The Palestine Chronology

10,000 Palestinians greet Arafat as arrives for his 1st visit to Ramallah since the IDF pulled out. Arafat then heads to Tulkarm, Qalqilya to celebrate the IDF's withdrawal there. (NYT, WP, WT 12/31; JP 1/6)

Hamas mbrs. Isma'il Haniyya, Khalid al-Hindi, Sa'id al-Namruti say the will run for seats on the Palestinian Council as independents. (JMCC 12/30 in FBIS 1/2)

In Madrid, PA, Spain sign joint cooperation agmt. (PWR 1/9)

PSF releases al-Quds editor `Alami (arrested 12/27). (QY 12/31 in FBIS 1/2; NYT, WP 1/1; FT 1/3; CSM, WJW 1/4; JP 1/6)

After a Lebanese civilian is killed, 4 others wounded by IDF shelling, Hizballah fires rockets into n. Israel, wounds 2 IDF soldiers in clash in s. Lebanon. Israel blames Syria. (ITV, QY 12/30, QY 12/31, ITV 1/1 in FBIS 1/2; NYT, WT 12/31; MM 1/2; JP 1/6)

PA assumes control of Ramallah, al-Bireh. (WT 12/27; QY, VOP 12/27 in FBIS 12/28; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/28; NYT 12/31; JP 1/6)

After a 6-mo. hiatus, 3 days of initial talks btwn. Syria, Israel open in Maryland. Israeli team is headed by FM Dir. Gen. Uri Savir, incl. Amb. to the U.S. Itamar Rabinovich, head of IDF planning branch Maj. Gen. Uzi Dayan. Syrian team is led by Amb. to the U.S. Walid Mu`allim, FMin. Political Dept. head Juwayjati. (CSM, WP, WT 12/27; HA, MA, QY, SARR, VOL, YA 12/28 in FBIS 12/28; NYT, WJW, WT 12/28)

Israeli cabinet criticizes PM Peres for increasing the number of seats on the Palestinian Council without its approval. (IDF Radio 12/27 in FBIS 12/28) (see 12/25)

PM Peres's coalition government defeats 2 no-confidence motions against returning the Golan Heights to Syria. (CSM 12/28)

Preventive Security Force (PSF) arrests editor Maher al-`Alami after he ignores Arafat's request to run an article on Arafat's mtg. with the Greek Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem on the front page of al-Quds. (NYT, WT 12/28; WT 1/1; MM 1/2; FT 1/3; MM, WJW 1/4)

Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) says Arrow missile project has overrun its budget by millions of dollars because of problems in the early stages of development. IAI may ask project cofunders, the U.S. and Israeli DMin., to cover the unanticipated costs. (HA 12/27 in FBIS 12/27)

IDF completes withdrawal fr. 60 West Bank villages nr. Hebron, Ramallah, completing its pullout fr. more than 400 West Bank villages as stipulated in Oslo II. (CSM, WT 12/27; NYT, WT 12/28)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, King Hussein meet in Aqaba. (JTV, MENA, RJ 12/26 in FBIS 12/27)

Fmr. PM Yitzhak Shamir announces he is retiring, will not run for reelection in 10/96. (CSM, WT 12/27)

DFLP, Fatah, PFLP, PPSF, FIDA, PPP, Arab Liberation Front form permanent committee on Jerusalem to pressure Pres. Clinton to block embassy move. (VOP 11/1 in FBIS 11/2)

In Ramallah, settler rabbi is shot, seriously wounded when his car is ambushed. DFLP claims responsibility. IDF closes Jericho area. (AFP, QY, VOP 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; CSM 11/2)

In retaliation for Islamic Jihad leader Shiqaqi's assassination 10/26, Hizballah strikes IDF, SLA convoy in s. Lebanon, killing 2 SLA mbrs, wounding 3 SLA mbrs and 5 IDF soldiers. Meanwhile, 40,000 mourners attend Shiqaqi's funeral in Damascus; 1,000s more hold memorial rally in Tehran. (MM 11/1; QY 11/1 in FBIS 11/1; QPAR, RMC, SANA, SARR 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/2)

In Jericho, Palestinian-Israeli Steering and Monitoring Comm. holds its 1st mtg. (VOP 10/17 in FBIS 10/18; VOP 10/17 in FBIS 10/19)

IDF lifts closure on Gaza, but say they will allow only 26,600 Palestinian laborers into Israel, as compared to 35,000 before the closure. (VOP 10/17 in FBIS 10/17; IDF Radio 10/18 in FBIS 10/19)

100s of relatives of Palestinian prisoners rally in Ramallah. IDF disperses them with stun grenades, injuring 1. (QY 10/17 in FBIS 10/19)

