The Palestine Chronology

Arafat submits to the PA temporary election commission his application of nomination to run in 1/20 presidential elections, with a check fr. the PA Interior Min. for $3,000 and a certificate issued by Fatah, making him the 1st to officially enter the race. (VOP 12/17 in FBIS 12/18)

As scheduled, PA assumes control over Qalqilya. (NYT 12/17; VOP 12/16, 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; JP 12/23)

In Nablus, PA police round up, arrest 30 Fatah Hawks mbrs.; capture Fatah Hawk leaders Ahmad Tabuk, Amin Maqboul, 4 aides after brief shoot out. (CSM, WT 12/18; NYT, WJW 12/21; JP 12/30; MEI 1/5) (see 11/29)

Jordanian prosecutor general orders detention of Jihad al-Mawmani, chief editor of the weekly Shihan, for publishing article on narcotics, legal violations by beauty salons without 1st reporting the crimes to the authorities. Amman court orders release of Sawt al-Mar'ah editor arrested 12/13. (al-Dustur 12/18 in FBIS 12/19) (see 12/13)

Jordan signs 3-yr. (1996-98) economic adjustment program with the IMF meant to stimulate continued liberalization of the economy; signs debt rescheduling agmt. with Japan, World Bank, spreading the $115 m. owed over 10 yrs. (instead of 3), giving Jordan a $80-m. Japanese soft loan; approves regulations encouraging capital investment by foreigners. (JT, RJ 12/17 in FBIS 12/19; JT 1/1 in FBIS 1/3)

Israel proposes compensating Palestinians for land to be confiscated for building bypass roads in hopes of minimizing protests. PA protest, saying Oslo II does not approve confiscation of any lands. (QY 10/31 in FBIS 11/1)

Amman economic summit closes; issues formal declaration. (MM 10/31; JTV, Wakh [Manama] 10/31 in FBIS 11/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/1; Al-Aswaq, JT 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; MEI 11/3; JP 11/11)

IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Shahak authorizes the IDF to redraw redeployment maps. (JP 10/31 in FBIS 10/31)

On sidelines of Amman summit, Arafat meets with Swiss Economics M Franz Blancard, Chinese 1st Dep. FM Vian Tenri Pe. (VOP 10/30 in FBIS 10/30)

On his return fr. the summit, Secy. of State Christopher stops in Damascus to meet with Pres. Asad. (MM 10/30; SARR 10/30 in FBIS 10/30; SARR 10/30 in FBIS 10/31; CSM, MM, WT 10/31; QY 10/31 in FBIS 11/1)

In response to threats fr. Islamic Jihad following Shiqaqi's assassination 10/26, IDF raises the age limit for Palestinians entering Israel to 35 yrs; bars entry to all students, vehicles. Meanwhile, 1000s of Islamic Jihad supporters hold protest at Netzarim junction. (VOP 10/30 in FBIS 10/31; MM, WT 10/31; WP 11/1)

Following Qaddafi's temporary halt to expulsions (announced 10/25), around 750 Palestinians are allowed to return to Libya fr. Egypt. (AFP 10/30 in FBIS 10/31)

Amman economic summit opens. (JT, JTV, MENA, QY, VOA 10/29 in FBIS 10/30; NYT 10/30; WP 11/1; MEI 11/3)

In Amman, Secy. of State Christopher meets with PM Rabin, FM Peres to discuss Syrian-Israeli negotiations. (SARR 10/30 in FBIS 10/31)

In Amman, King Hussein meets with Secy. of State Christopher, Russian FM Kozyrev, Israeli PM Rabin, FM Peres. (JTV 10/29 in FBIS 10/30; JTV 10/30 in FBIS 10/31)

Islamic Jihad selects new head--Ramadan Abdallah Shallah, 40-yr.-old religious speaker, who received economics and political science degrees in England, U.S. In Gaza, Hebron Palestinians protest Shiqaqi assassination. (QPAR, QY 10/29 in FBIS 10/30; NYT, WP, WT 10/30; MM, WT 10/31; CSM, WP, WT 11/1; WJW 11/2)

Israeli navy fires on 5 fishing boats operating off the coast of Tyre, Lebanon; abduct 3 fishermen fr. 1 boat, interrogates them for several hours. (RL, VOL 10/29 in FBIS 10/30) (see 10/10)

Israel, Jordan sign agricultural agmt. (IL 10/26; JP 11/4)

In Gaza, Arafat receives U.S. Consul Gen. Abington, condemns Congress's vote on U.S. embassy legislation. (VOP 10/26 in FBIS 10/26)

EU delegation arrives in Beirut on 1st leg of regional tour. (RL 10/26 in FBIS 10/27)

PA submits request to Arab League for summit to discuss U.S. embassy issue. Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid rules out possibility, says Arab FMs can discuss matter on sidelines of Amman economic summit. (MENA, VOP 10/26, VOA 10/27 in FBIS 10/27)

