43 / 15150 Results
  • December 25, 1999

    Italian PM Massimo D'Alema, in Bethlehem to attend PA Christmas celebrations, meets with Arafat, announces that direct flights btwn. Gaza and Rome will begin this spring. (ANSA 12/26 in WNC 12/27...

    Read more
  • December 16, 1999

    Israeli PM Barak, Syrian FM Shara` close 2 days of "friendly" talks in Washington, agree that teams will hold their 1st round of intensive negotiations 1/3+n9 in Washington. (MM 12/16; MM, NYT, WP...

    Read more
  • December 15, 1999

    The donors' Joint Liaison Comm. convenes in Gaza. (World Bank press release 2/1)

    The Israeli-Syrian talks resumes with a welcoming ceremony at the White House for Israeli PM Barak, Syrian...

    Read more
  • December 9, 1999

    The donors' Local Aid Coordination Comm. meets in Gaza. (World Bank press release 2/1)

    Secy. Albright ends her visit to the Middle East with a mtg. with Egyptian pres. Mubarak in Sharm al-...

    Read more
  • November 25, 1999

    In Moscow, Russian dep. FM Vasily Sredin meets with ambs. of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the PA, Syria and the Arab League envoy to discuss the peace process. (ITAR-TASS 11/26 in WNC 11/29)

    ...

    Read more
  • November 23, 1999

    The PA issues a statement saying that it "distances itself from statements made by Suha Arafat" made during Hillary Clinton's visit to Ramallah on 11/11, saying the criticisms of Israel were her...

    Read more
  • November 7, 1999

    A day before PA-Israeli final status negotiations are to begin, 3 pipe bombs explode in Netanya, Israel, lightly injuring 27 people, including a number treated for shock; a 4th pipe bomb is...

    Read more
  • October 28, 1999

    Israeli-PA ad hod economic comm. resumes mtgs., but PA delegation walks out to protest Israel's threat not turn over tax money collected on the PA's behalf until the PA halts all thefts of Israeli...

    Read more
  • October 27, 1999

    U.S. special envoy Ross meets with PM Barak in advance of the Oslo mtg. 11/2. (MM 10/29; JP 11/5)

    Israeli-PA ad hoc economic comm. meets to discuss economic requirements of the Wye II agmt...

    Read more
  • October 26, 1999

    Barak names Amb. to Jordan Oded Eran, to head final status negotiations with the PA. The PA reportedly does not think Eran is a senior enough figure, thinks his appointment is proof that Barak...

    Read more
  • October 25, 1999

    Israel opens the s. safe-passage route linking Gaza, the West Bank. (MM 10/25; NYT, WP, WT 10/26; WJW 10/28; NYT 10/31; JP 11/5)

    In Washington, Israel's Internal Security M Ben-Ami meets...

    Read more
  • October 20, 1999

    Pres. Clinton approves PM Barak's request to send U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Martin Indyk back to Israel as U.S. amb., a position he held fr. 1995 to 1997. (NYT 10/21; WP, WT 10/22; al-Quds...

    Read more
  • October 19, 1999

    Fmr. South African pres. Mandela meets Arafat in Gaza; gives address to the PC, urging Israel to withdraw fr. the occupied Palestinian territories, s. Lebanon, the Golan Heights. (WP 10/20; PANA [...

    Read more
  • October 17, 1999

    At the weekly cabinet mtg., PM Barak says that although he still has not found a suitable person to lead the final status team, comprehensive staff work has been done to formulate Israel's...

    Read more
  • October 15, 1999

    PM Barak's office says that despite a 2/00 deadline, Israel will not begin final status talks until Barak decides on Israel's strategy, names a negotiating team. According to his spokeswoman,...

    Read more
  • October 2, 1999

    Israel, the PA delay opening s. safe-passage route linking the West Bank, Gaza after failing to reach an agmt. on security procedures; plan to resume talks on 10/4. Under the Wye II agmt., Israel...

    Read more
  • September 28, 1999

    Reps. of 13 West Bank Palestinian refugee camps reject the PA's order to surrender illegal weapons. The PA has reportedly arrested at least 17 residents of Balata camp for refusing to turn in...

    Read more
  • September 15, 1999

    Donors' Joint Liaison Comm. meets in Gaza. (AYM 9/16 in WNC 9/21)

    PA gives Israel a list of names of its 30,000 police officers, fulfilling a Wye obligation. Israel wanted the list to make...

    Read more
  • September 9, 1999

    Israel releases 1st 199 of 350 Palestinian prisoners, 4 days late by the new Wye II timetable. (MM 9/9; NYT, WP, WT 9/10; VOA 9/10 in WNC 9/13; JP 9/17)

    Israel turns over to Arafat the maps...

    Read more
  • August 26, 1999

    Hamas, PA officials say that PA police have detained 40 Hamas activists in Gaza, 50 in the West Bank in the last few days on charges of plotting attacks on Israelis. (HJ, SA 8/26 in WNC 8/30; NYT...

    Read more
  • August 8, 1999

    The Israeli cabinet releases a statement saying that "in the absence of agreed-upon changes, the countdown for implementation of the [Wye] agreement will begin on September 1." Arafat welcomes...

    Read more
  • August 7, 1999

    1,000s of Palestinians are bussed to Arafat's headquarters in Gaza for a pro-Arafat demonstration in protest of a speech made by Syrian DM Tlas (8/2) accusing Arafat of having sold out the...

    Read more
  • July 20, 1999

    Pres. Clinton phones Syrian pres. Asad to brief him on his talks with Israeli PM Barak, encourages Syria to resume negotiations with Israel. (MM 7/20; WT 7/21)

    Meeting on the peace process...

    Read more
  • July 17, 1999

    PA security officials in Gaza report that Jewish settlers aided by the IDF have bulldozed some 200 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis, placed 15 trailers on the site, begun constructing...

    Read more
  • July 16, 1999

    In Washington, Israeli PM Barak meets with U.S. Secy. of State Albright, Asst. Secy. of State Marin Indyk, special envoy Ross over breakfast at Albright's home; discussion focuses on resumption of...