Despite Qaddafi's promises to stop the expulsions, 650 Palestinians (incl. 332 children) forced to leave Libya 10/13 remain stranded on a ferry off the coast of Cyprus. Cyprus denies the passengers entry, but allows the ferry to anchor off Larnaca, take on food, fuel. (AFP 10/18 in FBIS 10/18; Cyprus Broadcasting Corp. Radio 10/18 in FBIS 10/19; NYT, WT 10/19) (see 10/12)

Lebanese security forces break up counterfeiting ring in Biqa` Valley responsible for circulating $50 m. in U.S. $20 bills. (Al-Nahhar 10/17 in FBIS 10/25)

In Gaza, Hamas, PA representatives discuss reconciliation agmt. (QY 10/11 in FBIS 10/11) (see 10/7)

At funeral of Abu Shaqra in Ramallah, IDF clashes with 2,000 mourners, arrests 5 Palestinians. (AFP 10/9 in FBIS 10/10) (see 10/7)

SLA allows delegation fr. the International Comm. of the Red Cross to visit al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon for 1st time since it was build in 1984. (VOL 10/8, AFP, RL 10/9 in FBIS 10/10)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah attacks IDF convoy, killing 3 IDF troops. (RL 10/9 in FBIS 10/10)

Based on complaints of conflict of interest presented by the pro-Israeli activist group CAMERA (Comm. for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America), National Public Radio fires its Middle East correspondent Maureen Meehan because she is married to PA official Jiryis Atrash. CAMERA says it will now try to have Meehan removed from her second job as a stringer for Newsday. (WJW 10/12; JP 11/4)

U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk says he did not attend Jerusalem 3000 celebration because of prior engagements; U.S. is not boycotting the festivities. (ITV, QY 9/5 in FBIS 9/6)

In an attempt to limit the damage to relations with Egypt, PM Rabin asks the media to limit its reports on the POW issue. (HA 9/8 in FBIS 9/15) (see 9/4)

In Beirut, PLO mbrs Faruq al-Qaddumi, Sulayman al-Najjab, Muhammad Jihad al-Amoudi, Shafiq al-Hut meet with Lebanese FMin. officials (incl. FM Buwayz) to discuss alternatives to the Oslo process. (VOL 9/5 in FBIS 9/5; VOL 9/5 in FBIS 9/6; WT 9/6; MM 9/11) (see 8/16)

Palestinian enters Ma'ale Michmash settlement nr. Ramallah, kills 1 settler, wounds another. PFLP claims responsibility. (MM, WT 9/5; AFP, QY 9/5 in FBIS 9/6; WJW 9/7)

Russia signs 2 contracts to build 3 nuclear reactors for Iran, claims reactors are for nonmilitary purposes. U.S., Israel protest. (WT 9/6, 9/15)

In Damascus, Lebanese PM Hariri, Syrian Pres. Asad discuss coordinating positions for next steps in negotiations with Israel. (RL, SATN 8/12 in FBIS 8/14)

DFLP, PFLP, PFLP-GC denounce Oslo B agmt. (QPAR, RMC 8/12 in FBIS 8/14)

Settlers occupy Palestinian land nr. Ein Areek settlement nr. Ramallah, move in 3 mobile homes, set up check points on road to control access. (PR 8/18)

In Taba, PA, Israel modify zones defined 6/17, accepted 6/27: Zone A will include only Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqiliyya; Zone B will include Ramallah, Bethlehem as well as villages, refugee camps; Zone C remains the same. PA also gives Israel a working paper proposing 3-stage prisoner release. (MM 8/9; QY 8/9 in FBIS 8/9)

200 Palestinians are deported fr. Libya, sent on busses through Egypt to Rafah checkpoint at Gaza border. (AFP, MENA 8/10 in FBIS 8/11)

Based on information received fr. the PA, IDF closes West Bank, Gaza until 8/11, citing security precautions. (ITV 8/9 in FBIS 8/10; WT 8/10; YA 8/11 in IL 8/11)

Settlers set up makeshift camp on 25 acres of land nr. Carmel Zur settlement nr. Hebron. 100s of Palestinians protest, clash with IDF soldiers. (PR 8/18)

Tel Aviv District Court charges Israeli-Arab Muhammad al-Mu`ati Hajj Abdallah, a Shin Bet operative, with offering the PA his services as a double agent. (QY 8/9 in FBIS 8/9)

Under new media law (see 7/18), PA closes Hamas's al-Watan and an Islamic Jihad's al-Istiqlal for criticizing Arafat, printing material "against the Palestinian Authority" that harms the PA's relations with Arab states, leaking photo of Arafat's baby to the French press. (AFP 8/6 in FBIS 8/7; MM, WT 8/7; PR 8/11)

