The Palestine Chronology

Israeli Finance M Avraham Shohat and PLO chief economic negotiator Ahmad Qurai' sign agreement on economic relations btwn. Israel and Gaza-Jericho self-rule area in Paris. Accord provides for Palestinian central monetary authority, independent tax authority and rebate to Palestinian authority of75% of income tax levied on Palestinians working in Israel, coordination oftariffs, free movement of goods and services, free importation into Israel of Palestinian produce, establishment of Palestinian tourism authority. Agreement facilitates international assistance to Palestinian entity. (MM 4/29; NYT, WP, WT 4/30)

Israeli PM Rabin gives U.S. Secy. of State Christopher proposals for accord with Syria, reportedly including phased withdrawal fr. Golan Heights, after 2 90-minute mtgs. Senior U.S. official calls proposals "basket of ideas." (MM 4/29; NYT, WP, WT 4/30)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, Israeli FM Peres, and PLO Chmn. Arafat meet in Cairo, announce breakthrough on Gaza-Jericho agreement. Reportedly size of Jericho, duties of Palestinian police at border crossings, telephone and postal service remain to be resolved. Arafat and PM Rabin are to meet in Cairo 5/3 to resolve outstanding issues, sign self-rule accord 5/4. Christopher agrees to extend stay in region until signing, proceeds to Tel Aviv to discuss Israeli negotiations with Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria with PM Rabin. (MM 4/28; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/29)

Jerusalem District Court finds settler guilty of premeditated murder in 3/93 killing in Susia settlement nr. Hebron of Palestinian. Victim was bound hand and foot; settler shot him 9 times at point-blank range. Settler is sentenced to life in prison. (NYT 4/29, WT 5/4)

PFLP-GC figure Mustafa Khamis announces formation of "PFLP-Islamic General Command." (al-Sharq al-Awsat 4/28 in FBIS 4/29)

Secy. of State Christopher meets Saudi FM Prince Saud and other GCC FMs, Saudi King Fahd in Riyadh. Christopher thanks Saudis for "firm support" of peace process; Saud condemns terrorism, extremism. U.S. and GCC states reaffirm commitment to sanctions against Iraq. Christopher also mentions lifting tertiary Arab boycott, delivers letter to King Fahd fr. Pres. Clinton asking Saudi consideration of AT&T bid for updating Saudi telephone system. (NYT, WP, WT 4/28)

Russian Dep. PM Oleg Soskovets, Syrian DM Mustafa Tlas sign agreement on military cooperation, 1st by Russia with any state since collapse of Soviet Union in 1991. Agreement covers "defensive weapons and spare parts," training. Interfax news agency reports Moscow had assured Israeli PM Rabin any deal with Syria would exclude advanced military technology. Syrian debt for previous arms purchases put at $10 b. Other accords reached on trade, economic and scientific cooperation. (CSM 4/28; NYT, WP 4/29)

Secy. of State Christopher meets Jordan's King Hussein at latter's home at Ascot, nr. London. Sides reach compromise on UN searches of Aqaba-bound shipping. Under tentative accord, Lloyd's Register of Ships would search cargos for Iraq-bound contraband after they are landed at Aqaba. Jordan had threatened to boycott Arab-Israeli talks unless inspection issue resolved. (MM, NYT, WP 4/26; CSM 4/27)

Frmr. Palestinian negotiators Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi, Ghassan al-Khatib, and 21 other prominent Palestinians sign petition saying if PLO-Israel agreement permits continued expansion of settlements they will declare it "lacks legitimacy" and not binding on Palestinians. Petition says such an agreement would "not prevent the continued struggle of our people against the illegal actions of the Israeli occupier." (MM 4/25; NYT 4/26)

Israeli PM Rabin meets for 2 hours with Russian PM Viktor Chernomyrdin, signs economic and tax agreements. 2 leaders also discuss anti-Semitism, Russian aid to Syria, Iran. (MM, NYT, WT 4/26)

Damascus newspaper Tishnn welcomes Israeli PM Rabin's "step" on dismantling Golan settlements, but insists "Rabin knows full well that peace with Syria is impossible without the return of the whole Golan." (NYT, WT 4/24)

Israel-PLO talks on Gaza-Jericho self-rule reconvene in Cairo. (NYT, WT 4/17; MM, WP 4/18)

Israeli cabinet eases closure of o.t., allowing 4,500 Palestinians over 35 to return to agricultural jobs, 16,000 others to cross "Green Line" regularly for business reasons. Move follows Shin Bet report that none of the Palestinians who killed Israelis inside Israel entered under work permits. (MM 4/18)