    Read more
  • July 15, 1999

    In Washington, PM Barak, Pres. Clinton hold private 21/2-hr. mtg., without aides or note-takers, to discuss framework for resuming Israeli-Arab negotiations. Barak reportedly...

    Read more
  • July 12, 1999

    Pres. Asad receives Jordanian chief of the royal court Kabariti, who was sent to Damascus by King Abdallah to assess the Syrian position on the peace process in advance of the king's mtg. with...

    Read more
  • June 23, 1999

    Syrian pres. Asad, Israeli PM-elect Barak trade public compliments in the press another sign that their nations are moving toward resuming peace talks. (MM 6/23; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/24; MENA 6/24 in...

    Read more
  • June 21, 1999

    PLO delays resumption of its PCC session on the end of the Oslo interim period, adjourned 4/29 and planned to be reopened in late 6/99, until after the formation of the new Israeli government,...

    Read more
  • June 18, 1999

    Pres. Clinton waives the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act requiring the State Dept. to relocate the U.S. embassy in Israel fr. Tel Aviv. If Clinton had not acted, the State Dept. would have forfeited...

    Read more

Italian PM Massimo D'Alema, in Bethlehem to attend PA Christmas celebrations, meets with Arafat, announces that direct flights btwn. Gaza and Rome will begin this spring. (ANSA 12/26 in WNC 12/27; al-Quds 12/27 in WNC 12/29)

In Amman, PA, Jordanian trade Ms hold talks on transportation, agricultural cooperation; prepare for planned 3-way trade mtg. with Israel. (JT 12/27 in WNC 12/28)

A Hizballah mbr. is killed, an SLA mbr. is wounded in clashes in s. Lebanon. (RL 12/25 in WNC 12/27; WP 12/26)

Israeli PM Barak, Syrian FM Shara` close 2 days of "friendly" talks in Washington, agree that teams will hold their 1st round of intensive negotiations 1/3+n9 in Washington. (MM 12/16; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/17; ITAR-TASS 12/17 in WNC 12/20; IRNA, al-Quds, SA 12/20 in WNC 12/21; JP, MEI 12/24)

In Washington, Orthodox Jews protest outside the White House, objecting to any return of the Golan Heights to Syria. (WT 12/17)

In Gaza, Russian dep. FM Sredin hands Arafat a message fr. Pres. Boris Yeltsin, discusses the peace process. (ITAR-TASS 12/16 in WNC 12/17)

In s. Lebanon, 3 IDF shells strike an elementary school, wounding 20 Lebanese children. Israel apologizes for the attack, which marks the 4th time the school has been hit by errant IDF shells over the yrs. Hizballah says it will not retaliate in light of the Syrian-Israeli negotiations ongoing in Washington. (AFP, RL 12/16 in WNC 12/17; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/17; DUS, ITAR-TASS, RL 12/17 in WNC 12/20; NYT 12/18; MEI 12/24)

The PA General Intelligence Service mbrs. detain, severely beat PC mbr. `Abd al-Jawad Salih for participating in a sit-in protest outside Jericho prison where several signers of the Petition of the 20 are still being held. (LAW 12/16; AYM 12/20, al-Quds 12/22 in WNC 12/23; MEI 12/24)

Pakistan extradites to Jordan for questioning a suspected Bin Laden associate Khalil Deek, the 14th person arrested for plotting attacks on tourists. (WP 12/18; JT 12/18, The News [Islamabad] 12/18, 12/19 in WNC 12/20) (see 12/13)

Iraq resumes oil exports. (WT 12/17) (see 11/22)

The donors' Joint Liaison Comm. convenes in Gaza. (World Bank press release 2/1)

The Israeli-Syrian talks resumes with a welcoming ceremony at the White House for Israeli PM Barak, Syrian FM Shara` hosted by Pres. Clinton. While Clinton and Barak speak briefly and optimistically of possibility of accord, Shara` gives a prepared address welcoming talks but listing Syria's grievances (see Doc. A5). Afterward, Clinton meets with Barak, Shara` together and then separately. Both men also meet privately with Secy. Albright, who then takes them to Blair House, where they discuss procedural matters, with Albright and special envoy Ross on hand. (CSM, MM 12/15; SA, XIN 12/15 in WNC 12/16; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/16; al-Quds 12/16 in WNC 12/20; AYM 12/16, IRIB Television [Tehran] 12/20 in WNC 12/21; MM 12/20, 12/21; JP, MEI 12/24)

At a cabinet mtg., Lebanese PM Huss says that Dep. PM Michel al-Murr will head the Lebanese delegation in talks with Israel when needed. (RL 12/15 in WNC 12/16; RL 12/16 in WNC 12/17; RL 12/18, 12/19 in WNC 12/20; MEI 1/14)

Interior M Natan Sharansky's Yisrael Ba'Aliya party, Housing M Yitzhak Levy's National Religious Party say the may pull out of Israel's coalition government if Barak agrees to return the Golan to Syria. Their departure would leave Barak with control of 59 of 120 Knesset seats. (NYT 12/16)

In Amman, King Abdallah, Russian dep. FM Sredin discuss the peace process. Sredin then leaves for Israel, where he meets with Israeli pres. Weizman. (ITAR-TASS 12/15 in WNC 12/16; ITAR-TASS 12/16 in WNC 12/17)

Jordan announces that the 13 Arabs (11 Jordanians, an Iraqi, an Algerian) recently arrested for plotting attacks against U.S. targets in the Middle East (see 12/13) were detained in the kingdom. Several others are wanted for questioning. (WP, WT 12/16; AFP, JT, SA 12/16 in WNC 12/17; CSM, WP 12/17; SA 12/17, JT 12/18, SA 12/19 in WNC 12/20; JT 1/6 in WNC 1/7)

The donors' Local Aid Coordination Comm. meets in Gaza. (World Bank press release 2/1)