In Jerusalem, Jewish Agency's Board of Governors meets to discuss its "most severe fiscal crisis to date," plans to cut $110 m. in social services, educational projects in the next 2 yrs. Board chmn. Charles Goodman says restructuring is needed, fears irrelevancy. Pres. of the United Israel Appeal (UIA), which funnels money fr. United Jewish Appeal to the agency, says UIA is facing "monumental debt," must make "massive, massive cuts." (WJW 10/26; JP 11/11)

Islamic Jihad leader Fathi Shiqaqi is assassinated in Malta, en route to Damascus fr. a mtg. in Libya to persuade Qaddafi fr. deporting more Palestinians. Islamic Jihad blames Mossad. (WT 10/29; AFP 10/29, QY 10/30 in FBIS 10/30; MM, WP, WT 10/30; WP 11/1; MEI 11/3; JP 11/4)

In Washington, Pres. Clinton discusses Israeli-Syrian, Israeli-Lebanese talks with King Hussein, Pres. Mubarak. Mubarak then meets with Defense Secy. Perry, congressional leaders. (JTV, MENA 9/29 in FBIS 10/1; NYT 9/30; JTV 10/9 in FBIS 10/10)

In New York, Israeli FM Peres meets with Qatar's Shaykh Hamad. (MM 10/2)

Jordanian opposition parties, independents attend antinormalization conference in Amman. This mtg. was originally scheduled for 5/29, but was banned by the government hours before it occurred. Organizers skirted the ban by holding the mtg. in private offices, rather than in a public forum. (JT 9/30, SARR 10/1, JT 10/2 in FBIS 10/2) (see 5/18, 5/29)

Kiryat Arba leader Zvi Katzover says he is forming a settler militia to take over IDF posts as IDF withdraws fr. Hebron, says 100s of settlers have already signed up. (WT 9/30)

2 days after he was arrested by 4 PSF mbrs, Palestinian-American Azzam Muhammad Ibrahim Muslih becomes the 4th to die in PA custody. (QY, VOP 9/29 in FBIS 10/2; NYT 10/1, 10/2; JP 10/7)

The Maronite Bishopric in Tyre lodges complaint with the UN observers in s. Lebanon, saying IDF forces confiscated and levelled 20,000 sq. m. of its olive groves nr. al-Duhayra. UN confirms the IDF has cordoned off the land with barbed wire. (RL 9/29 in FBIS 10/2)

Israeli cabinet approves Oslo II agmt., with Religious Affairs M Shimon Shetreet, Energy M Gonen Segev abstaining. (QY 9/27 in FBIS 8/28; MM, WP 9/28)

In Washington, 2-day Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) donor mtg. to reassess the aid process in light of Oslo II begins. (JP 10/7)

At the Pentagon, King Hussein meets with top Jordanian, U.S. defense officials (include. U.S. Defense Secy. William Perry). In Amman, Cmdr. of the U.S. Central Command Lt. Gen. Binford Peay III meets with heads of Jordan's Joint Chiefs of Staff. (WT 9/28; RJ 9/27, 9/28 in FBIS 9/28)

Arafat appeals to Qaddafi to stop the expulsions, allow the deportees to return. 177 Palestinians expelled by Libya, stranded at border btwn. Libya, Egypt for weeks are allowed to enter Gaza. 7 more families remain stranded at the Rafah checkpoint. (MM 9/27; VOP 9/27 in FBIS 9/28; CSM, NYT, WT 9/28) (see 9/26)

Palestinian Information Bureau stages march through Hebron, prayer vigil at Cave of the Patriarchs/al-Ibrahimi Mosque in protest over the Oslo II provisions for Hebron. PA officials, West Bank notables, Israeli Arab leaders, school children participate. (QY 9/27 in FBIS 9/29)

PA cabinet approves Oslo II agmt., with Labor M Samir Ghawshah, Telecommunications M `Abd al-Hafiz al-Ashab abstaining over Hebron clauses. (CSM, MM 9/26; VOP 9/26 in FBIS 9/26)

DFLP, Hamas, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria issue statements denouncing Oslo II agmt. (SANA 9/25, INRA [Tehran], The Times [London] 9/26 in FBIS 9/26)

PSF cmdr. Maj. Gen. Nasr Yusuf says he has 6,000 policemen, security personnel ready to assume duties in the West Bank; expects 4,000-5,000 additional men to come fr. outside the territories to assume duties. (VOP 9/25 in FBIS 9/26)

In Amman, Jordanian security forces arrest 3 Fatah-Uprising mbrs, charge them with attacking the Israeli embassy in the Hotel 9/18. (Al-Bilad 10/4 in FBIS 10/3 [dates as published])

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah shells IDF post, killing 2, wounding 2. (MM, NYT 9/26)

In Amman,  2-day mtg. of the multilateral working group on arms control closes. (JT 9/23 in FBIS 9/26)

