The Palestine Chronology

Arafat calls emergency mtg. of PA Ms to discuss Israeli settlement issues; cabinet issues appeal to EU, U.S., Russia, Egypt, Norway, UN to intervene to stop settlement construction. (VOP 12/28, 12/29 in FBIS 12/29; MEI 1/6)

Arafat announces appointment of Fu'ad Hamdi Busaysu as governor of Palestinian Monetary Authority. The monetary authority will function as central bank, overseeing all banks in autonomous areas. (Al-Dustur 12/28 in FBIS 12/28) (see 12/20)

Palestinians present draft of local government law covering council elections to Arafat, PA, bar association. Law would divide territories into regions; each area with 1,000+ people would be a municipality; each municipality would have a council, headed by a mayor to coordinate btwn. town, central government. Municipal elections would be held every 4 yrs. following general elections. Until then, PA is negotiating with opposition to form 16 temporary municipal councils. (QY 12/28 in FBIS 12/28)

Jordanian-Israeli joint comms. on water, health, energy, telecommunications, economics meet. (RJ 12/27 in FBIS 12/28)

PM Rabin orders temporary halt to Efrat construction. (QY 12/28 in FBIS 12/28) (see 12/27)

Los Angeles Times reports Israel has given China information on U.S. military technology to help in joint Israeli-Chinese development of a fighter jet. (JP, QY 12/29 in FBIS 12/29)

Lebanese army says it has detailed information proving Israel is responsible for Beirut bombing 12/21; names Ahmad Hallaq--Lebanese recruited by Mossad, trained in explosives in Israel--as bomber; says 4 accomplices, incl. Hallaq's wife, have been arrested, confessed. (AFP 12/27 in FBIS 12/28; VOL 11/28 in FBIS 11/29; WP 12/29; RL 12/30 in FBIS 1/3; WT 1/11)

Israel says it is returning to Egypt 800 cartons of artifacts taken by the Israel Antiquity Authority during the 15-yr. occupation of the Sinai. These are the last of the artifacts Israeli promised to return under the 1979 peace accord. (NYT 12/29; MENA 12/30 in FBIS 1/6)

Al-Ahram poll of Egyptians shows that, after 15 yrs. of peace with Israel, 71% would not buy Israeli goods; 75% would disapprove of Israeli factories in Egypt; 63% would not visit Israel; 53% would not like Israelis to visit Egypt. (JP 1/7)

1 killed, 1 wounded in clashes btwn. Fateh, PFLP in `Ayn Hilwa camp in southern Lebanon. (RL 12/28 in FBIS 12/28; VOL 12/28 in FBIS 11/29)

Round of Israeli-Palestinian talks on elections ends in Cairo. PA Planning M Shaath says Israeli submitted its 1st response to PA's proposals for elections submitted 10/25, but does not elaborate. Sides also discuss transportation of goods, Palestinian prisoners. (MENA, RE 12/15, MENA, VOP 12/16 in FBIS 12/16)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli economic comm. announces decision to create subcommittee on investment, industrial cooperation, monetary, banking issues; goal to reach free trade agmt., most favored nation status btwn. 2 countries, based on NAFTA model. (JP 12/16 in FBIS 12/21)

Middle East Arms Control Group ends mtg. in Tunis. Mbrs. agree to form 3 regional security/conflict-prevention centers (Amman, Qatar, Tunis) with main headquarters in Cairo; do not agree on joint declaration defining security relations because of difference over Israel's signing of NPT. Next mtg. scheduled for 6/95. (HA 12/16 in FBIS 12/19)

Refugee Working Group ends mtg. in Ankara, submits proposal for vocational training program for Palestinian refugees. Plan would cost $20 m. over 3 yrs. (TRT Television 12/15 in FBIS 12/19)

U.S. Congressional Research Service reports Iran's Amb. to Jordan Ahmad Dastmalchian might be funding Hamas, Islamic Jihad for Palestine. (MM 12/16; WT 12/19)

1st round of talks on interim arrangement btwn. Israel, PA ends in Cairo. Sides agree Israel should hand PA control of "packages" of offices in West Bank as funds become available to PA, even before interim stage is completed. 1st to be transfer will be 33 Civil Administration offices. (MENA, QY, VOP 12/7 in FBIS 12/8; HA 12/8 in FBIS 12/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher holds separate talks with Israeli FM Peres, Arafat, briefs them on his mtg. with Syrian Pres. al-Asad. Says he won assurances fr. Peres that Israel would not renege on agmts. made in the DOP. (IDF Radio, RMC, VOP 12/7 in FBIS 12/8; NYT, WP, WT 12/8; MEI 12/16)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli comm. on treaty implementation meets in Amman to discuss duties, dates of mtgs. of various committees. (JTV, RJ 12/7 in FBIS 12/8)