Secy. Albright ends her visit to the Middle East with a mtg. with Egyptian pres. Mubarak in Sharm al-Shaykh. Afterward, Albright says that the U.S., Egypt are in agreement that multilateral talks should resume quickly. (MENA 12/9 in WNC 12/10; JP 12/17)

PM Barak says he thinks that a peace agmt. with Syria could be completed in a few mos. (NYT 12/10)

In s. Lebanon, 2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in a clash with the IDF. (RL 12/9 in WNC 12/13)

In Moscow, Russian dep. FM Vasily Sredin meets with ambs. of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the PA, Syria and the Arab League envoy to discuss the peace process. (ITAR-TASS 11/26 in WNC 11/29)

Chmn. of China's National People's Congress, Li Peng, arrives in Israel on a 6-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, especially in military cooperation. (XIN 11/25 in WNC 11/26, 11/29; WP, WT 11/26; XIN 11/29 in WNC 12/1; AFP 11/30 in WNC 12/1; XIN 11/30, 12/1 in WNC 12/2; NYT, WT 12/2)

In Tulkarm, 600 Palestinians fr. West Bank refugee camps hold mtg. to demand that the PA to fight for the refugees' right of return during final status negotiations. (BADIL press release 11/29)

Palestinians in Gaza City strike to protest price hikes on basic goods, such as flour and gas; they accuse PA monopolies of banning imports fr. Israel, then increasing prices. PA says it will investigate. (MENL 11/25)

Turkey's court of appeals upholds the death sentence against Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdallah Ocalan. The European Union (EU) warns that the decision may affect Turkey's chances of joining the EU. (MM 11/25; ATL 11/25 in WNC 11/26; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 11/26) (see 6/29)

The PA issues a statement saying that it "distances itself from statements made by Suha Arafat" made during Hillary Clinton's visit to Ramallah on 11/11, saying the criticisms of Israel were her own and not the PA's. The announcement was made immediately after U.S. Consul General John Herbst met with Arafat in Gaza to demand an apology. (WT 11/25, 11/28)

The Vatican criticizes Israel for its handling of the Nazareth dispute (see 11/22), saying Israel is laying the "groundwork for future contradictions and tensions" btwn. Christians, Muslims. Muslims hold a ceremony to lay the cornerstone for the new mosque. 100s of Israeli riot police deploy around Nablus, but no demonstrations or clashes are reported. (ANSA 11/23, AYM 11/24 in WNC 11/26; NYT, WP, WT 11/24; WJW 12/2; JP 12/3; ANSA 12/3 in WNC 12/6; MEI 12/10)

Jordanian police shoot, wound, arrest a man who fired a toy gun at security guards outside the Israeli emb. in Amman. (AFP 11/23 in WNC 11/24; NYT, WP 11/24; JT 11/24 in WNC 11/26)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem. (LAW 11/23)

Overnight, Jewish settlers set up 4 tents on a hill nr. Bethlehem. Israel says the IDF will dismantle the unauthorized enclave if the YESHA settlers council cannot persuade the settlers to leave voluntarily. (MM 11/23)

In Amman, 2,000 Jordanians attend solidarity rally organized by Hamas and professional unions in support of Hamas mbrs. deported on 11/21, call on the Jordanian government to step down. (JT 11/24 in WNC 11/26)

A day before PA-Israeli final status negotiations are to begin, 3 pipe bombs explode in Netanya, Israel, lightly injuring 27 people, including a number treated for shock; a 4th pipe bomb is dismantled. Israeli police arrest and later releases 2 Palestinians on suspicion of planting the devices; no group claims responsibility for the act. Israeli authorities think the crude bombs mark the work of individual Arabs, not Hamas or Islamic Jihad; PA suggests Israel's Russian mafia may be to blame. PM Barak, PA negotiator `Abid Rabbuh condemns the bombing but says talks will not be delayed. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/8; WP 11/9; WJW 11/11; MEI 11/12)

PM Barak tells his cabinet that UN Res. 242 is not applicable to the West Bank, Gaza on the grounds that the res. deals with sovereign states and not organizations. Arafat protests. DFLP head Hawatimah urges the PA to halt talks with Israel in response. (AFP 11/8 in WNC 11/9; al-Quds 11/9 in WNC 11/12; MEI 11/12)

In Paris on his 1st high-level official visit, Syrian heir-apparent Bashar al-Asad meets with Pres. Chirac, discusses resuming Israeli-Syrian talks. (AFP 11/7 in WNC 11/8; MM, WT 11/8; SA 11/10 in WNC 11/12; MM 11/11; MEI 11/12)

Israeli-PA ad hod economic comm. resumes mtgs., but PA delegation walks out to protest Israel's threat not turn over tax money collected on the PA's behalf until the PA halts all thefts of Israeli cars by Palestinians who sneak into Israel and taking cars back to the territories. (al-Quds 10/29 in WNC 11/2)

PLO Constitution Comm. opens 2 days of mtgs. in Gaza. (AYM 10/29 in WNC 11/4)

The ARDC meets in Gaza to prepare a short-term plan for improving functioning PA institutions, which will be submitted to the Rocard comm. for financing. (AYM 10/29 in WNC 11/4) (see 9/15)

Mauritania, Israel sign agmt. to upgrade their exchange of trade reps. an exchange of ambs. (MM 10/28; WP, WT 10/29; al-Quds 10/30 in WNC 11/2; AYM 10/30 in WNC 11/4; WJW 11/4; JP 11/5; al-Quds 11/7 in WNC 11/8; MEI 11/12) 

U.S. special envoy Ross meets with PM Barak in advance of the Oslo mtg. 11/2. (MM 10/29; JP 11/5)

Israeli-PA ad hoc economic comm. meets to discuss economic requirements of the Wye II agmt., adjourns without taking any decisions. (al-Quds 10/29 in WNC 11/2)

In Gaza, the PA-Egypt-Jordanian trilateral comm. on displaced persons meets to discuss implementation of Wye II, upcoming final status talks; calls for convening quadripartite comm. (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, PA) on displaced persons. Under Wye II, the quadrilateral comm., which has not met since 1997, was to have resumed mtgs. by 10/1. (MM 10/27; MENA, al-Quds 10/27 in WNC 10/28; DUS 10/28 in WNC 11/2) (see 10/6)