In Gaza, Arafat receives Israeli Arab Front delegation, discusses peace process, future of Israeli settlements. Front voices support for Arafat, PA. (VOP 8/6 in FBIS 8/8)

PM Rabin, Police M Shahal, Justice M Liba'i, Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir, reps of the police, IDF, Shin Bet meet, decide police only will be used to handle protesting settlers; IDF will be called in as needed. (MM 8/7; MA 8/7 in FBIS 8/7; MA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16)

Arab League passes resolution condemning Israel's 8/2 decision on Temple Mount/al-Aqsa mosque. (MENA 8/6 in FBIS 8/8)

Israeli police open Temple Mount/al-Aqsa courtyard to Jews but then close site to all after sensing tensions with Palestinians. 100s of Jews overrun police barriers, try to force their way in, clash with police and Palestinians. Area will be closed until 8/7. (QY 8/6 in FBIS 8/7; CSM, WP 8/7; HA 8/7 in IL 8/7; PR 8/11; JP 8/12) (see 8/2)

In Ramallah, Fatah, Peace Now agree to wage joint media campaign to promote the peace process. (Davar 8/6 in FBIS 8/8)

Several mbrs of the House, headed by Rep. Nick Rahall, fly to Lebanon in effort to end U.S. travel ban. (WT 8/4)

PA, Israel halt talks in the water, electricity comms 1 day early because they have made no progress; will resume talks 8/7. (VOP 8/3 in FBIS 8/4)

Israel reports that trade with Egypt rose 162% in the 1st 6 mos of 1995. (JP 8/3 in FBIS 8/4)

After forcibly removing 500 settlers fr. 2 sites they had reclaimed since 7/31, 8/1 evictions, Israeli police, IDF, Pres. Weizman convince the 500 to suspend protests for 3 days. Meanwhile 800 other settlers take over site nr. Kedumim settlement, Ramallah, and are evicted. (MM, WT 8/3; QY 8/3 in FBIS 8/3; HA 8/3 in IL 8/3; QY 8/3 in FBIS 8/4; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/4)

In Jenin, IDF raids Iman nursery school, run by Islamic Waqf, confiscates administrative papers. (PR 8/11)

The upper house of Jordanian parliament overturns (45-3) 3 laws on Israel, installs in their place legislation to allow economic and neighborly cooperation. (RJ 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; MM 8/1; MEI 8/4; JP 8/12) (see 7/26)

213 arrested, 25 injured when 400 Israeli police, soldiers evict 600 settlers fr. hilltop taken to expand Efrat settlement in protest over government plans to extend Palestinian self-rule. The hill is to be turned over to the PA under expanded self-rule. After the incident, 100s of the settlers set up tent camp nr. Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah. (IDF Radio, QY 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; MM, WT 8/1; QY 8/1 in FBIS 8/2; CSM, WT 8/2; NYT 8/7) (see 7/24)

When it docks at Ashdod port, boat broadcasting Channel 7--an antigovernment pirate station, known as "Settler Radio"--is raided, shut down by Israeli Communications Min. officials. 100s of Israelis protest. (QY 7/31 in FBIS 8/1; MM 8/1; JP 8/12)

As 1st step toward extradition fr. the U.S., Jerusalem court issues arrest warrant for Abu Marzuq on charges of funding terrorist operations.  (IDF Radio 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; IDF Radio, QY 7/31, JP 8/1 in FBIS 8/1; WP 8/1; WJW 8/3; MEI 8/4) (see 7/28)

Armed settlers try to attack Faisal Husseini while visiting Arab Children's Home in East Jerusalem, are stopped by Israeli police. (VOP 7/31 in FBIS 8/1) (see 7/29)

PA, Israeli talks resume in `Ayn Jidi nr. Dead Sea--a more remote location than Zichron Ya'acov that will hopefully attract fewer demonstrators. (VOP 7/23 in FBIS 7/24; MM 7/24) (see 7/19)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Mahmud Abbas arrives in Ramallah to take up permanent residence, says he will not work with the PA. (QY 7/23 in FBIS 7/25)

Frmr. Labor party chmn. Eli Dayan replaces Beilin as dep. FM. (QY 7/23 in FBIS 7/26) (see 7/18)

PA releases 7 of 11 PFLP mbrs. arrested 7/21. (JP, QY 7/23 in FBIS 7/24)

In Zichron Ya'acov, n. Israel, Israel, PA meet to set agenda for 1st round of marathon talks aimed at reaching accord on 2d state of self-rule by 7/25. Talks, beginning 7/16, will focus on security arrangements for Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah. (QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; MM 7/14; WT 7/16; QY 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

