brief them on his talks with Israeli PM Rabin. Clinton seeks Syrian commitment to rejoin Arab-Israeli peace talks even if PLO stays out. (NYT, WP 3/18)

Senate passes "sense of the Senate" amendment to banking bill urging Clinton admin. to veto any UNSC resolution that "states or implies that Jerusalem is 'occupied' territory." Resolution follows letter to Pres. Clinton signed by 82 senators criticizing UNSC draft resolution on Hebron massacre. (NYT 3/19)

PM Rabin meets Pope John Paul I1 in Rome as Vatican special envoy Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran meets PLO Chmn. Arafat in Tunis. (MM, NYT 3/18)

IDF kills 3 Hizballah guerrillas infiltrating "security zone" in southern Lebanon; later, 2 IAF planes rocket Hizballah base at Mlita, killing 2 guerrillas. (MM 3/17; MEI 4/15)

IDF guards at Haram al-Ibrahimi tell Israeli commission of inquiry Baruch Goldstein was wearing his army uniform and shooter's ear protectors when he entered shrine 2/25. During commission tour of massacre site, Hebron Muslim leader Shaykh Salih Natsha complains that IDF cleanup after attack destroyed important evidence. (MM 3/9; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 3/10)

400 Palestinians, including 135 PNC mbrs., and 5 PLO Exec. Comm. mbrs., sign petition demanding Israel-PLO negotiations remain suspended until Israel agrees to provide better protection for Palestinians in o.t. 100 PLO officials in Tunis issue separate, similar petition. (MM, NYT 3/1 1)

MK 'Abd al-Wahhab Darawsha and Israeli-Arab delegation meet in Damascus with Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad. Asad tells delegates he regards them as part of Arab nation, that Syria will pursue negotiations until it is convinced "there is no room for a just peace." Delegation supports Syrian peace policy, criticizes Israel's. (MM 3/10)

Israeli PM Rabin visits "security zone" in southern Lebanon, assures SLA cmndr. Antoine Lahd of continued Israeli support of SLA against Hizballah, Palestinian groups. (MM 3/9)

UN Human Rights Commission includes for 1st time, at U.S. urging, anti-Semitism in its annual condemnation of racism. Resolution also condemns anti-Arab, anti-Muslim prejudice. Commission also passes 5 resolutions criticizing Israeli policies in o.t. (NYT 3/10)

King Hussein departs Saudi Arabia after being denied mtg. with Saudi King Fahd. (MM 3/9)

Current round of Israel-PLO talks in Taba ends, both sides reporting progress.  PM Rabin says talks held in a "good atmosphere."  Security comm. divides into subcomms. on police, prisoners.  PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath says draft agreement on Palestinian police force reached.  (MENA, IDF Radio 2/17 in FBIS 2/18; MM 2/17)

During 2d day of bilateral Arab-Israeli talks in Washington, Israeli negotiators Uri Lubrani, Itamar Rabinovich complain to Lebanese delegate Suhail Shammas, Syrian amb. Muwaffaq al-Allaf over 2/16 katyusha incident.  Meanwhile, Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi, Syrian Pres. al-Asad meet in Damascus to discuss tensions in southern Lebanon.  (Qol Yisra'el 2/17 in FBIS 2/17; MM 2/17; SARR 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

Israel-Jordan-U.S. economic talks in Washington end, Jordanian side expressing reluctance to pursue joint projects with Israel until Israel-Syrian talks achieve progress, Israeli-Jordanian disputes over refugees, water, Arava region resolved.  (Qol Yisra'el 2/18 in FBIS 2/18).

Israeli PM Rabin blames 2/16 katyusha attack on "Black September 13" group, notes "our understandings with Syria regarding Hizballah remain in effect."  (Qol Yisra'el 2/17 in FBIS 2/18; MM 2/18)

Anwar Rashid Tahir Qtait, 24, killed by IDF at checkpoint in Saris [Misilyah??] village, nr. Janin in West Bank, when he makes a "threatening gesture."  In Halhul, IDF shoots and seriously wounds at least 4 Palestinians protesting 2/16 killing of Najwan al-`Izza.  (MM 2/17; IDF Radio 2/17 in FBIS 2/17)

Israeli Yuval Golan, stabbed in Hebron 12/29/93 by Palestinian, dies of wounds, becoming 201st Israeli killed by Palestinians during intifada according to AFP figures.  1,179 Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire in same period.  (AFP 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

Hamas's `Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigade issues statement offering "protection and weapons" to Palestinian collaborators who kill their Shin Bet control officers.  (AFP 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

MK `Abd al-Wahab Darawsha (Arab Democratic party) announces Syrian govt. has allowed him to visit Damascus at head of 31-mbr. delegation to pay condolences on death of Basil al-Asad.  Visit will be 1st official trip by Israeli Arab allowed by Syria.  PM Rabin calls trip a "positive step." (MM, WP 2/18; WT 2/19; NYT 2/20)

Congolese Int. M Martin Mberri confirms Brazzaville has signed $50 m. contract with Israeli company for training, equipping Congolese army.  Officials say 40 Israelis training presidential guard unit, 20 more to come.  Mberri says France will train regular army and police.  Congo armed forces fighting guerrillas loyal to frmr. dictator Denis Sassou-Nguesso for 8 mos.  (WP 2/18)