Iranian pres. Khatami arrives in France for 3 days of talks on improving bilateral relations, meets with Pres. Chirac. (MM, WT 10/27; CSM, NYT, WP 10/28; MM, WP 10/29; WT 11/3; MEI 11/12)

Clashes in Bethlehem btwn. Palestinian demonstrators, IDF continue for 3d day, leaving 12 Palestinians injured. (MM 10/27; NYT, WP 10/28)

A Lebanese military court issues a death sentence in absentia against Sultan Abu al-Aynayn, a senior Fatah official who has lived in Lebanon for yrs., for heading a subversive armed group. Abu al-Aynayn was unaware he was under prosecution until the verdict was announced. (AFP 10/27 in WNC 10/28; RL 10/28 in WNC 10/29; AFP 10/28, RL 10/29, 10/31 in WNC 11/2; WT 10/29; AYM 10/30 in WNC 11/3)

The Clinton administration authorizes the 1st direct military training for Iraqi opposition forces, which will begin next wk. (NYT 10/28; WT 10/29)

Barak names Amb. to Jordan Oded Eran, to head final status negotiations with the PA. The PA reportedly does not think Eran is a senior enough figure, thinks his appointment is proof that Barak wants to conduct real negotiations in a back channel. (MM 10/26; NYT 10/27; AYM 10/27 in WNC 10/28; AYM 10/30, 11/1 in WNC 11/3; NYT 10/31; JP 11/5) (see 9/16)

Israel also announces that David Ivri, a fmr. air force cmdr. and DMin. dir. gen. who is now on Israel's national security adviser, will replace Zalman Shoval as amb. to the U.S. Washington reportedly asked for Ivri's appointment, just as Barak asked for Indyk to return as U.S. amb. to Israel (see 10/20). (MM, WP, WT 10/27; MM 10/28; JP 11/5)

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in Israel for talks with Arafat, Barak in advance of the 11/2 Oslo summit.  During their meeting in Gaza, Ross, Arafat also discuss Israeli settlement activity, land confiscations, house demolitions. (AYM 10/26 in WNC 10/28; WT 10/27; AYM 10/30, 11/1 in WNC 11/3) (see 10/20)

In Israel, U.S. Defense Secy. William Cohen assures PM Barak, that the Clinton administration will press Congress to approve $1.2 b. in aid to help Israel implement the Wye accords; expresses concerns over Israel's proposed sale to India of Popeye air-to-surface missiles, which was jointly developed by Israel, the U.S. (WT 10/26; NYT, WP 10/27)

British FM Cook meets with the PA Jerusalem Affairs M Husseini at the American Colony Hotel in East Jerusalem for talks on Jerusalem's contested identity. Israeli, Palestinian security officials scuffle over who should guard Cook. (MM, NYT, WT 10/27; JP 11/5)

In Bethlehem, Palestinians, IDF troops clash for 2d day. Although the city is under PA security control, IDF troops are deployed to guard Rachel's Tomb, a Jewish religious site. A total of 30 Palestinians, 2 Israelis have been injured since 10/25. (MM, WP 10/27)

The IDF demolishes 2d Palestinian home in East Jerusalem in a 24-hr. period. (LAW 10/26)

In s. Lebanon, IDF shelling injures 4 civilians, damages 30 homes, an electricity station, and a water network. (RL 10/26 in WNC 10/27; RL 10/28 in WNC 10/29)

On the 5th anniversary of the assassination of its leader Fathi Shiqaqi by Mossad, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, aided by Hizballah, detonates a roadside mine in s. Lebanon, targeting IDF and SLA forces. This is the 1st time Islamic Jihad has staged an attack in Lebanon. No injuries are reported. (NYT 10/28; MEI 11/12)

Israel opens the s. safe-passage route linking Gaza, the West Bank. (MM 10/25; NYT, WP, WT 10/26; WJW 10/28; NYT 10/31; JP 11/5)

In Washington, Israel's Internal Security M Ben-Ami meets with Asst. Secy. of State Indyk, special envoy Ross for talks on the peace process. (WT 10/25; MM 10/26; WP 10/27; MM 10/29)

In Gaza, British FM Robin Cook meets with Arafat. (LPA 10/25 in WNC 10/26; MM 10/26)

In Ankara to inaugurate a housing complex that Israelis have built for Turkish earthquake survivors, PM Barak pledges to boost military cooperation, economic ties with Turkey; briefs Pres. Suleyman Demirel on status of Israeli-Syrian track; discusses possible bilateral military trade, water projects. (MM 10/25; ATL 10/25 in WNC 10/26; ATL 10/25, 10/26 in WNC 10/27; MM, WP 10/26; JP 11/5)

At Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem, an IDF soldier fatally shoots a Palestinian man. Officially, the IDF says the man came at the soldier with a knife, but a number of Palestinian witnesses claim that the solider's gun went off accidentally, and, after leading the distraught soldier away, other IDF troops planted the knife. The incident prompts demonstrations by 100s of Palestinians who throw stones, bottles at the troops, who respond by firing rubber bullets and tear gas, injuring 15. (MM, NYT, WP 10/26; MEI 10/29; JP 11/5)

Israel approves Arafat's request to allow DFLP leader Hawatimah to take up residence in the PA self-rule areas. Hawatimah currently lives in Damascus. (MM 10/25; NYT 10/26; AYM 10/28 in WNC 11/2)

The IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem. (LAW, MM 10/26; MM 10/28)

Pres. Clinton approves PM Barak's request to send U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Martin Indyk back to Israel as U.S. amb., a position he held fr. 1995 to 1997. (NYT 10/21; WP, WT 10/22; al-Quds 10/23 in WNC 10/28; MM 10/25; JP, WT 10/29; AYM 11/1 in WNC 11/3)