Hamas issues statement to media in Jordan saying a"correct start" to peace process would be Israeli withdrawal fr. o.t., dismantling of settlements, and free Palestinian elections. Statement 1st sign of softening of Hamas attitude toward Israel. (MM 4/18)

3-day multilateral conference on Middle East water opens in Muscat, Oman. Attended by delegates fr. 41 countries, including 26 Israelis negotiators accompanied by 19 journalists, session is boycotted by Syria and Lebanon. Jordan sends observer, not negotiator, due to dispute with U.S. over UN searches of vessels docking at Aqaba. Event marks 1st time Israeli officials allowed in a Gulf Arab country. (WT 4/17, 4/18)

23 Palestinians expelled by Israel for resistance activities return to Gaza Strip fr. Egypt via Rafah crossing, 27 others to West Bank at Allenby Bridge. (NYT, WP, WT 4/6)

9 Palestinians wounded by IDF in clashes as Israelis continue evacuation of Jericho, Gaza IDF HQs. 3 of the wounded are in Jericho. (WT 4/6)

Danish, Italian, and Norwegian officials go to Israel from Cairo to discuss role of Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) contingents. (MM 4/5)

Pres. al-Asad holds 3d mtg. with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, returns to Syria. (MM 4/5)

IDF begins evacuation of HQ in Jericho, Gaza Strip as withdrawal starts. Troops in Gaza redeploy to guard Gush Qatif bloc of settlements. 2 Palestinians wounded by IDF while stoning departing troops. (CSM, WT 4/5)

Bank of Jordan opens 1st West Bank branch, in Ramallah. (MM 4/5)

Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad flies to Cairo, meets twice with Pres. Husni Mubarak. (MM 4/5)

Israeli police ballistics expert testifies to Israeli commission of inquiry, says police have identified all but 1 of 115 shell casings recovered at Haram al-Ibrahimi in Hebron. 109 shells traced to attacker Baruch Goldstein's weapon, 5 to those of IDF guards. (NYT, WT 4/5)

Pres. Clinton accepts State Dept. recommendation to retain Syria on U.S. list of nations involved in drug trade, citing Damascus's tolerance of opium growing in Lebanon's Biqa' valley. Syrian F Min. spokesman says decision part of U.S. pressure for Syrian concessions to Israel in peace talks. Lower-ranking NSC, State Dept. officials had reportedly recommended waiver for Damascus's participation in peace talks. (WP 3/31; NYT 4/1; CSM 4/4)

Arab League FMs end mtg. in Cairo without discussing end to boycott of Israel, Syrian FM al-Shara' saying issue not discussed because reasons for boycott persist. Communique condemns Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem, calls for international observers in o.t. (MM, WT 3/28)

UNSC passes Resolution 904 condemning Hebron massacre. U.S. abstains on "objectionable" passages in preamble. U.S. Amb. to UN Albright says U.S. allowed resolution to pass "with great reluctance" due to importance of restarting peace process. PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir 'Abd-Rabbuh calls resolution "an important sep," but declines to commit to resumption of peace talks. (NYT, WP, WT 3/19)

Secy. of State Christopher announces that Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria have agreed to resume negotiations with Israel. Talks to resume 4/94 in Washington, D.C. Arab decision follows telephone lobbying with King Hussein, Pres. al-Hirawi, Pres. al-Asad by Pres. Clinton. (NYT, WP, WT 3/19)

Rachel Manning, 54, awaiting extradition to U.S. in 1980 bombing case, dies in prison nr. Tel Aviv. Manning and husband Robert, 43, were JDL/Kach mbrs. and prime suspects in 1985 bombing death of ADC Regional Director Alex Odeh. Robert Manning was extradited 7/93 and sentenced to life 2/7/94. (NYT 3/20; WJW 3/24)

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)

2 Palestinians shot dead by IDF during protests against Hebron massacre. (NYT, WP 3/1)

PM Rabin calls on PLO to return to talks, hints he would allow an "international presence" in Gaza and Jericho. PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir 'Abd-Rabbuh says PLO sending 2 envoys to Washington to discuss talks' resumption. PLO demands international presence in o.t. to protect Palestinians, disarmament of all settlers, barring settlers fr. Palestinian cities and population centers, dismantling some settlements, including Qiryat Arba. U.S. rejects adding restrictions on settlers to negotiating agenda, but is willing to discuss international presence. (Tunisian TV 2/28 in FBIS 3/1; NYT, WP 3/1; NYT 3/2)