In Nablus, Palestinians hold general strike in memory of those killed in clashes with the IDF 9/20. IDF uses rubber bullets, tear gas to disperse groups of demonstrators, seriously wounding 1; detains 4 Palestinian journalists. (MM 9/21; QY 9/21 in FBIS 9/21; ITV 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Nr. Yoqne'am settlement nr. Haifa, 2 Arabs attempt to kidnap an IDF soldier. Soldier overpowers, wounds 1 kidnapper; the other flees. (ITV 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Palestinians at al-Barid, Baddawi camps in s. Lebanon hold general strikes to protest Libya's expulsion of Palestinians. (RL 9/21 in FBIS 9/21) (see 9/13)

After Saudi Arabia, Jordan refuse landing privileges, hijacked Iranian jet is forced to land in Israel. Under pressure fr. right-wing MKs, family of missing IAF flyer Ron Arad (suspected to be held in Iran or by Hizballah), PM Rabin considers detaining plane, 174 passengers until Iran gives information on Arad's fate. (MM 9/19; IRNA [Tehran], QY, RMC 9/19 in FBIS 9/19; IRNA [Tehran], QY 9/19, 9/20 in FBIS 9/20; NYT, WP, WT 9/20)

Following the 9/18 attack, the Israeli embassy in Amman buys a 4-story building in the al-Rabiyah neighborhood nr. the Chinese embassy. (Al-Urdun 9/23 in FBIS 9/25)

In the 1st such case, Hugo Princz, 10 other American Holocaust survivors win $2.1 m. reparations package from Germany. Others who were Americans at the time they were imprisoned by the Nazis may claim part of the compensation package. (WJW 9/21)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bomb, killing 1 IDF soldier, wounding another. (RL, VOL 9/19 in FBIS 9/21)

Clinton administration eases travel ban on Lebanon, allowing citizens, noncitizens to travel on indirect flights btwn. Lebanon, U.S. Direct flights on U.S. carriers is still prohibited. (Washington Report Oct./Nov. 1995) (see 8/6)

In Amman, unidentified assailants open fire on the Forte Grand Hotel, which houses the Israeli embassy. (Al-Urdun 9/23 in FBIS 9/25)

In Gaza, IDF discovers, defuses bomb found on IDF firing rage. (QY 9/18 in FBIS 9/20)

U.S. Consul Gen. Abington, Mubarak advisor Osama Baz encourage Arafat to accept a compromise proposal on Hebron to complete Oslo II negotiations. (RE, VOP 9/14 in FBIS 9/15; WT 9/16)

In Gaza, Arafat meets with `Abd al-Majid Shuman, the chmn. of the Arab Bank board of directors, and a number of Palestinian investors interested in participating in infrastructure building. (VOP 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

In Amman, PM Bin Shakir, Oman's FM Yusuf Bin-`Alawi discuss improving Omani-Jordanian ties, importance of cooperation, consultation. (RJ 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

In Gaza, PA military court convicts 2 Hamas mbrs. to 12 yrs each for carrying out attacks with automatic weapons outside the self-rule areas. (MM 9/14; QY 9/14 in FBIS 9/14; Davar, HA, VOP 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

In Hebron, 2,000 Palestinians protest West Bank settlements, clash with IDF. IDF throws stun grenades into crowd, arrests 2. (MM 9/14; CSM, WT 9/15)

On 2d anniversary of DOP, Israeli police use water cannons to disperse 100s of Israelis protesting the accord outside PM Rabin's Jerusalem residence; 9 police, 20 protesters injured, 22 arrested. Also in Jerusalem, Palestinians clash with IDF. In Hebron, IDF attempts to disperse settlers outside nursery school, fires tear gas, injuring 11 toddlers. (MM 9/13; QY 9/13, QY 9/14 in FBIS 9/14; NYT, WP 9/14; MM 9/14; NYT 9/17; PR 8/22; JP 9/23)

In Beirut, Spanish PM Gonzalez meets with Pres. Hrawi, PM Hariri, FM Buwayz. (RL 9/13 in FBIS 9/14)

In Amman, King Hussein receives Qatari FM Shaykh Hamad Bin Jasim al-Thani, who expresses Qatar's warm feelings for Jordan, desire to "heal the rift in Arab ranks." (PETRA-JNA 9/13 in FBIS 9/15)

Israel appoints Ali Yahya as its 1st Arab amb. He will be posted to Finland. (MA 9/13 in FBIS 9/14; WT 9/14; MM 9/18; JP 9/26; WJW 10/19)

1 man is killed, 1 woman injured in an explosion in Gaza City. PA police say the man, a Hamas mbr., was preparing a bomb for an anti-Israeli attack when it accidentally exploded. (QY 9/13 in FBIS 9/14; QPAR 9/15 in FBIS 9/19)