The White House announces Pres. Clinton's plans to meet Barak, Arafat in Oslo on 11/2 in an effort to promote a final peace settlement. Mtg. will take place on sidelines of a 2-day celebration in honor of slain Israeli PM Yitzhak Rabin. (NYT, WP, WT 10/21; AFP 10/21 in WNC 10/22)

Syria announces that it has shut an "illegal port" in Latakia built by Rifat al-Asad and taken "legal measures" against Rifat and several army officers. Some sources believe the government story is a cover for a raid on Rifat's Latakia house, where his supporters have been holed up since the government crackdown against them began last mo. (MM 10/21, 10/22; SA 10/22 in WNC 10/25; Le Monde 10/25 in WNC 10/28; MEI 10/29) (see 9/24)

100s of ultraortodox settlers set up a makeshift synagogue at Havat Maon, 1 of the "illegal" enclaves ordered dismantled by Barak. (NYT 10/21; WT 11/11)

Israeli police arrest Maj. Naftali Halevi, head of the permits section at Erez crossing, 2 other Israeli Erez employees, 3 Palestinians on charges of taking bribes to issue permits to enter Israel. A senior official in the PA Agriculture Min., who has not been arrested, was allegedly get a cut of the profits. (AYM 10/26 in WNC 10/28)

Israeli police search home of fmr. PM Netanyahu, seize 10s of valuables in an attempt to recover government property he allegedly took with him when he left office. Netanyahu is under investigation for accepting illegal favors fr. contractor while in office. (NYT, WP, WT 10/21; MM 10/25) (see 9/15)

In Gaza, FIDA, PFLP officials hold coordination mtg.; agree on need to hold broad national dialogue on final status, combat Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscations, preserve the Arab character of Jerusalem. (AYM 10/21 in WNC 10/25)

Fmr. South African pres. Mandela meets Arafat in Gaza; gives address to the PC, urging Israel to withdraw fr. the occupied Palestinian territories, s. Lebanon, the Golan Heights. (WP 10/20; PANA [Dakar] 10/20 in WNC 10/21; MM 10/21; WP 10/25; MM 10/26)

Lebanese PM Huss receives a message fr. U.S. Asst. Secy. of State for Political Affairs Thomas Pickering expressing support for Lebanon's position on the need to implement UN Res. 425, on refusing to delink the Lebanese and Syrian peace tracks. (RL 10/19 in WNC 10/20; SA 10/27 in WNC 10/28)

A small group of ultranationalist settlers prevent mbrs. of the YESHA settlers' council fr. hauling away the lone shipping container marking Shvut Rachel (also known as Hill 804), one of the enclaves that Barak ordered dismantled. The IDF is present, but does not intervene. After dark, YESHA mbrs. manage to dismantle a water tower, the only structure at the site of a 2d, uninhabited enclave, Hill 827. (MM 10/19; AFP 10/19 in WNC 10/20; WP, WT 10/20; CSM 10/27)

Jordan Press Association expels 3 reporters (fr. al-Dustur, Jordan Times, al-Ra'i), bars them fr. practicing journalism for violating an ban on normalization with Israel. The reporters recently went on a tour of Israel for journalists fr. the Arab world, sponsored by Haifa University. (NYT, WT 10/20; JT 10/20 in WNC 10/21; JT 10/21 in WNC 10/22)

At the weekly cabinet mtg., PM Barak says that although he still has not found a suitable person to lead the final status team, comprehensive staff work has been done to formulate Israel's position in the political-security sphere and on the subject of economic separation. (MM 10/18; al-Quds 10/19 in WNC 10/20; AYM 10/21 in WNC 10/25; WT 10/23)

Opening of s. safe-passage route, scheduled for today, is delayed for 2d time, because Israeli, PA officials cannot agree on the location of a joint office in Gaza that would hand out travel permits to Palestinians. (WP 10/17; AYM 10/21 in WNC 10/25) (see 10/4)

In Damascus, Syrian pres. Asad receives Jordanian FM Khatib for talks on the peace process, briefing on King Abdallah's mtg. with Pres. Clinton. (GIU 10/18; CSM 10/19; SA 10/20 in WNC 10/21)

Arab Human Rights Organization calls on Jordan to immediately release the 20 Hamas political leaders, activists it has detained since 8/31. King Abdallah says he believes that a "formula" can be reached to resolve the issue. The Muslim Brotherhood is still mediating. (AFP 10/19, JT 10/20 in WNC 10/21; WT 10/20; JT 10/21 in WNC 10/22; MEI 10/29) (see 9/22)

Jordan's Interior Min. says that it has detained 3 Israeli Arabs on charges of selling Palestinian land in Jerusalem to Israelis using forged land-sale affidavits. 3 other men are wanted. (al-Quds 10/19 in WNC 10/21; JT 10/31 in WNC 11/2)

Israeli Interior M Sharansky rescinds the regulation allowing the residency rights of East Jerusalem Palestinians to be revoked on the grounds that their tax, water, electricity, rental, school or enrollment records suggest they may have lived outside the city for some time during the past 7 yrs.; does not say whether Palestinians who had their residency revoked under this law will have their rights restored. (MM, NYT 10/18; al-Quds 10/18, AYM 10/19 in WNC 10/21; al-Quds 10/21 in WNC 10/25; JP 10/29) (see 7/20)

Some 5,000 Jewish settlers, angered by Barak's plans to fully or partially dismantle 12 settlements, protest outside the PM's home. (MM, WP, WT 10/18; AYM 10/19 in WNC 10/21; MEI 10/29)

In Nazareth, a group Muslim Palestinians angry over the city's plans to construct a large plaza next to the Church of the Annunciation on a site that was slated for construction of a mosque attack, slightly injure the town's Christian mayor, Ramiz Jaraisi. Israeli police arrest 2 suspects. (WT 10/18, 10/20) (see 4/20)

A new press and publication law goes into effect in Jordan, replacing the controversial 1998 press law. While the new version lifts the ban on nearly 1,000 books, reduces the amounts that journalists can be fined for violations, and lowers the minimum capital a newspaper must hold to be licensed, the Jordan Press Association cautions that it does not ban the arrest of journalists for political reasons. (JT 10/18 in WNC 10/19; JT 10/30 in WNC 11/2)

