The Palestine Chronology

In Hebron, 400 Palestinians clash with IDF troops, who keep them fr. reopening vegetable market that has been sealed since 1994. (CSM, MM 9/17; PR 9/20)

Shin Bet says that several wks. ago it managed to apprehend a Hizballah mbr. who arrived at Ben-Gurion airport fr. Europe. The alleged Hizballah mbr. is currently being held in a n. Israeli security facility. (MA 9/16 in WNC 9/17)

Kuwait gives approval for 3,300 U.S. troops to deploy in its territory. (MM, NYT, WP 9/17) (see 9/15)

Iranian delegation arrives in Ankara for 13th assembly of the Iran-Turkey security commission. (IRNA 9/16 in WNC 9/19; IRNA 9/22 in WNC 9/27)

In Izmir, Turkey's PM Erbakan, FM Ciller, Iran's FM Ali Akhbar Velayati discuss bilateral cooperation, proposed Turkish "security zone" in n. Iraq. Turkey asks for Iran's assistance in curbing the PKK. (IRNA 9/15 in WNC 9/17; Sabah [Istanbul] 9/14 in WNC 9/24; Iran News 9/18 in WNC 9/27)

Syrian Economics Min. announces new rules allowing Syrian citizens to deposit foreign currency in Syrian banks without being asked about the origin of the currency. (SARR 9/14 in WNC 9/17)

EU grants Jordan $128 m. toward the kingdom's economic reform program. (JT 9/14 in WNC 9/19)

Turkey gives 3 guarantees to U.S. concerning "security zone" it plans for n. Iraq (see 9/5): it will be temporary, bases will not be established, Turkey will not broaden the zone it establishes. U.S. Secy. of Defense William Perry says that the U.S. will support Turkey on the basis of these assurances. FM Ciller says zone is a priority, not simply to keep out PKK but also to prevent subversion fr. Iran, Iraq, Syria. (MM 9/6; Hurriyet [Istanbul], Milliyet [Istanbul], TDN 9/7, Turkiye [Istanbul] 9/8 in WNC 9/12; MEI 9/20)