Palestinians in the `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp in s. Lebanon hold general strike to protest Libya expulsion of Palestinians, Lebanon's barriers to their return to Lebanon. (RL 9/13 in FBIS 9/13; MM 9/14)

In Amman, technical comm. on refugees opens 2 days of talks. (WT 9/13; CSM 9/15)

PM Rabin arrives in Moscow for 3-day visit. (MM 9/12; QY, YA 9/12 in FBIS 9/12; DAVAR 9/17 in FBIS 9/20)

Arafat holds emergency mtg. in Alexandria with Pres. Mubarak, FM Musa to discuss Libyan expulsions, peace process. (VOP 9/12 in FBIS 9/13; NYT 9/13; CSM 9/15) (see 9/10)

In Madrid, Arafat adviser Faisal Husseini meets with FM Javier Solana. (EFE [Madrid] 9/12 in FBIS 9/13)

In Amman, Spain's PM Gonzalez meets with Jordan's King Hussein, PM Bin Shakir; heads to Damascus to meet with Pres. Asad. (RJ, RNE-1 Radio [Madrid], SARR 9/12, SARR 9/13 in FBIS 9/13; MM 9/13; RJ 9/12 in FBIS 9/15)

In Washington, Pres. Clinton awards Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, acting on behalf of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Congressional Gold Medal, honoring moral and educational inspiration. Congress mbrs voted unanimously to award the medal (one of only 100 ever bestowed) to the late rabbi. (WJW 9/21; JP 9/26)

In Elat, PA suspends negotiations for several hours in protest over Jericho closure, Israeli delay in letting PSF head Col. Jibril Rajub leave Jericho to attend negotiations. Israeli FMin. criticizes closure, urges IDF to lift it. IDF agrees to ease it. (MM 9/28; IDF Radio, ITV, QY, VOP 8/28 in FBIS 8/28)

In Jericho, 100s of Palestinians riot in protest of closure, temporarily take over IDF command post, wounding 3 border policemen. PA police quell riot, make no arrests. (QY 8/28 in FBIS 8/28; MM 8/29; WJW 9/7)

Israel, Jordan sign cooperation agmt. on health. (RJ, QY 8/28 in FBIS 8/29)

PLO's Qaddumi arrives in Amman for talks with PM Kabariti regarding Jordanian-Palestinian relations, peace process, upcoming Arab League mgt. (RJ 8/28 in FBIS 8/29; RJ 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

Brazilian FM Luiz Felipe Lampreia, group of leading Brazilian businessmen discuss trade issues with PM Rabin, FM Peres in Israel. (JP 8/29 in FBIS 8/31)

Knesset holds special plenum to discuss security situation in wake of 8/21 bombing, large-scale protests by right-wing settlers. (QY 8/28 in FBIS 8/29)

In reaction to Pres. Mubarak's demand 8/25, Israeli Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir expresses regret for IDF soldiers alleged killing of Egyptian POWs during 1956, 1967 wars but says Israeli law does not permit a person to be prosecuted for a crime committed more than 20 yrs before. (ITV 8/28 in FBIS 8/29; MM, WT 8/29; MA 8/29 in FBIS 8/31; CSM 8/30; JP 9/2)

14 PFLP-GC mbrs fr. Amman, o.t. announce they have broken away from Ahmad Jibril's group, are forming an offshoot called the "provisional leadership" that will support the PA; claim they represent 500 high-level PFLP-GC cadres. (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida 8/20 in FBIS 8/23; Al-Urdun 10/2 in FBIS 10/2)

In Tunis, PLO Exec. Comm. opens 2-day mtg. to discuss Oslo B agmt. 10 of 18 mbrs. attend. PLO Dep. Qaddumi, PFLP, DFLP boycott. Fr. Amman, Qaddumi strongly criticizes Oslo B, calls on PLO, Fatah to adopt his alternative draft "Palestinian National Program." (AFP 8/12, AFP, al-Ra'y 8/14 in FBIS 8/14; SA 8/13, RMC, VOP 8/15 in FBIS 8/15; MM 8/15, 8/16; SA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16)

Israel says U.S. Amb. Indyk is pressuring it to include Jordanian companies in the U.S.-Israel BIRD Foundation for research and development of advanced technologies. (YA 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

Israeli Police M Shahal warns PA that the East Jerusalem Municipal Council is illegal (see 6/10), Palestinians introducing themselves as mbrs. of the council will be arrested; tells Palestinian bodies operating offices in East Jerusalem to close within 2 wks or police will move against them. (QY 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

Israeli police arrest 3 settlers in connection with death of Palestinian 8/13. 250 settlers protest the arrest. (QY 8/14 in FBIS 8/14; CSM 8/15)

In retaliation for attack 8/13, IAF launches 14 strikes against PFLP-GC bases nr. al-Nai'ma, s. Lebanon, injuring 6 civilians. Arab League calls on U.S., Russia to rein in Israel. (QPAR, RE 8/14 in FBIS 8/15; NYT 8/15; SARR 8/15 in FBIS 8/16)