PM Barak's office says that despite a 2/00 deadline, Israel will not begin final status talks until Barak decides on Israel's strategy, names a negotiating team. According to his spokeswoman, Barak is considering using informal mtgs., such as the secret mtg. with Arafat on 9/16, to hammer out a framework agmt. by 2/00. (WT 10/16)

Israel frees 151 Palestinian prisoners (83 fr. Gaza, 31 fr. West Bank, 37 fr. other Arab countries), completing the 2d stage of the Wye II prisoner release. (MM, WP, WT 10/15; WT 10/16; JT, MENA 10/16, DUS 10/17 in WNC 10/18; al-Quds 10/16 in WNC 10/19; JP 10/22; DUS, JT 10/24 in WNC 10/25)

100s of Palestinians in Wihdat refugee camp in Amman hold a rally in support of Hamas. 10s of antiriot, plain clothes police surround the main entrances to the camp to prevent the demonstrators fr. taking the protest outside. (JT 10/16 in WNC 10/18; AYM 10/20 in WNC 10/21)

Israel, the PA delay opening s. safe-passage route linking the West Bank, Gaza after failing to reach an agmt. on security procedures; plan to resume talks on 10/4. Under the Wye II agmt., Israel, the PA were to have concluded a protocol on safe passage by 9/30, opened the route by 10/1. Israel demands that it retain sovereignty over the 28-mile route, which will follow existing Israeli roads; that it have sole control over which Palestinians could use the road; that it be able to arrest Palestinians on the road, escort busses. (AFP 10/2 in WNC 10/4; WT 10/3; AYM 10/3 in WNC 10/5; NYT, WP 10/4; JP 10/8; MEI 10/15)

Reps. of 13 West Bank Palestinian refugee camps reject the PA's order to surrender illegal weapons. The PA has reportedly arrested at least 17 residents of Balata camp for refusing to turn in their arms. (NYT 9/29; JP 10/8)

In Amman, Fatah, PFLP hold mtg. to discuss final status negotiations, democratic reform of the PLO. They do not reach an agmt. on participation in talks with Israel, but issue final statement urging all PLO factions to take part in an upcoming PLO Central Council session to discuss organizational matters, and "coming political challenges." (DUS, JT 9/29 in WNC 9/30; AYM 10/4 in WNC 10/8; AYM 10/28 in WNC 11/2) (see 9/23)

PA police in Ramallah, Gaza arrest 4 Palestinian journalists for writing stories "harmful to the PA." (AFP 9/29 in WNC 9/30; LAW 9/30; JP 10/8)

Jordanian police detain fmr. MP `Abd al-Munim Abu Zant, a Muslim Brotherhood mbr., for questioning regarding a Friday sermon and 2 articles in al-Arab al-Yam in which he condemned the government crackdown on Hamas. He is the 2d fmr. parliamentarian in a wk. to be arrested for a pro-Hamas sermon. (MM 9/30; MEI 10/15) (see 9/28)

In Los Angeles, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) settles out of court a class-action lawsuit filed by the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and a coalition of 800 individuals and groups accusing the Jewish organization of illegally obtaining information on them. The ADL agrees to turn over information collected by questionable means, including criminal arrest records, mug shots, Social Security and license plate numbers, and to pay the plaintiffs' legal fees. (WJW 9/30)

Donors' Joint Liaison Comm. meets in Gaza. (AYM 9/16 in WNC 9/21)

PA gives Israel a list of names of its 30,000 police officers, fulfilling a Wye obligation. Israel wanted the list to make sure that none of the security forces are involved in anti-Israeli acts. (MM, WP 9/16; JP 9/24)

Arafat appoints Local Government M Erakat to head the team to oversee Wye II implementation and issues arising fr. the interim agmts., passing him over for the job of chief negotiator for final status talks. (AFP 9/16 in WNC 9/17)

The new PA Administrative Reform and Development Comm. (ARDC) sets up 5 technical comms. to investigate PA ministries and government offices for duplication of duties, impediments to independent and efficient functioning. (HJ 9/16 in WNC 9/21)

Israeli police question fmr. PM Benjamin Netanyahu in connection with allegations that a contractor carried out private work for him, billed the government. (MM 9/15; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/16; JP 9/24; MM 9/28)

PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) arrests popular television talk show host Maher al-Disouqi on incitement charges after a guests on his show, the mothers of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, criticize the PA, denounce Arafat for failing to secure their sons' release. (LAW 9/16, 9/20; JP 10/1; NYT 10/14)

Walt Disney Corp. meets with reps. of the Arab League, officials fr. the UAE, Morocco, and Arab American groups to discuss Israel's plans to host an exhibition entitled "Jerusalem, Capital of Israel" at Disney's Epcot Center. Arab states have threatened to boycott Disney products if the exhibition takes place. (NYT, WT 9/18; al-Quds 9/18, IRNA, Tehran Times 9/19 in WNC 9/21) (see 8/12)

Israel releases 1st 199 of 350 Palestinian prisoners, 4 days late by the new Wye II timetable. (MM 9/9; NYT, WP, WT 9/10; VOA 9/10 in WNC 9/13; JP 9/17)

Israel turns over to Arafat the maps of the 1st stage of the Wye II FRD. (WT 9/10)

Israel seals borders with the West Bank, Gaza for Rosh Hashanah. (MM 9/9; NYT 9/10)

Russia signs contract to build $60-m. power station for Jordan. (ITAR-TASS 9/9 in WNC 9/13)

Hamas, PA officials say that PA police have detained 40 Hamas activists in Gaza, 50 in the West Bank in the last few days on charges of plotting attacks on Israelis. (HJ, SA 8/26 in WNC 8/30; NYT, WP 8/27)

PA military court sentences to death Palestinian Ayman Abu Saada for fatally injuring PA police lt. Hani Abu Zayna during a confrontation btwn. 2 families on 8/23; Abu Zayna died on 8/25. Human rights groups denounce the summary trial, capital sentence. (PCHR 8/27; AYM 8/27 in WNC 8/30; LAW 8/28; JP, MEI 9/3)