PA Planning M Shaath, Israeli Police M Shahal hold talks on Palestinian prisoners. Shaath receives several Israeli proposals for numbers of prisoners to be released, timetables but gives no details. (VOP 7/15 in FBIS 7/17; HA 7/14 in FBIS 7/18)

FM Peres says 7/4 agmt. calls for phased Israeli pullout fr. West Bank over 2 yrs, starting with 4 towns (Jenin, Nablus, Qalqiliyya, Tulkarm), adding Ramallah, Bethlehem after bypass roads are built; elections to be held end of 1995. PA official says initial pullout will begin 4 wks after agmt. is signed, end 25 days before elections. IDF would temporarily pullout of Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah during voting. PLO will amend charter. Peres warns 7/25 date for signing agmt. might be delayed several wks. Israel's Savir, PA's Qurai` meet in Jerusalem to compose subcomms. to address individual issues. (MM 7/5; HA, VOP 7/5 in FBIS 7/6; WP, WSJ, WT 7/6; PR 7/9) (see 6/27)

In Cairo, technical comm. on Palestinian refugees opens 2d mtg. (MENA 7/4 in FBIS 7/5)=

Arafat, UN Sec. Gen. Butros Butros Ghali meet in Jericho to discuss international presence, joint Israeli-PA patrols in West Bank during interim phase, possibility of Arafat speaking at UN's 50th anniversary conference. (VOP 7/6 in FBIS 7/7)

Addressing the Israeli-American Chamber of Commerce in Tel Aviv, U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk demands Israel abolish import barriers that discriminate against U.S. imports; notes that, while the U.S. gives Israel $3 b./yr. in loans, grants, $10 b./5 yrs in loan guarantees as incentive to by U.S. products, Israel last yr. ran $1-b. trade surplus with the U.S. and a $7.5-b. trade deficit with the EU. (MM, WSJ 7/6; MM 8/2)

In protest over 7/4 agmt., Jewish settlers begin work on new 600 unit West Bank settlement 6 miles w. of Ramallah. (WT 7/6)

100s of women march in Ramallah, demanding Israel free Palestinian prisoners. Clashes erupt with Israeli border police. (WP 7/6)

Israeli Dep. FM Beilin arrives in Russia for talks aimed at dissuading Russia fr. concluding nuclear arms deal with Iran. (QY 7/5 in FBIS 7/6)

In Washington, Syria, Israel reopen negotiations with military advisers. Israel ask Syria to make several confidence-building gestures, but Syria rejects taking such measures before signing an agmt. (FT, MM, WP, WT 6/28; SARR, 6/27, MA 6/28 in FBIS 6/28; WT 6/29; MEI 7/7; MEI 7/21)

In Cairo, PA, Israeli talks on transfer of authority reopen. Sides say Arafat has agreed to accept partial Israeli troop pullback in the West Bank, to be followed by elections and further withdrawal but is still calling for binding timetable. 1st pullout would be fr. Jenin, followed by Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqiliyya by 11/15. Elections would be held within 22-35 days. 2d stage of withdrawal covering Ramallah, Bethlehem would take place 4-5/96. Areas of IDF, PA control would follow 6/17 zones proposal. No agmt. reached on size of proposed council. (JT, MENA 6/28 in FBIS 6/28; VOP 6/28, MENA, QY 6/29 in FBIS 6/30)

Likud head Binyamin Netanyahu submits to the Knesset what he claims to be a copy leaked to him of Israeli position paper on the Golan to be given to the Syrian delegation in talks in Washington. PM Rabin, FM Peres believe text to be a working paper drafted by the army, not given to Gen. Shahak. (MM 6/27; QY 6/27, 6/28 in FBIS 6/28; MM 6/28; ITV 6/28, QY 6/29 in FBIS 6/29; MM 6/29)

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)

Israeli Environment M Yossi Sarid meets with Arafat, Planning M Shaath in Gaza; discusses redeployment, elections, transfer of powers, release of prisoners; calls on Arafat to settle for partial troop pullback in West Bank to be followed by Palestinian elections in the fall. Arafat rejects offer. (MM 6/15; QY, RE, VOP 6/15 in FBIS 6/16; CSM, WT 6/16; MEI 6/23)

PA Transportation M `Abd al-`Aziz al-Hajj Ahmad announces draft transportation agmt. with Jordan, opening of commerce crossing point at King Hussein Bridge. (al-Dustur 6/15 in FBIS 6/16; JTV 6/15 in FBIS 6/19; PR 6/18)

IDF seizes 30 dunums of land belonging to al-Wadiri Agricultural College nr. Tulkarm, begins clearing area to build joint liaison office in advance of redeployment. (QY 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

After allegedly finding "inciting" Hamas material during raid, IDF closes Aroura mosque nr. Ramallah for 5 mos. (PR 6/25) (see 5/17)