IDF closes West Bank, Gaza until 8/16. (ITV 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

Over dinner, U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk, U.S. Consul Gen. Abington, UN coordinator Larsen persuade Arafat to call FM Peres, invite him to open intensive one-on-one talks on transfer of authority. Peres accepts. (JP 8/6 in FBIS 8/7; MM 8/10; WP 8/12)

PM Rabin rejects Secy. of State Christopher's request to resume talks with Syria on the ambassadorial level, says talks must include military advisers. (ITV 8/2, AFP 8/3 in FBIS 8/2)

Israeli cabinet meets on but does not approve transfer of 8 spheres of authority to the PA. (MM 8/2; QY 8/2 in FBIS 8/2; QY 8/2 in FBIS 8/3) (see 5/22)

In Amman, PM Bin Shakir, PA Tourism M Ilyas Frayj discuss bilateral relations in light of the peace process. (RJ 8/2 in FBIS 8/3; RJ 8/3 in FBIS 8/7)

Israeli Supreme Court overturns ban on Jewish visitors to Temple Mount/al-Aqsa mosque courtyard during Jewish holidays. Jews will be allowed to tour the site beginning 8/5 but will still be prohibited fr. praying there. Site has been closed to Jews since 1990 riots left 17 Palestinians dead, 150 wounded. (QY 8/3 in FBIS 8/4; WP 8/7; MENA 8/4, VOP 8/5, 8/7 in FBIS 8/7)

PLO's Qaddumi arrives in Tripoli for talks on bilateral relations with Libyan officials. (Great Jamahiriyya Radio 8/2 in FBIS 8/2)

IAF strikes PFLP-GC bases in Syrian-controlled Biqa` Valley. Though the site is within range of Syrian antiaircraft batteries and despite the fact Syrian DM Mustafa Tlas is visiting Syrian army units in the area, Syria does not open fire. (CSM 8/3; YA 8/2 in IL 8/3; QPAR 8/2 in FBIS 8/4)

At the Russian Compound police headquarters in Jerusalem, 1,000 settlers demonstrate against expansion of Palestinian self-rule. Similar demonstration by over 1,000 Jews is held outside the Israeli consulate in New York. (QY 8/2 in FBIS 8/3; WJW 8/10)

Senate approves draft bill that would cancel Jordan's debt, sends it to Pres. Clinton for signature. (al-Dustur, JTV 7/22 in FBIS 7/24)

In Amman, Jordanian FM Kabariti receives Russian Dep. FM Posuvalyuk, discusses bilateral relations, peace process, Bosnia, sanctions on Iraq. (RJ 7/22 in FBIS 7/24)

PSF West Bank cmdr. Maj. Gen. Nasr Yusuf tours Jenin in preparation IDF withdrawal, says he expects to be given responsibility for Jenin in next several wks. (VOP 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

PA graduates 125 new security agents to be deployed in West Bank after IDF pullback. (WJW 8/3)

Nr. Beyt El, West Bank, Israeli police arrest 13 settlers blocking roads, burning tires, clashing with police in protest over government negotiations with the PA. (MM 7/21; QY 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

In dawn raids in Gaza City, PA police arrest 11 PFLP mbrs., incl. top officials, in connection with 7/18 attack. (AFP 7/21 in FBIS 7/24)

Israel, PA close 5 days of mtgs to draft transfer of authority accord. FM Peres says sides have reached "very important understandings," made progress on water, redeployment issues; PA officials say 19 points of dispute remain. Israel says it will free up to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners at the signing of the agmt., hopefully to occur 7/25. (MM 7/20; ITV, VOP 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; WT 7/21; WP 7/22; CSM 7/24)

Jordanian parliament's joint legal comm. endorses (by vote of 17-3) draft legislation that will formally end Jordan's role in the Israeli boycott. The bill will be up for parliamentary vote later this mo. (RJ 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; NYT 7/21) (see 6/28)

Palestinian-Israeli, Jordanian businessmen close 3-day mtg. in Amman; agree to focus on 3 areas of cooperation: exporting Jordanian products to Israel, producing goods in Jordan to Israeli specifications for the Israeli market or for export to 3d countries via established Israeli networks, sharing Israeli technology. (JT 7/20 in FBIS 7/20; RJ 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

Israeli police arrest 11 Palestinians, accusing them of working for the PA's Preventative Security Force (PSF) in East Jerusalem. (QY 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

Sharp differences emerge in PA-Israeli water talks. PA wants decision on water included in agmt. on transfer of authority. Israel is willing to discuss water distribution quotas only, says all other water issues must be set aside until final status talks. (QY 7/18 in FBIS 7/18; ITV, VOP 7/18 in FBIS 7/19; WT 7/19; CSM 7/20)