PM Rabin denounces extremist settlers in speech to Knesset, saying "You are not part of the community of Israel.... You are not partners in the Zionist enterprise. You are a foreign implant. ... a shame on Zionism and an embarrassment to Judaism." State Dept. spokesman Michael McCurry calls Israeli measures against settlers "unprecedented," says U.S. govt. "commended" steps. (MM 2/28; MM, NYT 3/1)

Mbrs. of Israeli commission of inquiry to investigate Hebron massacre named. Panel is chaired by Chief Justice Meir Shamgar and includes 1 Palestinian, Israeli-Arab Judge 'Abd alRahman Zuabi of the Nazareth district court. (MM 2/28; NYT 3/1)

UNSC continues debate on Hebron massacre, fails to agree on resolution because of differences on "international presence," reference to Jerusalem. (NYT 3/1)

Syria, Jordan confirm delegations not returning to Washington talks with Israel, but govts. say they are still committed to peace process, Syrian FMin. spokesman saying boycott "applies only to this session." (NYT, CSM 3/1)

Israeli cabinet orders some settlers disarmed, 1,000 Palestinian prisoners released in response to Hebron massacre, establishes commission of inquiry to investigate massacre. Govt. orders administrative detention of 5 Kach mbrs., but apprehends only 1 as well as 2 low-level activists. PLO Chmn. Arafat calls Israeli moves "hollow and superficial," reiterates demand for international protection of Palestinians ino.t. Settlers' council "rejects out of hand the proposals ... to confiscatehe weapons of Jews." (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Rioting against Hebron massacre continues in o.t., Israel, spreading to Negev. 3 Palestinians killed in demonstrations, including 1 Israeli Arab, bringing casualty totals to 65 dead, 360 wounded since 2/25. (WP, WT 2/28; CSM, NYT 3/1)

PLO Chmn. Arafat charges that "some elements of the Israeli army" assisted Baruch Goldstein in Hebron massacre. IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Dani Yatom counters that soldiers fired into air, all 111 cartridge cases recovered at crime scene fired fr. Goldstein's rifle. (NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Funeral of Hebron attacker Baruch Gold.. stein draws 300 mourners for procession fr. Jerusalem to Qiryat Arba. Mourners denounce journalists covering event as "Nazis"; Rabbi Yaacov Perrin, giving eulogy, proclaims "1 m. Arabs are not worth a Jewish fingernail." (NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria withdraw negotiators fr. Washington talks with Israel in solidarity with PLO. (RMC 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

UN Sec. Gen. Butrus Butrus-Ghali suggests sending international monitors to protect Palestinians in o.t. U.S. mission to UN calls offer not "particularly helpful or useful." Statement notes DoP provides for "temporary" international presence, but says UN should not "prejudge" Israel-PLO discussions. Russia supports Butrus-Ghali's position. (NYT 2/28)

Bomb made of 2 82mm mortar shells explodes in Sayyidal-Naja Maronite Church in Zuq Mika'il, nr. Juniya, Lebanon, killing 9 and wounding 60. PM Hariri calls bombing "a plot ordered fr. abroad." Info M Michel Samaha, Damascus Radio, and Maronite Bishop Bishara Rai blame Israel. (RL 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; SARR 2/27 in FBIS 3/1; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

IDF kills 3 Palestinians-1 each in Jerusalem, Tulkarm, and Gaza Strip-protesting Hebron massacre. 50 Palestinians wounded. Demonstrations throughout o.t. and in Israeli-Arab towns of Jaffa, Ramla, and Nazareth and in Galilee villages. 40 Israeli Arabs arrested in Nazareth, 10 in Ramla. Closure imposed on West Bank Palestinians and total curfew on Hebron; IDF guards posted at entrance to Qiryat Arba settlement. Qiryat Arba settlers travel under IDF escort. (Qol Yisra'el 2/26 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/27; WP 2/28)

PLO Chmn. Arafat demands international protection for Palestinians in o.t. Israel-PLO talks in Cairo, Taba postponed pending decision of PLO leaders. Arafat recalls PLO negotiators fr. Cairo, Paris, and Washington for consultations, emergency mtg. of PLO Exec. Comm. Israeli FM Peres accepts Pres. Clinton's invitation to shift talks to Washington, but rejects international presence in o.t. (MENA 2/26, 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/27)