Lebanese military court sentences 29 fmr. SLA mbrs. to prison terms of 6 mos. to 2 yrs. for collaboration with Israel. 83 of the 200 SLA mbrs. who surrendered when the SLA withdrew fr. Jazzin in 5+n6/99 have been convicted. (NYT 8/27)

Amal attacks an SLA patrol in s. Lebanon, wounding 2 SLA mbrs. (RL, VOL 8/26 in WNC 8/27)

The Israeli cabinet releases a statement saying that "in the absence of agreed-upon changes, the countdown for implementation of the [Wye] agreement will begin on September 1." Arafat welcomes Israel's plan to resume implementation in 9/99, but still does not approve of Barak's plan to draw out the Wye schedule. (CSM, MM, WT 8/9; CSM 8/10)

At the request of Israeli PM Barak and after consulting with Arafat and Asad, Secy. of State Albright postpones her trip to the Middle East, which was to start next wk. (IDF Radio 8/8 in WNC 8/9; MM, WP, WT 8/9; MM, NYT, WP 8/10; WJW 8/12; JP 8/13) (see 8/6)

Shaykh Hamad Bin-Khalifa al-Thani, emir of Qatar, meets with Arafat in Gaza, making him the 1st Gulf leader to visit the occupied territories since the PA was established. The emir is on a regional tour, which will also take him to Lebanon (8/8-9), Algeria (8/9-10), Morocco (8/11). (RL 8/8 in WNC 8/9; al-Quds 8/9, MAP [Rabat], TT 8/11 in WNC 8/13)

In Damascus, the PFLP briefs 8 Syrian-based opposition groups on its reconciliation talks with Arafat in Cairo 8/1-2; some groups recommend halting contacts with the PFLP if it holds further mtgs. Fatah, the PA. DFLP is not invited to the briefing; it has been banned fr. opposition mtgs. since Nayif Hawatimah shook hands with Israeli pres. Weizman at King Hussein's funeral in 2/99. (AFP, MBC, 8/9 in WNC 8/10) (see 8/6)

IDF lifts curfew on Palestinians in the Israeli-controlled sector of Hebron. (LAW 8/8) (see 8/4)

PA announces that it has arrested 3 Hamas leaders in Gaza. Israel has pressured the PA to crack down on Hamas since the Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for shooting 2 Jewish settlers in Hebron on 8/3. (WP 8/9) (see 8/7)

1,000s of Palestinians are bussed to Arafat's headquarters in Gaza for a pro-Arafat demonstration in protest of a speech made by Syrian DM Tlas (8/2) accusing Arafat of having sold out the Palestinian cause. (WP 8/8; MM, WJW 8/12; MM 8/13) (see 8/5)

Hamas's armed wing, Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, takes responsibility for shooting 2 Jewish settlers in Hebron on 8/4. The IDF curfew on Palestinians in the Israeli-controlled sector of Hebron is still in place. (WT 8/8; IDF Radio 8/8 in WNC 8/9) (see 8/4)

High-level Romanian military delegation arrives in Egypt for talks on military cooperation. (MENA 8/7 in WNC 8/9)

Pres. Clinton phones Syrian pres. Asad to brief him on his talks with Israeli PM Barak, encourages Syria to resume negotiations with Israel. (MM 7/20; WT 7/21)

Meeting on the peace process with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, Arafat says that Barak's 15-mo. timetable for final settlement is unacceptable; says that when the PLO agreed in 5/99 to put of its unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state, it was assured by the EU and the U.S. that an extension would not exceed 1 yr. (MENA 7/20 in WNC 7/21; MM 7/21; CSM, NYT, WJW 7/22; MEI 7/30)

In Washington, Israeli PM Barak holds 2d round of talks with Secy. of State Albright, meets with congressional leaders, departs for London to meet with British PM Tony Blair. Barak tells Congress mbrs. that they should not push for implementation of the Jerusalem Embassy Act now. (WT 7/20; MM, NYT, WT 7/21)

Israel's new interior M, Sharansky, says he wants to stop Israel's policy of stripping Palestinians of their residency rights if they leave Jerusalem for more than 7 yrs. (CSM, NYT 7/21; LAW, WP 7/22; JP 7/30)

In Gaza, IDF troops fire rubber bullets at Palestinians protesting Jewish settlement expansion, injuring 9. (CSM 7/21)

PA security officials in Gaza report that Jewish settlers aided by the IDF have bulldozed some 200 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis, placed 15 trailers on the site, begun constructing greenhouses. (al-Ayyam 7/18 in WNC 7/21; MM 8/3)

Israel releases longest-held Palestinian detainee, Osama Barham, after 6 yrs. in prison without charge or trial. (NYT, WP, WT 7/19)

In Washington, Israeli PM Barak meets with U.S. Secy. of State Albright, Asst. Secy. of State Marin Indyk, special envoy Ross over breakfast at Albright's home; discussion focuses on resumption of Israeli negotiations with Syria. Barak meets separately with Defense Secy. Cohen to discuss Israeli arms purchases. Barak then heads to New York, where he encourages American Jewish leaders to support the peace process. (MM 7/16; NYT, WP, WT 7/17; NYT 7/18; IRNA 7/18 in WNC 7/19; NYT, WT 7/19; TT 7/19 in WNC 7/20; MM 7/20; VIRI 7/20 in WNC 7/21; WJW 7/22; JP 7/23; MEI 7/30)

Turkish pres. Demirel meets with Arafat in Gaza, then goes to Aqaba to meet with Jordan's King Abdallah. (JT 7/15 in WNC 7/16; Petra-JNA 7/16 in WNC 7/19; WT 7/17; MIL 7/17 in WNC 8/2)