Israeli, PA negotiators meet at Erez checkpoint to discuss building port in Gaza. Israel demands PA present detailed plans for construction at mtg. 12/17. PA says port will cost $60 m.; France, Holland have agreed to help fund construction. (QY 12/7 in FBIS 12/8; PR 12/11)

High-level Jordanian-Palestinian talks are held in Amman in preparation for mtg. of 4-party comm. on repatriation of displaced Palestinians. Parties agree DOP, Human Rights Charter, UN Res. 237 will be legal framework for talks; agree on definition of "displaced Palestinians." (Al-Dustur 12/7 in FBIS 12/7; Al-Aswaq 12/8 in FBIS 12/9)

Cooperative agmt. btwn. Histadrut, Palestinian trade unionists, negotiated for months, collapses in Brussels when Palestinian delegates insist on last-minute inclusion of clause calling for Histadrut to support creation of Palestinian state, division of Jerusalem. (QY 12/7 in FBIS 12/8; Al-Hamishmar 12/13 in FBIS 12/21)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Damascus; gives Pres. al-Asad proposal fr. PM Rabin. (MM 12/6; SARR 12/6 in FBIS 12/6; SARR, SATV 12/6 in FBIS 12/7; MM, NYT, WT 12/7; MEI 12/16) (see 11/21)

Israel, PA meet in Cairo for discussions on implementing self-rule. PA negotiator, Planning M Shaath, accuses Israel of trying to renege on promises to withdraw troops. (MM, WT 12/6; VOP 12/6 in FBIS 12/6; IDF Radio, MENA 12/6 in FBIS 12/7; NYT 12/7; VOP 12/7 in FBIS 12/8)

Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Tel Aviv, briefs PM Rabin on talks with Pres. al-Asad, says Israel cannot be expected to withdraw troops fr. West Bank until Palestinian attacks on Israelis end. (MM 12/6; ITV 12/6, QY 12/7 in FBIS 12/7; NYT 12/7; MEI 12/16) (see 12/1)

PM Rabin approves another 5,000 work permits for Palestinians. (MM 12/6)

Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu meets with King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan in Amman, stresses Likud no longer believes Jordan is Palestine; discusses ways to combat terrorism, increase economic ties. (JTV 12/6 in FBIS 12/7; MM 12/7; ITV 12/6 in FBIS 12/8; JP 12/17)

Russia, PA sign protocol on security operations in Moscow, stating Russia will give security training to PA recruits. (Al-Quds 12/7 in FBIS 12/9)

5 Fateh mbrs. are wounded in shootout btwn. rival Fateh factions, one headed by Col. Rajub, head of PSF in West Bank. (QY 12/6 in FBIS 12/7)

1 IDF soldier killed, 1 wounded when bomb explodes nr. their post in southern Lebanon. IDF, SLA shell Hizballah positions in response. (FL 12/6 in FBIS 12/7; WP, WT 12/7; MEI 1/20)

Donor countries promise to release $125 m. of promised aid to PA immediately to help self-rule transition. Arafat says money will go to improving Gaza slums. (VOP 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; CSM, MM, WP, WT 12/1; Le Soir 12/1 in FBIS 12/2; JP 12/3; WJW 12/8; MEI 12/16)

Labor MK Ori Orr suggests Israel postpone troop withdrawal fr. West Bank but uproot some settlements ahead of schedule. Similar statements made separately by Environmental M Sarid. Comments widely thought to be "trial balloons" sent up by Rabin government. (JP, QY 11/30 in MM 11/30; MM 12/2)

Israel, Palestinians, donor countries sign "memorandum of understanding" outlining PA's needs for next 4 mos., issues of taxation, Israeli aid, contributions fr. donor countries. (QY 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli borders comm. ends 2nd 2-day round of talks in Aqaba. Each side delegates 3 teams to carry out primary delineation of border, to be completed 12/6. (PETRA 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli comm. on treaty implementation creates 2 subcommittees comprising representatives fr. armed forces and Mins. of Interior, Agriculture, Water respectively to implement Jordanian law in al-Ghamar, Baqurah areas by 1/95, in keeping with Jordan-Israel treaty annexes. (PETRA 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

ITV reports Israeli Amb. Itamar Rabinovitch, Syrian Amb. Walid Mu`allim recently held talks in Washington on security arrangements in which senior army officers fr. both sides participated; some progress was made. (ITV 11/30, HA 12/1 in FBIS 12/1)

UNRWA approves $163,810 in new small-business loans for projects in Gaza, bring number of UNRWA loans to Gaza to 157. (UNRWA News 11/30)