In Beirut, U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau says U.S. will begin easing travel ban on Lebanon by allowing airlines to ticket non-Americans for travel btwn. the 2 countries; urges Lebanon to sign international antiterrorism agmt. Hizballah balks, saying U.S. is in no position to call others "terrorists." (MM 6/15)

Hizballah fires 12 rockets into n. Israel, killing 1, wounding 1. IAF strikes targets north of self-declared security zone, wounding 4. (MM 6/15; IDF Radio, QY 6/15, IDF Radio, MA, QY 6/16 in FBIS 6/16; MM 6/16; MEI 7/21)

IDF sets 11/1 date for starting withdrawal fr. West Bank, clashing with PA plans to hold elections by late 9/95. PA rejects Israeli proposal to pull troops out of only six West Bank towns (Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Qalqiliyya, Ramallah, Tulkarm). (MM 6/1; CSM 6/3) (see 3/28, 5/6)

State Dept. issues semiannual compliance report evaluating PA performance as required by the Middle East Peace Facilitation Act (MEPFA). (WJW 6/8; JP 6/10; WP 6/14)

In Tunis, Fatah Central Comm., chaired by Arafat, approves continued PA negotiations with Israel in light of 7/1 deadline. Arafat then briefs PLO Exec. Comm. on talks, economy, relations among Palestinian factions. PPP boycotts. (al-Quds 5/31, ITV, VOP 6/1 in FBIS 6/2; MENA, QY 6/2 in FBIS 6/5; WT 6/3)

In Washington, Syrian-Israeli talks end without progress. (MM 4/27)

In Cairo, PA, Israeli negotiators on elections agree to divide West Bank, Gaza in to 1,500 voting areas, schedule census to register all eligible voters and divide them among voting areas. Census would create 2 lists: one of Palestinians with ID cards, one without. Eligibility to vote for those without cards, those in East Jerusalem will be negotiated later. (HA 4/27 in FBIS 4/27)

PM Rabin tells cabinet IDF will reassign soldiers a 3 army bases in West Bank (Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah) to bases inside Green Line as 1st step of "pre-redeployment"; does not give timetable. Opposition criticizes decisions as a "surrender to terrorism." (MM 4/26; QY 4/26 in FBIS 4/26; MM, NYT, WT 4/27; CSM 4/28; JP 5/6)

Israeli Treasury Dept. says it will give PA $6.5 m. to help cover its $136 m. debt for FY 1995. (MM 4/27)

For 1st time, PA military court arrests PFLP mbr., tries and sentences him to 1 yr. in jail. In separate incident, PSF mbrs. raid offices of PFLP's al-Umma, confiscate equipment. (QPAR 4/26 in FBIS 4/27) (see 4/21)

IDF raids offices of Col. Rajub's PSF offices in Hebron, detains 7 PSF mbrs., confiscates cars, radios, other materials. Government officials say PSF is violating DOP by operating in West Bank. IDF later apologizes saying they raided offices "mistakenly" during an operation to locate stolen cars. (QY 4/26 in FBIS 4/26; YA 4/27 in FBIS 4/27)

IDF reportedly has decided to evacuate its headquarters in Nablus, Jenin by 6/1; has drafted plan for eventual redeployment of stations now located in Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, Tulkarm. Police M Shahal says that after redeployment the Israeli police presence in West Bank will double, police stations will be set up in each settlement. (ITV, QY 3/28 in FBIS 3/29; MM 3/29; JP 5/6)

King Hussein lobbies mbrs. of Congress, incl. Sen. Robert Dole, Rep. Gingrich, for full debt forgiveness, increased military aid; meets with Secy. of State Christopher, who says U.S. is committed to debt relief. (JTV 3/28, RJ 3/29 in FBIS 3/29; MM, NYT 3/29; WT 3/30; CSM 3/31; FT 4/4)

In Washington, U.S., Jordan sign extradition treaty. (JTV 3/28 in FBIS 3/29)

Russian FM Andrei Kozyrev arrives in Egypt, meets with FM Musa, Arab League Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid, discusses peace process, Libya, NPT. (MENA 3/28 in FBIS 3/29; MM 3/30)

Israel police admit that report of large bomb on truck stopped nr. Beersheba 3/21 was deliberately exaggerated, say they seized only three small homemade devices before destroying truck. (YA 3/29 in FBIS 3/30; JP 4/8)

PM Rabin, Pres. al-Asad reportedly accept 4-stage U.S. formula for drafting military annex to future peace agmt. 1st, Israeli, Syrian ambs. will define gaps, points of agmt. and fix agenda for talks btwn. military experts. 2d, U.S. envoy Ross will shuttle btwn. Israel, Syria compiling comprehensive list of gaps, agmts. 3d, military experts will meet in Washington to find military solution based on concerns listed. 4th military chiefs of staff will meet to draft annex. (MA 3/22 in FBIS 3/22; al-Ittihad al-Usbu`i 3/23 in FBIS 3/28)