UNSC debates Hebron massacre for 5 hours, takes no action. PLO, Organization of the Islamic Conference request international protection for Palestinians. U.S. delegation opposes monitors. (NYT, WP 2/27; NYT 2/28)

Demonstrations against Hebron massacre in Palestinian r.c.s throughout Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. King Hussein declares 3 days of mourning. (NYT 2/27)

Round of Cairo talks btwn. PLO and Israel on Gaza-Jericho autonomy ends, PLO official Nabil Shaath telling reporters "there is only a little left [to do]" on autonomy agreement.  Israeli negotiator Amnon Shahak agrees "real progress has been made."  (MENA 2/23 in FBIS 2/24; MM 2/24)

Israeli PM Rabin, in Lisbon, says Israel willing to allow 8,000-mbr. Palestinian security force in Gaza and Jericho to be equipped with patrol boats, "1 or 2" helicopters.  (MM 2/23; WT 2/24)

Secy. of State Christopher, testifying to Senate Foreign Relations Comm., says U.S. would provide peacekeepers for Golan Heights if Israel and Syria "consider it crucial to their reaching an agreement."  Christopher calls Syria-Israel talks "serious."  (MM 2/24)

PLO-Israel security comm. resumes talks in Cairo to settle details of Gaza-Jericho autonomy plan.  Civilian affairs comm. also expected to resume sessions.  (MENA 2/21 in FBIS 2/22; CSM 2/23)

UN holds talks in Geneva with France, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom on training Palestinian police force.  (MM 2/24)

FM Peres, speaking to Knesset Economics Comm. names Egypt, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, and Tunisia as Arab countries working to end Arab boycott of Israel.  Peres observes "the Arab boycott is the Arab world's problem, no less than ours."  (MM 2/21; Qol Yisra`el 2/21 in FBIS 2/24)

Syrian Interior M Muhammad Harba, speaking to Damascus conference on drug trafficking, says Syria rejects Israeli proposal for secret negotiations, calls Israeli proposal for referendum on Golan Heights an obstacle to peace.  (MM 2/21)

Settlers block West Bank roads with rocks, burning tires in continuing protests over killing of Zipporah Sasson.  Blockade coincides with "rush hour" of Palestinians going to work in Israel.  IDF prevents clashes by turning away Palestinian cars before they reach settler roadblocks.  Ballistics tests reportedly link weapon in Sasson killing to killing of Shin Bet officer previous week and 4 Israelis in 12/93.  (MM 2/21; CSM 2/22)

Lawyer for imprisoned Hamas leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin says his client's "life is under threat," but Israeli Prisons Authority spokesman says "there is no deterioration" in Yasin's condition.  Yasin is serving 15-yr. sentence in prison nr. Netanya for ordering killings of collaborators.  (MM 2/21)

Hamas issues leaflet warning Druze, Bedouin citizens of Israel to leave IDF "which has killed the sons of your people."  Hamas claims IDF replacing Jewish units in Gaza with Druze- and Bedouin-manned units.  (MM 2/21)

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)

Talks in Washington btwn. Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestinians resume in undisclosed locations, 1st since 9/93. Israeli official says Israeli-Syrian session, btwn. delegation heads Itamar Rabinovich and Muwafaq al-Allaf, held in "good and positive atmosphere." (CSM, WT 1/24; NYT, WP 1/25)

PLO-Israel negotiations in Taba, Egypt resume with mtg. of Civilian Affairs Comm. Security Affairs Comm. postpones session pending next Arafat-Peres mtg. (MENA 1/24 in FBIS 1/24, 1/25)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets in Riyadh with Saudi King Fahd, DM Prince Sultan, and Gov. of Riyadh Prince Salman. Aide to Arafat characterizes mtg., 1st since Gulf war, as "friendly and warm." Saudis pledge assistance to Palestinian "institutions and infrastructure" according to PLO official Ahmad Qurai'. (CSM, WP, WT 1/25)

King Hussein of Jordan holds 1st public mtg. with 30 American Jewish leaders in Washington, expresses desire for "warm peace" with Israel. (NYT, WP, WT 1/25)

Reuter reports Israeli businessmen have invested $5 m. in experimental farm at al-Jadida, Morocco, and are supplying irrigation equipment to farms in Hawz area nr. Marrakesh. (MM 1/24)

PLO Chmn. Arafat holds mtgs. in Cairo with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, FM Musa, and other officials to discuss progress of talks with Israel. Arafat then departs for Saudi Arabia for 'umra pilgrimage, mtg. with King Fahd. (MENA, SPA 1/23 in FBIS 1/24)