IDF soldier is axed to death by Palestinian in Afula, northern Israel; IDF arrests 40 Hamas mbrs. in West Bank. (IDF Radio 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/1; PR 12/4; WJW 12/8; JP 12/10)

2-day mtg. of donor countries begins in Brussels. World Bank grants PA $58 m., tells Arafat only $240 m. of $700 m. promised by donors is likely to arrive this yr.; cites donors' desire to finance prestige projects, not day-to-day needs, delays in implementing autonomy, lack of guarantees fr. Arafat. Donors ask Israel to ease restrictions on Palestinian workers. (MM 11/29; La Une Radio, Brussels 11/29, QY 11/30, VOP 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; WT 11/30; NYT, WP 12/1; Le Soir 12/1 in FBIS 12/2; PR 12/4)

PM Rabin tours Tomb of the Patriarchs. Says he will ask for Palestinian elections without Israeli withdrawal fr. West Bank towns during upcoming talks in Cairo; seeks to separate Israelis fr. Palestinians but will not remove settlements now; wants to create jobs in West Bank to keep Palestinian workers out of Israel. (WT 11/30; NYT 12/5)

Islamic Conference Organization (ICO) issues statement expressing solidarity with Palestinians, supporting peace process. (SPA, Riyad 11/29 in FBIS 11/29)

Israeli FM Dir. Gen. Uri Savir says Israel will no longer block imports of materials to, impede economic development in Gaza. (NYT 12/1)

PM Rabin meets with Pres. Clinton in Washington, gives Clinton proposal to be handed to Syrian Pres. al-Asad. Clinton says he will lobby to maintain level of aid to Israel; for continued cooperation with Arrow missile program; for U.S. troop presence in Golan Heights if agmt. btwn. Israel, Syria is reached. Sen. Robert Dole, expected to become Senate maj. leader, also pledges to keep econ. aid to Israel at current level. (MM 11/21; QY 11/21 in FBIS 11/22; MM, NYT, WP 11/22; MEI 12/2; MM 12/7)

Arafat, 10,000 supporters hold rally in Gaza City to show support for peace with Israel. (QY 11/21 in FBIS 11/22; MM, WP, WT 11/22; CSM 11/28; MEI 12/2)

Fateh sets up 7 "emergency committees" to patrol with Palestinian police, act against Hamas and Islamic Jihad, remove opposition graffiti and write pro-PA graffiti. Comm. mbrs. will be armed, in plain clothes, mostly fr. Fateh Hawks. (QY 11/22 in FBIS 11/22)

PLO, Hamas agree on formula to end violence, but Hamas will not sign accord until Arafat takes responsibility for 11/18 incident. (AFP, QY 11/21 in FBIS 11/22; CSM 11/22; WP 11/24).

UN envoy to the Middle East Terje Larsen says Palestinians standard of living has dropped 50% since signing of Oslo agmt., appeals to donor countries to send promised aid. (AFP 11/22 in FBIS 11/23; QY 11/23 in FBIS 11/29)

Arafat holds mtgs. with Fateh, Islamic groups; indirectly accuses Israel of sparking 11/18 violence in attempt to assassinate Hamas leaders; releases 31 Islamic Jihad mbrs. fr. jail to appease opposition. Protests continue, Hamas asks Arafat to fire Justice M Frayh Abu-Midyan, 2 senior police officials. (NYT, WP, WT 11/21; VOP 11/20, 11/21 in FBIS 11/22, MM 11/22; PR 11/27; MEI 12/2)

PM Rabin states some Israelis are acting with "criminal irresponsibility" by "spreading lies" in the U.S. to discourage U.S. government fr. stationing of troops in Golan, asks embassy staff in U.S. to confront them. (IDF Radio, QY 11/21 in FBIS 11/21) (see 9/29)

Israeli FM Shimon Peres suggests Israel ease economic pressure on PA by giving PA $13 m. in tax money collected fr. Palestinians working in Israel. Some MKs oppose suggestion, saying Israel should not fund Palestinian autonomy. (QY 11/20 in FBIS 11/21; WP 11/21)

Sen. Helms calls Syrian efforts at peace a "fraud," says he will oppose U.S. troop presence in Golan as head of Foreign Relations Comm. (QY 11/20, Davar 11/21 in FBIS 11/21; NYT, WP 11/22)

PM Rabin orders more troops to guard settlements in Gaza Strip. (WP, WT 11/21)

7 Fateh Central Comm. mbrs. living outside autonomous areas hold mtg. in Tunis to discuss 11/18 violence. (Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 11/25 in FBIS 11/29)