IDF approves reclassification of 2,500 acres along Green Line, nr. Hebron, as closed military zone for indefinite period, raising fears Israel will try to move the line. (JP 5/10 in FBIS 5/10)

Egypt drops threat to reject extension of NPT unless Israel joins, following heavy lobbying by U.S., Japan. (NYT 3/23) (see 3/20)

25 Israeli companies participate in Cairo International Trade Fair for 1st time since 1987. (Davar 3/22 in FBIS 3/23)

Palestinian police arrest 70 alleged Hamas mbrs. in wake of Beersheba incident 3/21. (QY 3/22 in FBIS 3/22)

Israel orders 4 mosques in Ramallah closed for 3-6 mos. for "inciting" against Israel. (WT 3/23)

Secy. of State Christopher is kept waiting 6 hrs, before mtg. with Saudi Arabia's King Fahd in Jidda; encourages support for Middle East Development Bank, easing of Arab boycott on Israel, funding of PA's daily operations, NPT. King gives no response. (MM, NYT, WP 3/13; WT 3/14; WT 3/21)

FM Peres, Crown Prince Hassan meet in Amman; discuss implementation of peace treaty, possibility of establishing free-trade zone in Elat-Taba-Aqaba region, water projects, regional security, creation of regional bank; announce plans to meet with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in Bonn regarding dam project 3/15. (RJ 3/12, JT 3/13 in FBIS 3/13; MM 3/13; QY 3/13 in FBIS 3/14)

In 1st visit by British head of state to Israel in 9 yrs, PM Major arrives in Israel for 2-day visit; promises to build closer trade ties to Israel, increase aid to the PA. (IGPO, QY 3/12, IGPO, QY 3/13 in FBIS 3/13; MM, WT 3/13; MEI 3/17; JP 3/18)

PA rearrests Shaykh al-Safadi fr. Gaza's Filastin Mosque for giving anti-PA sermon. (QY 5/14 in FBIS 5/15) (see 3/3)

Senior Israeli military officials say 100s of plainclothes Palestinian police are operating in Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah in a semiofficial manner, with the IDF's knowledge, settling civil disputes, investigating crimes. PA Planning M Shaath denies report. (HA, RMC, VOP 3/13 in FBIS 3/14)

Palestinian police find 2 bombs planted along road scheduled to be travelled by Arafat. IDF detonates them. (AFP 3/12 in FBIS 3/14)

Israeli officials announce that 3 of 5 industrial zones will be located in Jenin, Ramallah, Lahav, 2 other sites in Gaza (to be determined). U.S. investors who have at least 25% stake in companies located in these zones will be eligible for U.S. financing, guarantees fr. Overseas Private Insurance Corp. (OPIC). (MM 2/17) (see 2/12)

Israeli FM Peres meets with Egyptian FM Musa in Paris to lower tensions btwn. their nations over the NPT. No compromise is reached. U.S. pressures both sides to moderate their positions, ease tensions. (HA, IDF radio 2/17 in FBIS 2/17; QY 2/17, IDF radio in FBIS 2/21)

Clinton administration announces new arms sales policy that significantly deemphasizes Middle East as area of priority but credits arms control efforts there with enhancing regional stability. (Congressional Research Service 4/12)

Palestinian human rights lawyer Raji Sourani is arrested by PA for 2d time in 2 days; is warned by Arafat's cabinet secy. Tayyib `Abd al-Rahim to "keep a low profile with the media," stop criticizing Arafat. (WP 4/11) (see 2/25)

IDF clashes with Hizballah in s. Lebanon. 1 IDF soldier killed. South Lebanese Army (SLA) abandons Tallusa, 1 of 75 outposts along the "security zone" border, saying it has become untenable given improved Hizballah tactics. (MM 2/21; MEI 3/17)

Egyptian, Jordanian, Palestinian delegations begin mtgs. in Cairo to discuss 1967 refugees, ways of securing right of return, seek to coordinate positions before mtg. with Israel at end of mo. Egypt, Jordan agree to provide PA with any statistics, information they have, call on international community to do the same. (MENA, RE 2/4, RJ 2/5 in FBIS 2/6; JTV 2/6 in FBIS 2/7)

Amman Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce of Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jericho sign trade agmt. to encourage economic integration of, investment and development btwn. Palestinians, Jordan. (PETRA 2/4 in FBIS 2/8)