In Amman, 300 Jordanian, Palestinian-Israeli businessmen open 1st 3-day executive mtg. on reestablishing trade links, defining areas of cooperation. King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan, FM Kabariti address opening banquet. (JT, JTV 7/19 in FBIS 7/20)

In Amman, Shas party head Arye Deri leads 24-mbr. delegation in talks on Jordan-Israel peace with King Hussein. (JTV 7/18, al-Hayat 7/19 in FBIS 7/19)

PA passes law restricting media coverage of "security issues," prohibiting reports that harm "national unity," requiring publishers to print retractions of any information contested by the PA. (HA 7/19 in FBIS 7/21; WT 7/20; PR 7/28)

Knesset swears in Yossi Beilin as M of Economy and Planning, Ehud Baraq as M of the Interior. (MM 7/17, 7/18; QY 7/18 in FBIS 7/19)

Israeli teenagers are found shot dead in the West Bank, nr. Wadi Kelt in 1st deadly attack since 4/9 bombing. PFLP takes responsibility. 10s of settlers block road outside PM Rabin's office, chanting "We want revenge!" (QY 7/18, MA 7/19 in FBIS 7/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/19; AFP 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; PR 7/28)

U.S. envoy Ross makes unexpected return trip to Damascus to meet with FM al-Shara`, unsuccessfully tries to set date and agenda of next round of Syrian-Israeli military talks. (MM 7/13; MBC, SARR 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; MM 7/14)

PA charge d'affaires to Jordan `Umar al-Khatib announces Israel, PA have agreed that "PA nationals" abroad, whose travel permits were valid when they left but have expired, may return to the PA areas at any time without having to renew the permits, no matter how long they were abroad. (al-Ra'y 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

Delegates fr. Egypt, the EU, Israel, Jordan, the PA hold land transport infrastructure working group mtg. in Amman; discuss need for regional highway system, construction of bridges in Jordan. (JTV 7/13 in FBIS 7/18)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. and frmr. top negotiator Mahmud Abbas meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss the Palestinian stand on negotiations with Israel. (VOP 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

Heads of 4 leading U.S. rabbinical movements present Congress mbrs. with signatures of 600 U.S. rabbis supporting continued aid to the PLO. (MM 7/14)

Israeli Civil Administration appoints Lt. Col. Barukh Nagar, convicted several yrs ago of attacking 2 Palestinians, as governor of Hebron. (QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

PM Rabin says hill nr. Efrat occupied by settlers 7/12 has been zoned for settlement for more than a yr., says he will approve requests that mobile homes be set up at the site. (QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Hamas-PFLP coalition wins al-Najah student elections by vote of 43-28, marking 1st time in 14 yrs. that Fatah has lost the election. (PR 7/28)

Jordanian FMin. says FM Kabariti has held several mtgs. with the Kuwaiti charge d'affaires in Amman, numerous Jordanian officials have met with their Kuwaiti counterparts in an attempt to normalize relations, which soured during the Gulf War. (al-Dustur 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Syrian VP Khaddam, Iranian FM Hassan Habibi convene 2-day Syrian-Iranian Joint Comm. mtg. to discuss Hizballah, Syrian-Israeli negotiations. Khaddam reportedly asks Iran to help Syria push talks with Israel to a "positive conclusion" by accepting Syrian plan to disarm Lebanese branch of Hizballah following peace agmt. (MM 6/20; Voice of Iran 6/24, SA 6/25 in FBIS 6/25; MM 6/29)

In Amman, King Hussein, Arab Democratic Party MK Darawshah discuss Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. (JTV 6/24 in FBIS 6/29)

1000s of Palestinians clash with IDF across the West Bank as widespread protests erupted in support of hunger-striking prisoners (see 6/17). Outside Orient House, 13 Palestinians are injured when Israeli police fire rubber bullets at demonstrators. In Nablus, IDF uses live ammunition to disperse 200 women, wounding 2. PM Rabin says cabinet will discuss prisoners issue at mtg. next wk. (WP, WT 6/25; MM 6/26; WJW 6/29)

Israeli border police kill 1 Palestinian, capture 2d, let 3d escape when trio attempts to cross border fr. Jordan into West Bank. (QY 6/26 in FBIS 6/27)

Lebanese Forces cmdr. Samir Ja`ja` is given death sentence, commuted to life with hard labor for murdering Dany Chamoun and his family in 10/90. (RL, VOL 6/24 in FBIS 6/27; WP, WT 6/25; MEI 7/7; MM, WT 7/26)

Lebanese FM Buwayz sets 3 conditions for resumption of negotiations with Israel: U.S. must send Lebanon a credible Israeli proposal for review; proposal must not contradict Lebanese principles for resuming talks; Israel must 1st withdraw fr. s. Lebanon. (RL 6/22 in FBIS 6/23)

Multilateral Working Group on Water closes session in Amman. Parties propose joint projects totalling $50 m. (IGPO 6/23 in FBIS 6/28)