New weekly newspaper Al-Hayat Al-Jadid is issued in o.t., claiming to be "new opposition," accepting PA while improving its performance fr. within. It is published by frmr. PLO Amb. to Moscow Nabil `Amr, edited by Hafiz Barghouti. (PR 11/20)

PM Rabin, Arafat meet at Erez, agree to speed up talks on expanding Palestinian self-rule to deflect opposition's criticism of Arafat; says 10,000 new work permits will be issued to Palestinians (meaning 23,000 workers will now be allowed into Israel versus 60,000 before 10/19); promises health, taxation, welfare, tourism will be given to PNA by end of month. (MM 11/8; IDF Radio, ITV, VOP 11/8 in FBIS 11/9; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/9; CSM 11/10; JP 11/19)

Arms Control and Regional Security Group opens mtg. at Dead Sea Hotel. Working groups fr. 22 countries (inc. Israel, the Palestinians, U.S., Russia) to discuss regional communication on security, military issues; exchange of military data; advance notice of military maneuvers; confidence building. (RJ 11/8 in FBIS 11/9; RJ 11/9 in FBIS 11/10; AFP 11/9, JTV 101/10, QY 11/11 in FBIS 11/14)

PM Rabin counters IDF official's public statement made 11/9 that Syrian Pres. al-Asad cannot be trusted, saying Syria has not abrogated an agmt. since 1973 war. (QY 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)

Pres. Clinton sends letter to Lebanese Pres. Hrawi expressing hope for progress on Israel-Lebanon track, but omitting reference to UN Res. 425. Hrawi upset. (RL 11/8 in FBIS 11/9; MM 11/9)

King Hussein announces he will make 1st open visit to Israel 11/10 to exchange treaty ratification documents with PM Rabin. (WP, WT 11/9)

Cholera kills 1, sickens 29 in Gaza. Israel bans indefinitely all food imports fr. Gaza. Farmers expect $300,000 losses per day. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/9; MM 11/16; JP 11/19)

Israeli gunboat stops, searches German ship off Tyre, Lebanon. (RL 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)

Israeli FM Peres says Israel will sign NPT once comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace agmt. is reached and accord ridding region of nuclear weapons, weapons of mass destruction is signed. (WT 11/9)

U.S. Pres. Clinton arrives in Cairo for start of Middle East tour; meets with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, PLO Chmn. Arafat; presses Arafat to support Israel-Jordan agmt., clamp down on Hamas. (NYT 10/25; MENA 10/25 in FBIS 10/26; WP, WT 10/26; JP 11/5)

Multilaterals on environment open in Bahrain. Delegations fr. 45 states attend. Israel's call for summit on desertification of region is met by "Arab reservations." Saudi delegation refuses to meet with Israeli delegation. (Wakh 10/25 in FBIS 10/26; AFP 10/25 in FBIS 10/27)

2 days of Palestinian-Israeli talks on elections end in Cairo. PNA submits proposal for 100-mbr. "Autonomy Council" with legislative powers. Israeli response expected in 1 wk. (AFP, MENA 10/25 in FBIS 10/26)

Arafat, rebutting King Hussein's comments of 10/24, says if Jordan, Israel do not accept Jerusalem as capital of future Palestinian state, "they can drink sea water." (MM 10/25; JP 11/5)

Knesset ratifies Jordan-Israel agmt. by vote of 105 to 3, with 6 abstentions. (MM 10/26; JP 11/5; WP 11/7)

Vatican establishes "permanent and official" relations with PLO to balance its ties with Israel, assure access to Jerusalem holy sites after final status is resolved. PLO will open office in Vatican. (NYT, WP, WT 10/26; WJW 11/3)

Israeli, U.S. reach agmt. to start construction of U.S. "diplomatic buildings" in Jerusalem suspected to house U.S. embassy in future. (HA 10/25 in FBIS 10/26)

Israel suspends all negotiations with PLO after Hamas announces it is holding an IDF soldier hostage. Hamas says it will kill the soldier 10/14 if 200 Palestinian prisoners--inc. Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, Shaykh Salah Shehadeh, Shaykh `Abd al-Karim Obeid, Mustafa al-Dirani--are not released. PM Rabin calls emergency cabinet mtg., suspends transfer of aid fr. donor countries, seals Gaza, says he holds Arafat responsible. Arafat condemns abduction, calls mtg. of PSF. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/12; AFP, ITV, JP, Al-Quds radio 10/11, MENA, VOP , QY 10/12 in FBIS 10/12; CSM 10/13; HA 10/14 in FBIS 10/14)

Jordanian, Palestinian officials conclude talks in Amman, announce broad agmts. on trade, customs, banking, civil aviation; agree to draw up position papers on Awqaf, refugees. (JT 10/12 in FBIS 10/12; JTV 10/12 in FBIS 10/13)