In Washington, PM Barak, Pres. Clinton hold private 21/2-hr. mtg., without aides or note-takers, to discuss framework for resuming Israeli-Arab negotiations. Barak reportedly tells Clinton his conditions for peace agmt. with Syria, saying Israel would never return to the pre-1967 borders (as Syria demands), and promises to implement the Wye agmt. with the PA, but says that "most" Jewish settlers would remain in the West Bank and Gaza. Publicly, Barak urges the U.S. to reduce its role in negotiations and in enforcing existing agmts., arguing that Israel, the PA have to work out their differences on their own, specifically asking the U.S. to end CIA's role in monitoring PA adherence to Wye security requirements. Clinton agrees that the U.S. has become "overly intrusive in the Middle East dialogue." This evening, the Clintons and Baraks have private dinner at Camp David. (CSM, MM 7/15; Xinhua 7/15 in WNC 7/16; al-Quds 7/15 in WNC 7/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/16; NYT, WP 7/17; NYT 7/21; WJW 7/22; CSM 7/28; MEI 7/30)

In Geneva, the signatories to the Fourth Geneva Convention meet at the UN's request to discuss Israel's human rights violations and settlement activity in the occupied territories, but adjourn after only 30 mins., with no debate, after approving a statement declaring settlements illegal. Australia, Canada, Israel, the U.S. boycott. (LAW, WT 7/15; al-Ayyam 7/17, Interfax 7/20 in WNC 7/21; al-Ahram 7/18 in WNC 7/19; JP 7/23; MEI 7/30) (see 7/13; Doc. A???)

Arafat, Egyptian FM Musa confer on the peace process in Helsinki, where Arafat is on an official visit. Finland currently holds the EU presidency. (MENA 7/15 in WNC 7/16; MENA 7/16 in WNC 7/19)

Pres. Asad receives Jordanian chief of the royal court Kabariti, who was sent to Damascus by King Abdallah to assess the Syrian position on the peace process in advance of the king's mtg. with Israeli PM Barak on 7/13. (SATN 7/12 in WNC 7/13; WP 7/13; al-Bayan 7/14 in WNC 7/15)

Unnamed sources in Amman claim that the Jordanian government has begun cracking down on Hamas, aiming to end its political presence in the kingdom. The move reportedly comes in response to Hamas attempts to take control of the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood in a power play against the less radical Hamas leadership in Gaza. Others say that Jordan is clamping down on Hamas, the Brotherhood in anticipation of confederation talks with the PA in the wake of a final settlement btwn. the PA, Israel. Hamas leaders do not comment. (MM 7/12; al-Ittihad 7/12, QA 7/16 in WNC 7/19; MM 7/16; al-Majd 7/19 in WNC 7/20; YA 7/25 in WNC 7/26; WA 7/26 in WNC 8/2)

Student demonstrations continue in Iran for the 5th day. Iranian police, Ansar-e Hezbollah mbrs. beat protesters, injuring 50. 24 senior Iranian military officers send letter to Pres. Khatami, warning him that they are running out of patience with his reformist agenda, blaming him for student protests. (MM 7/12; CSM, GIU, NYT, WP, WT 7/13; MEI 7/16; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/21; WP 7/22)

A roadside bomb explodes in s. Lebanon, injuring an SLA mbr. (VOL 7/12 in WNC 7/13)

Syrian pres. Asad, Israeli PM-elect Barak trade public compliments in the press another sign that their nations are moving toward resuming peace talks. (MM 6/23; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/24; MENA 6/24 in WNC 6/28)

In Ramallah, the U.S.-Palestinian Bilateral Comm. meets for the 3d time. (MM 6/23; al-Quds 6/23 in WNC 6/28; JP 7/2)

Israeli-PA joint aviation comm. meets in Gaza. (AYM 6/24 in WNC 6/28)

Iran announces that it has set up a $128-m. fund to pay compensation for some factories seized after the 1979 revolution. Claims must be filed by 8/23. (NYT, WT 6/24)

Jewish settlers fr. Efrat seize a 25-acre plot of land belonging to the Palestinian village of Khadr that they plan to use for a graveyard, set up six mobile homes on a nearby hill. (AFP [Internet] 6/23)

IDF intensifies shelling of Hizballah targets in s. Lebanon, wounding a Lebanese boy and his grandfather. Hizballah responds by firing mortars at an IDF-SLA base nr. the Lebanese-Israeli border. (NYT 6/24)

PLO delays resumption of its PCC session on the end of the Oslo interim period, adjourned 4/29 and planned to be reopened in late 6/99, until after the formation of the new Israeli government, which must be completed by 7/9. (NYT 6/22) (see Peace Monitor)

Israel's Housing Min. issues tenders for construction of 22 new homes in Neve Dekalim settlement in Gaza. Peace Now claims there are already 600 empty houses in the settlement. (WT 6/23)

Ireland's DM Michael Smith arrives in Tibnin, s. Lebanon, to review Irish troops serving with the UN Interim Force (UNIFIL); warns that Ireland may end participation in UNIFIL unless Israel provides solid assurances that it will halt indiscriminate shelling of UNIFIL areas of operations. (RTE Radio One 6/21 in WNC 6/22) (see 5/31)

Pres. Clinton waives the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act requiring the State Dept. to relocate the U.S. embassy in Israel fr. Tel Aviv. If Clinton had not acted, the State Dept. would have forfeited about $500 m. in current funding for security, improvements at other embs. around the world. (WP, WT 6/19; RJ 6/19 in WNC 6/21; MM 6/21; JT 6/21 in WNC 6/22; MEI 7/2)

PM-elect Barak says that he will move quickly to construct the s. safe-passage route linking Gaza, West Bank. (MM 6/18; NYT, WP, WT 6/19; MM 6/21; AYM 6/23 in WNC 6/28; JP 6/25; MEI 7/2)

Mtg. in Cologne, the G-8 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK, U.S.) decides against forgiving Jordan's debt, moves instead to forgive debt of the 33 poorest debtor nations. (NYT, WP 6/19; MM 6/25)

Iraq rejects the British-Dutch proposal, presented to the UN on 6/16, to ease sanctions in exchange for a new weapons inspection regime. (MM 6/18; NYT, WP 6/19; MM 6/22, 6/24, 6/25)