FM Peres, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meet in Amman, discuss water, technical, scientific cooperation. (MM 6/22; QY 6/22 in FBIS 6/22; RJ 6/22 in FBIS 6/23)

Arafat holds mtgs with Israeli Knesset Dep. Speaker Rafael Edri on implementation of 2d stage of self-rule; with UN coordinator Terje Larsen on UN activities in the o.t.; with World Bank rep. Kem Chin on donor states' assistance. (VOP 6/23 in FBIS 6/23)

Mahmud al-Khawaja, top leader of Islamic Jihad, is killed in a drive-by shooting in Gaza. Islamic Jihad blames Israeli security services, vows retaliation. Israel neither confirms, denies the accusation. (AFP 6/22 in FBIS 6/22; AFP 6/22, SA 6/23 in FBIS 6/23; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 6/23; PR 7/2)

In Hebron, IDF shuts 4th mosque in 2 wks. after security forces find alleged Hamas material during raid. (PR 6/18; QY 6/22 in FBIS 6/23) (see 6/15)

In Ramallah, IDF shoots, wounds 4 Palestinians during demonstration by 100s of Palestinians in support of prisoners' hunger strike. (HA 6/23 in FBIS 6/23) (see 6/17)

IDF shells Hizballah positions in s. Lebanon, killing 1 child. (QY 6/23 in FBIS 6/23; WP 6/24)

To date, 55 senators have signed onto Sen. Robert Dole's bill that would move the U.S. embassy in Israel fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (see 5/9). Secy. of State Christopher warns senators Clinton will veto. (JP 6/22 in FBIS 6/22)

In Cairo, PA, Israel open 3 days of talks on transfer of authority, focus on electricity, communications, water, public works. PA says it will accept phased Israeli withdrawal fr. West Bank within framework of agmt. that includes specific timetable. (MENA 6/20 in FBIS 6/21)

Multilateral Working Group on Water meets in Amman, then  convenes joint mtg. with working group on environment. Syrian, Lebanese representatives reportedly meet with Israeli delegate behind scenes. (IGPO 6/19; QY 6/30 in FBIS 7/5; MBC 7/15 in FBIS 7/17)

Under terms of 10/26 Jordan-Israel treaty, water pipeline fr. Lake Tiberias to Israel begins operating. (RJ 6/20 in FBIS 6/28; NYT 6/21)

PM Rabin, FM Peres, Environment M Sarid, IDF officers tour West Bank n. of Jerusalem to view plans for redeployment of IDF troops outside Palestinian towns. (QY 6/20 in FBIS 6/21)

Israeli FMin. deems PA's 1st "active" year "reasonably successful," Arafat "a dominant and indispensable figure" who successfully handled his opposition. (MA 6/20 in FBIS 6/20)

East Jerusalem Municipal Council, formally reactivated by Arafat 6/12, holds 1st mgt. (HA 6/26 in FBIS 6/27) (see 5/30)

House approves antiterrorism bill similar to that passed in the Senate 6/7 by vote of 23-12. Differences between the two must be worked out in committee. (WT 6/21) (see 8/4)

256 mbrs. of Congress send letter to Secy. of State Christopher in support of moving U.S. embassy fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Letter is a companion to the one sent by 93 senators 3/95. Christopher sends letter to Dole dissuading him fr. voting for bill. (Near East Report 7/3)

8th round of multilateral talks open in Amman. Multilateral Working Group on the Environment meets. (IGPO 6/19)

Irish FM Spring meets with Faisal Husseini at Orient House in East Jerusalem, discusses 7/1 deadline for agmt. on transfer of authority. Israeli Pres. Weizman cancels scheduled mtg. with Spring in protest; 100s of Israelis demonstrate. (QY 6/18 in FBIS 6/19; MM 6/19; VOP 6/19, QY 6/20 in FBIS 6/20)

Arafat arrives in Turkey for 2-days of talks with Pres. Sulayman Demirel, PM Tansu Ciller; encourages Turkey to give PA economic aid, put pressure on Israel. (VOP 6/19 in FBIS 6/19; VOP 6/20, MENA 6/21 in FBIS 6/21)

Jordanian Bar Association orders lawyer Ahmad al-Zu'bi to appear before disciplinary board for possible disbarment for leading Liberal party delegation on visit to Israel 6/12. (al-Majd 6/19 in FBIS 6/20)

After wks of negotiations btwn. Arafat and Imad al-Faluji, al-Faluji's pro-Hamas weekly al-Watan is permitted to reopen. Editor Sayyid Abu Musamih remains jailed. (HA 6/20 in FBIS 6/21; PR 7/25) (see 5/14)

Israeli lawmaker Avraham Burg is elected new chairman of Jewish Agency, calls assimilation the biggest threat facing the Jewish people. (WT 6/21; JP 7/15)