U.S. FM Christopher meets with Syrian Pres. al-Asad, says both Syria, Israel have made significant movements towards peace, says he has been pleased al-Asad has taken U.S. advice and made public gestures showing he is serious. (SARR 10/11 in FBIS 10/11; WP 10/12)

FM Christopher leaves Syria for Amman, meets with King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan to discuss U.S.-Jordanian relations, peace talks, Iraqi maneuvers. (JTV 10/11 in FBIS 10/12, MM 10/12)

PM Rabin confirms that rifles used in Hamas attack 10/10 were AK47's belonging to the Palestinian police. (NYT 10/12)

The Nobel committee decides to award the Nobel Peace Prize to PLO chmn. Arafat, Israeli PM Rabin. (MM 10/11; NYT, WT 10/12; CSM, WJW 10/13; MM 10/14)

U.S. Commerce Sec. Ron Brown holds mtg. with mbrs. of Overseas Private Investment Corp. (OPIC) delegation of Palestinian businessmen on 5-day visit to seek American funding for projects in West Bank, Gaza. (WT 10/12; JP 10/15)

Iraqi retreat is detected by U.S. intelligence. Pres. Clinton says it is too early to reach conclusions on Saddam Hussein's action, U.S. will continue reinforcement of the Gulf, may press for enlarging demilitarized zone along Kuwaiti border. (NYT, WP, WT 10/12)

IDF, SLA continue shelling southern Lebanon, "deport" 26 Kufr Hunah villagers fr. self-declared security zone. Lebanese FM Buwayz asks UN to act. (RL 10/11 in FBIS 10/12; MM 10/12)

Palestinian-Israeli talks on elections resume in Cairo, parties clash again on issue of opposition participation, size of proposed council, whether higher election comm. should inc. Israelis. (AFP 10/10 in FBIS 10/11, MM 10/11)

Jordanian-Israeli bilaterals resume in Eilat. (RJ 10/10 in FBIS 10/11)

Hamas issues statement marking 4th anniversary of Al-Aqsa massacre, says it will conduct operations throughout Palestine in commemoration. (AFP 10/10 in FBIS 10/11)

Under pressure fr. U.S., Jordan's King Hussein, PLO's Arafat join other Arab states in issuing statements critical of Iraqi troop movements. (NYT 10/11, 10/12; WP 10/12)

Iraqi Pres. Hussein says he is withdrawing troops fr. Kuwait's border. Clinton says intelligence reports no pullback, sends 550 combat aircraft to the region. (NYT, WP, WT 10/11)

U.S. dispatches 4,000 troops to Kuwait, puts forces on alert as 14,000 Iraqi Republican Guards move toward Basra. The move, which places 64,000 prime Iraqi troops nr. Kuwaiti border, is seen as tactical attempt by Saddam Hussein to pressure UN to lift sanctions. (NYT, WP 10/8; NYT, WP, WT 10/9)

Syrian FM al-Shara` meets Pres. Clinton in Washington, delivers letter fr. Pres. al-Asad reaffirming desire for peace with Israel in exchange for full, rapid withdrawal fr. Golan. (MM 10/7; SARR 10/7 in FBIS 10/12; NYT 10/8)

FM al-Shara` is 1st Syrian official to be interviewed on ITV, gives Israeli public Syria's view of peace. No new policy statements made, but Rabin considers interview "positive step." (ITV 10/7 in FBIS 10/11; MM 10/10, 10/11)

IDF issues guidelines on handling settlers, says soldiers confronting settlers should not use force unless situation is life-threatening, gives general in charge of regional command authority to order IDF into areas controlled by PNA to quell riots. (HA 10/7 in FBIS 10/7)

IDF says some 300 of the 550 released Palestinian prisoners living in Jericho have left the autonomous area, returned to West Bank. Both IDF, PSF will look for them. (JP 10/8)

Palestinian police issue order prohibiting bus companies fr. transporting groups organized by political factions without PNA approval. Rights groups say ban violates Palestinians' right to hold political gatherings. (QY 10/7 in FBIS 10/12)

U.S. issues "angry warning" to PM Rabin to stop talks with Iraq following reports 2 Iraqi-born MK's initiated contacts in July; suggests military, economic aid is at risk. Housing M Binyamin Ben-Eliezer admits secret negotiations with Syria over a peace treaty occurred. Rabin claims he knew nothing, Syrian government denies reports. (AFP, ITV, JP, QY 9/19 in FBIS 9/19; WT 9/23)