Israel's FM Peres, Dep. FM Beilin meet with Omani FM Yusuf Bin `Alawi in Aqaba; agree to open interests offices, discuss water issue. (JTV, RJ 2/4, QY 2/5 in FBIS 2/6; JP 2/11)

IDF bans Palestinians fr. leaving Jericho, incl. students enrolled in universities and institutes. PA protests. (VOP 2/4 in FBIS 2/6)

Israel's Islamic Movement leader, Shaykh `Abdallah Nimr Darweish, announces his group will mobilize supporters for the next election, may form ticket. The group--a legal party with unofficial ties to Hamas--previously boycotted Israeli elections. (MM 2/6)

Acting on tips fr. IDF, PSF captures 3 Palestinians allegedly planning to explode car bomb nr. Allenby Bridge. Israeli officials praise Arafat for preventing attack. (ITV 2/4 in FBIS 2/6; WT 2/6; JP 2/11)

FM Peres says that direct vote for Israeli PM, slated for next elections, should be postponed until current government has had at least 1 more term in office. (QY 2/4 in FBIS 2/6)

Israel withdraws fr. 132 sq. mi. of Jordanian territory it captured in 1967, in compliance with peace treaty. Remaining 17 sq. mi. to be returned before 2/10. Likud criticizes PM Rabin for withdrawing without explicit legislative approval. (MM 1/30; QY, RJ 1/30 in FBIS 1/31; NYT, WP, WT 1/31; JTV 1/31 in FBIS 2/1; JTV 2/3 in FBIS 2/7; JP 2/11; MEI 2/17)

Representatives of 30 donor countries hold 1st mtg. in Gaza to address last yr.'s problems, plans for improvement. Israeli delegation does not show up. Parties note that only $64 m. of $125 m. emergency funds promised to PA at Brussels mtg. 11/30 have arrived. (JP 1/31)

U.S. Consul General Eddington delivers letter fr. Pres. Clinton regarding peace process, U.S.-Palestinian relations to Arafat in Gaza. Arafat gives Eddington written reply for Clinton. (VOP 1/30 in FBIS 1/31)

PA opens 2 comptrollers offices in Gaza, Ramallah to oversee PA Ms, municipal and rural councils, general associations but not security branches; investigate, resolve corruption cases. Gaza office headed by `Abd al-Karim al-`Aqluq, Ramallah office by Ziyad `Abu `Ayn, both senior Fateh mbrs. PA says Ramallah office has already received 50 complaints fr. the public. (QY 1/30 in FBIS 1/31)

New Palestinian group, National Movement for Change, announces its establishment in Gaza; accepts DOP as fait accompli, calls for removal of Israeli settlements, withdrawal of Israeli security forces fr. o.t., rejects linking Palestinian, Israeli economy, asks Arab nations to reject normalization with Israel. (MENA 1/30 in FBIS 1/31)

UN Security Council (UNSC) extends mandate of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for 6 mos. (VOL 1/30 in FBIS 1/31)

Egyptian parliamentarians denounce Israel for hostility toward Egypt, "reaping benefits of peace" while refusing to sign NPT, move forward on Palestinian self-rule, or withdraw fr. Golan. Israeli Pres. Weizman telephones Pres. Mubarak to discuss worsening relations, fears that conflict with Egypt could derail peace talks. (MENA 1/16 in FBIS 1/17; MM 1/17; WJW, WP 1/19; WJW 1/26)

Israel gives Egypt most favored nation (MNF) trading status retroactive to 1/1/95. (MENA 1/16 in FBIS 1/17) (see 1/3)

Arafat, Jordanian FM al-Kabariti meet in Morocco. Meanwhile, Jordanian PM Shakir meets with Nablus Chamber of Commerce delegation in Amman to discuss cooperation btwn. Jordan, PA. (RJ 1/16 in FBIS 1/19; MEI 1/20)

Israeli FMin. says it will begin canvassing embassies to see how many will be willing to move to Jerusalem after final status negotiations so FMin. can begin rezoning areas for construction. (MM 1/16)

PM Rabin authorizes confiscation of Palestinian lands for construction of 4 roads in West Bank (2 nr. Ramallah, 1 nr. Tulkarm, 1 nr. Hebron) so settlers can bypass Arab towns. (MM 1/16; QY 1/16 in FBIS 1/17) (see 1/15)

Israeli Housing M Ben-Eliezer circulates draft of report he will submit to cabinet 1/22. Report plans 77% increase in construction activity for 1995 as compared to 1994, mostly in Jerusalem area. (ITV 1/16 in FBIS 1/17; MM 1/20)

DFLP head Nayif Hawatmah applies to Israeli FMin. (via Russian FMin.) for permission to move to Gaza with several supporters. Israeli FMin. says it has passed application on to security officials for review. (MM 1/16; QY, VOL 1/16 in FBIS 1/17; Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 1/17 in FBIS 1/19; MEI 1/20)