Napthali Lau-Lavie, aide to then-DM Moshe Dayan, says in memoirs King Hussein of Jordan warned Israeli PM Golda Meir of Syrian offensive deployment 11 days before start of '73 Arab-Israeli war. (WT 1/24; NYT 1/28)

Mukhtar of Sanniriya, nr. Tulkarm in West Bank, killed by masked gunman for collaboration with occupation. (Qol Yisra'el 1/23 in FBIS 1/25)

Secy. of State Christopher eulogizes Norwegian FM Johan Jorgen Holst at funeral in Oslo, meets separately with Israeli FM Peres, PLO Chmn. Arafat, urges them to reconcile differences. Peres and Arafat meet twice, report progress, Peres saying "there is a chance we can reach an agreement," Arafat that "we have overcome some bridges." Peres and Arafat agree to meet again 1/30 in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss security issues of Gaza-Jericho autonomous regions. (NYT, WP, WT 1/23; CSM 1/24)

PLO official Hakam Balawi announces PLO Chmn. Arafat will meet Saudi King Fahd after making 'umra pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in 1st visit by Arafat to kingdom since Gulf war. (WP 1/23)

Secy. of Commerce Ron Brown meets 26 Palestinian businessmen in Gaza City. 1st U.S. cabinet mbr. to visit Gaza Strip says "the economic situation in Gaza is unacceptable, and we should work to improve it." (WT 1/23)

100,000 Syrians attend funeral in Qurdaha, Syria, of Basil al-Asad, killed in car crash 1/21. Syrians in occupied Golan Heights observe 24 hours of mourning. U.S. represented at funeral by amb. Christopher Ross. (WP 1/23; CSM 1/24)

600 students at Gaza's al-Azhar university march to PLO office in Gaza City to protest intra-Palestinian violence. (WT 1/26)

Jordan's King Hussein, on private visit to U.S., meets Pres. Clinton at White House, discusses Arab-Israeli peace talks. (WT 1/22)

Basil al-Asad, presumed heir-apparent of his father, Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad, dies in a car crash in Damascus. (NYT, WP, WT 1/22)

Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Oslo for funeral of Norwegian FM Johan Jorgen Holst, mtgs. with Israeli FM Peres, PLO Chmn. Arafat. State Dept. sources travelling with Christopher say U.S. will not insert self into Israel-PLO talks. (WP, WT 1/22)

Arab League Sec.-Gen. Ismat 'Abd al-Majid, after mtg. with Secy. of Commerce Brown, says 3/94 mtg. of Arab League FMs will discuss lifting secondary and tertiary boycotts of Israel. (NYT, WP, WT 1/22)

Israeli farmer Moshe Becker, 60, stabbed to death in orchard nr. Rishon le-Zion, Israel. 3 Palestinians fr. Gaza Strip arrested for attack. (Qol Yisra'el 1/21 in FBIS 1/25; NYT 1/22)

Delegation of 80 American Reform rabbis leaves Jordan after brief tour following visits to Egypt, Israel. (JT 1/22 in FBIS 1/25)

Israel-PLO talks on implementing DoP resume in Taba, Egypt. (MENA 1/18 in FBIS 1/18; WT 1/19)

Secy. of Defense-designate Adm. Bobby Inman holds press conference to announce 1/6 withdrawal of his name, citing opposition to his nomination by Sen. Bob Dole, NYT columnist William Safire. Inman says Safire motivated by his 1981 decision as dep. director of CIA to restrict U.S. satellite intelligence provided to Israel after Israeli bombing of Iraqi nuclear reactor. Inman says then-Israeli DM Ariel Sharon complained about limitation to Secy. of Defense Caspar Weinberger, who supported Inman. (NYT, WP, WT 1/19)

PM Rabin says peace btwn. Israel and Syria may require Israel to pay a "painful price," notes he "expected more" fr. al-Asad but would "make do" and negotiate on basis of al-Asad's 1/16 Geneva statements. Rabin echoes calls for national referendum on Golan withdrawal. AP reports opposition by Likud, govt. coalition to plans for Israeli referendum on withdrawal fr. Golan. (MM 1/18, 1/19; NYT, WT 1/19)

IDF clashes with Palestinian stonethrowers at Hebron college. 7 Palestinians shot and wounded. (NYT 1/20)

Israeli govt. welcomes Syrian Pres. al-Asad's remarks in Geneva, FM Peres saying "there is a feeling of a more promising air" after Clinton-al-Asad summit. Dep. DM Mordechai Gur tells Knesset Rabin govt. would seek referendum on territorial compromise on Golan Heights. (MM 1/17; NYT, WP 1/18)