PECDAR concludes econ. mtg. in Cairo. PLO Pol. Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi issues statement encouraging new mtg. of donor states, quick disbursal of aid so autonomy process is not hampered. (Al-Hayat 9/20 in FBIS 9/20)

Islamic Unification Movement issues leaflet in Gaza announcing its establishment; claims it advocates unity and coordination, does not oppose any Islamic or national faction (inc. PNA). (Al-Manar 9/19 in FBIS 9/22)

Declassified British documents admit British intelligence secretly established, ran Sharq al-Adna radio in Palestine fr. 1941-56. The station, fronted as an Arab radio, was influential during the Suez crisis, broadcasting anti-Nasir/anti-Israeli propaganda. (WT 9/19)

Israeli PM Rabin criticizes Syria for not opening "secret" talks with Israel to advance negotiations, says Israel is relying on U.S. Secy. of State Christopher's shuttle trips btwn. the 2 countries. (ITV 9/5 in FBIS 9/8; ITV 9/8 in FBIS 9/9)

PM Rabin says Lebanese govt. "cannot do without Syrian support," and he would "prefer two Syrian divisions deployed in the northern Biqa` Valley than on the Golan Heights" within the context of a peace agmt. (JP 9/5 in MM 9/5; MM 9/6)

PM Rabin sends 4,500 American rabbis letter, text for Rosh Hashanah sermons praising peace process as part of larger effort by U.S. senators, administration officials, Israeli emb., AIPAC to get American Jews to support negotiations. (WP 9/6; WT 9/7; WJW 9/8)

Vatican rep. Msgr. Montezemolo meets with Arafat in Gaza, states his 1st role is papal envoy to Jerusalem and Palestine, 2d is amb. to Israel. (VOP 9/5 in FBIS 9/7; WT 9/6)

After 36-day ban and talks btwn. Arafat, Editor Uthman Hallaq, Al-Nahar reopens on condition it be loyal to PLO. (QY 9/3 in FBIS 9/7; MM 9/5; NYT, WP 9/6)

IDF arrests 8 Hamas mbrs. in connection with death of 3 Israelis in May/July. (MM, NYT 9/6)

The International Conference on Population and Development opens in Cairo. Saudi Arabia boycotts. Muslim delegates band with Vatican in protest over draft document's stand on contraception, abortion. (MENA 9/4 in FBIS 9/5; NYT, WP, WT 9/6; MEI 9/9)

Egyptian FM Musa meets with Faisal Husseini, Hannan Ashrawi, Ziyad Abu Zayyad at Orient House in Jerusalem, discusses mtgs. with Israelis. (VOP 9/1 in FBIS 9/2)

Trilateral Jordanian-Israeli-U.S. comm. meets in Washington to discuss trade, tourism issues. (RJ 9/1 in FBIS 9/1)

3-day mtg. of UN nongovernmental organizations (NGO's) on the question of Palestine ends in Geneva. UN Human Rights Comm. passes resolution extending econ. assistance to PNA; rejects resolution condemning Israel for human rights abuses in o.t. for 1st time since 1968. (CSM 8/30; WJW 9/1)

Arafat orders arrest of 27 mbrs. of "presidential guard" for undiscipline for firing guns in air at a Gaza wedding. (MM 9/1)

Germany opens foreign aid office in Jericho. (VOP, QY 8/31 in FBIS 9/1)

Israeli PM Rabin flatly refuses Egyptian FM Musa's request that Israel sign nuclear nonproliferation treaty (NPT). (MM 8/31, 9/1; JP 9/1 in FBIS 9/2)

Special Russian envoy to the Middle East Viktor Posuvalyuk meets with Arafat, Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin, says Russia wants to be active partner in all negotiations on Jerusalem. PM Rabin says Russia is interfering, trying to bring new initiatives to the talks, should coordinate with U.S. (MM 8/26; Al-Hamishmar 8/26 in IL 8/26; VOP 8/26 in FBIS 8/26; WJW 9/1)

Arafat approves new 13-mbr. council (inc. Fateh, Hamas, PFLP) to replace Israeli-appointed mayor of Jericho Jamil Khalaf until elections are held. Hassan Salih al-Husayn, Fateh mbr. and former PLO military cmdr., will be chair. (QY, VOP 8/25 in FBIS 8/26)

Poll released by Center for Palestine Research and Studies shows Palestinians oppose Arafat's restrictions on press, prefer Palestinian over Jordanian control of Islamic trusts. 13.9% of respondents favor Hamas; 39%, Fateh. (MM 8/26; QY 8/25 in FBIS 8/30; CSM 9/21)

Israeli Dep. FM Beilin says Pakistani PM Bhutto must clear visit to Gaza with Israeli FMin., stating Cairo Agmt. leaves Israel in charge of foreign relations, in control of borders. (QY 8/24, 2/25 in FBIS 8/25; Davar 8/26 in IL 8/26)