Israeli police raid East Jerusalem offices of al-Quds newspaper; confiscate papers, equipment; say they suspect office of being Hamas base. (QY 1/16 in FBIS 1/17)

Lebanese army shells IDF, SLA positions for 1st time in 2 yrs. in response to Israeli attack 1/15. (HA 1/17 in FBIS 1/17)

PA Culture M `Abid Rabbu holds mtg. with Arab Journalists Association (AJA) pres. Na`im Toubassi, tells him PA will begin issuing press cards to qualified journalists. Gaza Journalists' League treasurer Zakariyya Talmas complains only 3 journalist qualify for cards under PA rules "and they are dead." (Jerusalem Times 1/6 in FBIS 1/9)

Mtg. of all Arab FMs in Tunis ends. Parties recommend countries donate funds on bilateral basis, turn down PA request to recognize validity of Palestinian passports, fail to reach agmt. on aid for Palestinian police. PA delegation angered. (MM 1/6)

Jerusalem district director for Israeli Housing Min., Rina Zamir, says construction of 10,000 housing units in and around East Jerusalem will begin this yr. (MM 1/6; JP 1/6 in FBIS 1/6; MM 1/16)

Arafat loyalists, opponents clash in `Ayn Hilwa r.c. in southern Lebanon after Arafat announces 400 Palestinians will be transferred to Gaza shortly. No casualties reported. PLO says Israel approved the transfer of 2,000 post-1948 refugees fr. Lebanon, Libya, Jordan, Sudan, Tunisia; Lebanon's quota is 470. (RL, VOL 1/5 in FBIS 1/6; MM 1/6; VOL 1/6, Voice of the South 1/7 in FBIS 1/9; Al-Hayat 1/7 in FBIS 1/11) (see 12/19)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` visits Tehran to give Pres. Hashemi Rafsanjani message fr. Pres. al-Asad about improving relations. (MM 1/11) (see 12/30)

Israel denies giving any U.S. technological information to China. (WT 1/7) (see 1/4)

U.S. Defense Secy. William Perry arrives in Egypt for 2-day visit, talks with Pres. Mubarak about Egypt's threat to withdraw fr. NPT, promises to defend aid to Egypt in Congress. (MENA 1/6 in FBIS 1/9; WT 1/9; MEI 1/20)

1 settler shot dead, 1 wounded in West Bank nr. Ramallah. PFLP claims responsibility in revenge for killings on 1/4. (MM 1/6; QY 1/6 in FBIS 1/6;  AFP 1/7 in FBIS 1/9; WJW 1/12; JP 1/14)

IDF soldiers, Palestinian police exchange gunfire across Gaza border at Erez checkpoint; 2 Palestinian police officers, 2 Palestinian civilians wounded. (MM 1/4; QY 1/4 in FBIS 1/5; NYT, WP, WT 1/5; WP 1/6)

FM Peres tells Knesset Israel is demanding a 4-yr. interim period btwn. implementation of 1st and 2d stages of withdrawal fr. Golan in talks with Syria . (MM 1/5; JP 1/5 in FBIS 1/6; JP 1/14)

Egypt, Jordan, Israel hold 1st tripartite mtg. on regional security in Elat to discuss prevention of cross-border infiltrations. (Ma'ariv 1/11 in FBIS 1/12)

Israeli Housing Min. Dir. Gen. Arye Mizrahi approves expansion of Ma'ale Adumin settlement toward Jerusalem, increase in number of houses fr. 5,000 to 18,000, movement of IDF roadblock marking Green Line so settlement would fall inside Green Line; says decision does not violate any agmts. because government already considers the settlement part of central Israel. (Yedi'ot Aharanot 1/5 in FBIS 1/5)

Lebanese FM Buwayz says idea for sending Palestinian refugees fr. Lebanon to Gaza, Jericho to serve as policemen has been debated for past 3 mos.; says Interior M Michel al-Murr drafted motion after 11/25 events, inviting PA to recruit policemen fr. camps, agreeing to send recruits with any light armor they possess as way of getting armed Palestinians out of country. (AFP 1/4, RL 1/5 in FBIS 1/5; MM 1/6) (see 12/19)

U.S. State Dept. confirms it is conducting investigation into reports Israel illegally sold China military technology. (WP, WT 1/5; HA 1/5 in FBIS 1/5; CSM 1/6; MEI 1/20) (see 1/3)

Israeli undercover agents kill 4 Palestinian supporters of PFLP in West Bank, nr. Ramallah; 1 agent wounded. Israel says men were wanted in attacks on collaborators. (QY 1/4 in FBIS 1/5; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/5; WJW 1/12)