U.S. official Dennis Ross meets Palestinian figures at Orient House in East Jerusalem to discuss Clinton-al-Asad summit. (Algiers VOP 1/18 in FBIS 1/19)

Secy. of Commerce Brown arrives in Amman for talks with Crown Prince Hassan, PM al-Majali, other Jordanian officials. (RJ 1/17 in FBIS 1/17; MM 1/18)

Fateh slate wins Gaza Strip Palestine Trade Union Federation election. (Davar 1/18 in FBIS 1/19)

U.S. Pres. Clinton, Syrian Pres. al-Asad meet in Geneva. At press conference following summit, al-Asad says Syria is "ready to sign peace [with Israel] now," endorses "normal peaceful relations" following treaty. Clinton characterizes al-Asad's remarks as a "clear, forthright, and very important" commitment to the peace process. U.S. officials Dennis Ross, Martin Indyk sent to brief Israeli govt. on mtg. Israeli officials withhold formal comment, while Golan settlers block roads in protest. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/17; CSM 1/18)

Secy. of Commerce Ron Brown urges GCC states at U.S.-GCC trade seminar in Riyadh to end boycott of Israel. (MM 1/17)

Norwegian FM Johan Jorgen Holst, 56, who brokered Israel-PLO agreement, dies in Oslo after suffering 2d stroke in 2 mos. (WP, WT 1/14)

Edward P. Djerejian, frmr. U.S. amb. to Syria and asst. secy. of state, begins term as U.S. amb. to Israel. (MM 1/13; CSM 1/14)

PLO Econ. Dept. DG Ahmad Qurai' announces in Tunis creation of Palestinian Development Bank, with initial capital of $250 m., to channel aid to autonomous areas. (MM 1/13)

50 anti-DoP Palestinian inmates at Qetziot ("Ansar 3") prison camp launch hunger strike organized by PFLP, DFLP. (MM 1/14)

PLO-Israel talks resume in Taba, Egypt. Israeli delegation led by IDF Maj. Gen. Amnon Shahak, PLO by Nabil Shaath. Shaath estimates 3 weeks required for sides to reach Gaza-Jericho withdrawal agreement (MENA 1/10 in FBIS 1/10; NYT, WT 1/10; CSM, WP 1/11)

"Kahane Chai" mbrs. assault U.S. journalist Robert Friedman, visiting West Bank settlement of Tapuah. Group holds Friedman responsible for "witch hunt" against late Rabbi Meir Kahane, murdered in New York in 1990. (WP 1/11; WT 1/12)

3 U.S. congressional staffers tour villages nr. Sultan Ya'qub, Lebanon, in search for evidence of IDF soldiers missing since 1986. (RL, VOL 1/10 in FBIS 1/10; WT 1/11)

U.S.-Israel Joint Political-Military Group begins 20th session of talks on U.S.-Israel strategic cooperation with mtg. of military affairs. subcomm. Plenum, chaired by Israeli DMin. DG David Ivry and U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Robert Galluci, to meet 1/12. (MM 1/10)

"Damascus Declaration" countries (GCC states, Egypt, Syria) issue statement on upcoming Clinton-al-Asad summit "affirming their strong backing for Pres. Asad." (MM 1/10)

PLO-Israel economic talks in Paris resume. (AFP 1/3 in FBIS 1/4)

Talks in Tunis btwn. PLO Chmn. Arafat and 8-mbr. delegation fr. o.t. continue for 3d day. Delegation mbr. Nabil 'Amr says Arafat "displayed high readiness to listen and argue." Group seeks more openness in Palestinian decision-making. (WP 1/4; WT 1/5)

IDF shoots dead 1 Palestinian in Jabaliya camp, 2 in Shatti camp, during Hamas-led demonstrations. (MM, NYT 1/4)

10,000 Israeli opponents of DoP hold vigil at Jerusalem's Western Wall to pray for end of PLO-Israel agreement. (WT 1/4, 1/5)

Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu says if Likud takes power it will not be obligated to honor current govt's agreement with PLO, says accord not binding since Palestinians have broken commitments. (Qol Yisra'el 1/3 in FBIS 1/4; NYT 1/5)

National Security Adviser Anthony Lake, in letter to family of victim of 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 bombing, says upcoming Clinton al-Asad summit will not remove Syria fr. U.S. list of countries sponsoring terrorism. (WP 1/4)