IDF raids Salah al-Din mosque in Nablus, confiscates alleged Hamas material, seriously injures 6 Palestinian protesters. (QY 8/25 in FBIS 8/25, 8/26; JP 9/3)

PM Rabin postpones "safe passage" btwn. Gaza, Jericho citing lack of PNA action toward recent Hamas attacks. (MEI 8/26)

Jordanian-Palestinian talks end in Amman. Joint comm. is formed to meet monthly, discuss economic, political, administrative issues. Plans for Palestinian currency suspended, Jordanian dinar to be primary currency of PNA areas for 3-yr. period. (JTV 8/22, MM 8/23; VOP 8/23 in FBIS 8/23; RJ 8/23 in FBIS 8/24; Al-Dustur 9/3 in FBIS 9/7)

171 Palestinian figures, inc. 82 mbrs of PNC, PLO Central Council, PLO Executive Comm. issue statement criticizing Arafat; reject calls for PNC mtg. in Gaza, amendment of charter; denounce DOP. (MM 8/23; Al-Dustur 8/23 in FBIS 8/24; CSM 8/25; MEI 8/26)

Curfew on Rafah is lifted. (QY in FBIS 8/22)

IDF detains 15 Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. in Janin. (QY 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Palestinian prisoners released 8/19 hold press conference to protest Israel's demand they remain in Gaza, Jericho for remainder of their sentences, criticize Arafat. (ITV 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Israeli PM Rabin promises NIS 16 m. to build new road in West Bank so settlers can bypass Jericho. (QY 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Israel shells villages in Iqlim al-Tuffah, Jabal Abu Rashid southern Lebanon in response to 8/18 Hizballah attack. (WT 8/24)

New Palestinian group calling itself Palestinian National Liberation Movement-Fateh Soldiers of Right (jund al-haq) issues leaflet in o.t. saying it will "remove injustice, fight corrution, and restore Fateh's past status." (Al-Ra'y 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Israeli cabinet approves draft of early empowerment accord. (NYT 8/24)

Arafat meets PLO officials in Tunis to discuss problems with advancing self-rule. PNC SG Muhammad Subayh links convening PNC in o.t., amendment of charter with full Israeli withdrawal, recognition of Palestinian state, deployment Palestinian forces. PLO Political Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi says salaries of PLO employees, soldiers have not been paid. (AFP, VOP 8/21 in FBIS 8/22; VOP 8/22 in FBIS 8/23; MEI 8/26; JP 9/3)

PNA Culture M Yasir `Abd-Rabbuh arrives in Amman for talks with Jordanian FM/PM `Abd al-Salam al-Majali on improving Palestinian-Jordanian cooperation in tourism, education, health, trade, communications. (CSM, JT, WSJ 8/22; VOP 8/23 in FBIS 8/23)

In Gaza, Palestinian police wound 6, impose curfew for 1st time to quell unrest following death of Palestinian 8/20. (FBIS, WSJ 8/22; WJW 8/25)

Palestinian Human Rights Information Center (PHRIC) demands investigation into alleged "terror tactics and death threats" against Palestinian activist Maha Nasir by PNA for her objection to Social Affairs M Intisar al-Wazir's attendance at a women's conference this wk. (WP 8/22)

Hamas suspends all dialogue with PNA until Arafat opens exec. positions on Gaza City Council to opposition mbrs. (HA 8/21 in FBIS 8/22)

Israeli FM Shimon Peres says Israeli-Palestinian Liaison Comm. agreed to international temporary force for deployment in West Bank. Troops to be fr. Australia, Turkey, Norway, Finland, 2 European countries. Palestinians to man Gaza, Jericho crossing pts. Israel to issue 35,000 new work permits to Gaza Palestinians. (MENA 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; JP 8/27)

Israel freezes plans for IDF withdrawal fr. o.t., ties extension of self-rule to a halt in Hamas attacks on Israelis. PM Yitzhak Rabin calls current steps by PNA to curb Hamas a publicity stunt. 5 of 40 Hamas mbrs. arrested by Palestinian police 8/15 still held. (QY 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; NYT 8/18)

Jordan's Tourism M Muhammad Al-Idwan arrives in Israel for joint talks, 1st high-level Jordanian official to publicly visit Israel. (Near East Report 8/22)

IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Ehud Barak meets Defense Secy. William Perry, JCS Chmn. Gen. John Shalikashvili, National Security Advisor Anthony Lake in Washington; stresses Israel should hold onto all of Golan for security purposes. (ITV 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; WT 8/19)