For 2d day, IDF moves reinforcements into Biqa` valley, raising tensions in s. Lebanon. (RL 6/19 in FBIS 6/20)

Georgian Pres. Eduard Shevardnaze meet with Pres. Weizman, PM Rabin, says Georgia will open embassy in Jerusalem before end of the yr. (QY 6/18, 6/19 in FBIS 6/19)

Russian Dep. FM Posuvalyuk meets with King Hussein in Amman, discusses peace process. (RJ 6/18 in FBIS 6/19)

FM Peres, DM Mordechi Gur brief Irish FM Spring on status of Jerusalem, Israeli relations with Lebanon, Syria; try to dissuade him fr. visiting Palestinian officials at Orient House. Spring then meets with Arafat in Gaza. (ITV, QY 6/18, HA 6/19 in FBIS 6/19; MM 6/19; IGPO 6/19 in FBIS 6/20)

David Levy, who quit Likud on 6/6, announces he will run for PM as head of his own party, tentatively called New Way. Party should have strong pull with pro-Likud North African, Arab Jews. (MM, NYT 6/19; QY 6/18, MA 6/19 in FBIS 6/19; MM 6/20; CSM 6/27)

IDF stops settlers fr. building road nr. Hashmona'im settlement. (IDF Radio 6/18 in FBIS 6/20)

Hizballah ambushes IDF patrol in s. Lebanon, killing 3 soldiers, wounding 7, losing 2 of their own. IDF shells Nabatiyya area in response, killing 1 Lebanese civilian. (QY 6/18, HA 6/19 in FBIS 6/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/19; BT 6/29; JP 6/24)

Secy. of State Christopher meets with Arafat in Jericho, discusses implementing next stage of DOP, encourages donor countries to fulfill pledges, praises PA efforts to curb violence; meets quickly with King Hussein in Amman to brief him on visit, assure him U.S. will forgive debt; returns home. (JTV, RJ, VOP 6/11 in FBIS 6/12; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 6/12; al-Quds 6/12 in FBIS 6/15)

PM Rabin tells cabinet that even when IDF redeploys fr. areas of the West Bank, Israel will retain the right to enter main Palestinian population centers to maintain security. Civil Administration officials present Rabin with plans to transfer authority over agriculture, energy, insurance, local administration, trade and industry, labor, postal services. (QY 6/11 in FBIS 6/12; MM 6/12)

In Cairo, Israel, PA close 2-day round of talks on expanding self-rule, reach draft agmt. on transferring responsibilities for labor to PA. (MENA 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; CSM 6/9)

IDF dismantles a military base in `Illar nr. Tulkarm. (CSM 6/9)

Multilateral Working Group on Economic Development meets in Amman. (JTV 6/7 in FBIS 6/8)

Quadripartite (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, PA) technical comm. on refugees convenes for 1st time in Beersheba. (IGPO 6/6; VOP 6/7 in FBIS 6/7) (see 3/7)

In Damascus, U.S. envoy Ross, Pres. Asad discuss agenda for Syrian-Israeli talks to be held in Washington 6/27. After mtg. Ross heads to Cairo to meet with FM Musa, stops on way to brief PM Rabin on talks with Syrians. (MM 6/7; RE, SATN 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; MM, WT 6/8)

German Chancellor Kohl meets with Arafat in Jericho, pledges additional $7 m. to the PA, says Germany will consider investing in industrial parks. (VOP 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; CSM 6/8; VOP 6/10 in FBIS 6/12; MM 6/13; BT 6/22)

In Geneva, PA Labor M Samir Ghawshah represents PA at International Labor Org. (ILO) mtg., blocks U.S., Israeli motion to delete topic of Palestinian workers' conditions fr. the agenda. (PWR 6/95)

Israeli parliament approves $70 m. for army to begin "Rainbow II"--a plan calling for months of construction of new bypass roads for settlers in and a slowly phased withdrawal fr. West Bank. (WP 6/8)

Natan Sharansky announces formation of new Movement for Israel and Immigration to aid immigrants economically, socially politically; says he may turn it into a party aimed at coalescing Russian immigrants into voting bloc for Israel's 1996 elections. (JP 6/8 in FBIS 6/9; JP 6/17; NYT 6/20; JP 6/24; CSM 6/27)

Israeli State Atty. rules that Shin Bet interrogator who caused death of Palestinian detainee 4/25 "could not and should not have expected a fatal result of his actions," will not be criminally prosecuted. (NYT 6/8) (see 4/28)

Senate passes Pres. Clinton's antiterrorism bill 91-8. Bill expands government use of wiretaps, gives FBI greater access to phone and credit card reports, expands authority to deport or refuse entry to immigrants, bans fundraising for foreign organizations designated as terrorist by State Dept., allows U.S. citizens to sue terrorist groups for personal injuries sustained in attacks. (NYT, WP, WT 6/8; WJW 7/27) (see 6/20)