PNA M of Trade and Econ. Ahmad Qurai` protests to Jordan that its trade agmt. with Israel (see 8/16) violates existing agmts. btwn. Israel, PLO. (ITV 8/17 in FBIS 8/18)

Hamas, Islamic Jihad, DFLP, PFLP issue leaflet saying Arafat's recent crackdown on Hamas is pushing Palestinians to "the edge of civil war." (AFP 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; MM 8/22)

IDF kills Palestinian trying to enter Israel fr. Gaza nr. Rafah. (QY 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; UNRWA News 8/24))

Jericho Mayor Jamil Khalaf resigns, saying PNA had deprived him of authority.  Khalaf, appointed by occupation, reportedly was under investigation for corruption and was unhappy with local police cmndr.'s authority.  (WP 8/10)

Hamas spokesman Mahmud Zahhar affirms Hamas "would not reject Jordan's rule of Jerusalem, so long as it remains in Arab hands."  (Al-Hayat 8/9 in FBIS 8/11)

Jordanian and Israeli negotiators mtg. in Sodom, Israel, agree to send survey teams to demarcate border based on 1928 League of Nations map showing Palestine-Transjordan border.  (WT 8/10)

PM Rabin schedules talks for next day with PLO Chmn. Arafat, 1st since Arafat took up residence in Gaza.  (WT 8/10)

"Senior admin. source" with Secy of State Christopher says Syria still seeks peace agreement with Israel this year.  (NYT 8/10)

Argentine judge orders arrest of 4 Iranian diplomats in 7/18 bombing of Jewish center in Buenos Aires.  (CSM, WP, WT 8/10)

Israel seals off Gaza Strip after previous day's riot at Erez checkpoint until "further notice."  Israeli cabinet mbrs. accuse Palestinian police of "gross irresponsibility" in incident.  (NYT 7/19)

Israel-Jordan peace talks open in tent on border 10 mi. north of Aqaba/Eilat.  Israeli delegation headed by Elyakim Rubenstein, Jordanian by Amb. to U.S. Fayiz Tarawnah.  Tarawnah expresses hope talks "will culminate in a treaty of peace," but PM and FM `Abd al-Salam Majali says Jordan "will not make a separate settlement with Israel by any means."  Talks break into working comm. sessions on borders, security, and water, energy, and environment issues.  (RJ, JTV 7/18 in FBIS 7/18; MM 7/18; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/19)

Palestinian-Israeli talks resume in Cairo, agenda focusing on transfer of education authority to PNA.  (MENA 7/18 in FBIS 7/18)

Secy of State Christopher meets Israeli PM Rabin, FM Peres in Jerusalem, says Arab-Israeli conflict "drawing to an end."  (MM 7/18; NYT, WT 7/19)

Israeli govt. proposes legislation to bar PLO political activity in Israel and Jerusalem unless special approval given.  (MM 7/19; TJT 7/22; JP 7/30)

FM Peres announces Casablanca will host international Middle East economic conference 10/30, with over 2,000 companies participating.  (MM 7/19)

Bomb destroys Buenos Aires building housing Jewish organizations, files on Nazi war criminals in Argentina, killing at least 26, wounding over 100.  Iraqi detained in case; German, Iranian also reported arrested.  Argentine Pres. Menem says Mossad, Spanish intelligence will help in investigation.  Israeli PM Rabin denounces attack as "cowardly, criminal and evil act," vows to "chase perpetrators of terrorism to the end."  PLO official in Argentina says "we deeply lament this attack against peace."  Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires destroyed by bomb 3/92.  (MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/19; WJW 7/21)

PLO Chmn. Arafat arrives in Gaza to take up permanent residence, meets PNA officials.  (NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/13)

Cairo talks btwn. Israel, Palestinians on security issues end 1st round.  Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath calls session "quite positive."  Talks covered prisoner release, extent of Jericho area, Palestinian police at Allenby Bridge, and extent of Palestinian authority on Gaza coast.  Subcomms. set up to discuss Gaza-Jericho authority, transfer of civil authority in rest of o.t.  (ARE Radio 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; MENA 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; NYT 7/13)

Steering group of multilateral talks holds 6th session in Tabarka, Tunisia, 1st mtg. since Madrid conf. in Arab country.  (Tunisian radio 7/12 in FBIS 7/12)

Maariv reports Israel considering international control of Christian, Muslim religious sites in Jerusalem.  FM Peres denies any such plan but says Israel "open to proposals" on holy sites, rejects any change in Israeli sovereignty over city.  Newspaper says proposed international admin. of Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Haram al-Sharif would include Palestinians, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Vatican.  (WT 7/13)

Yi'ud party joins Israeli cabinet although PM Rabin refuses many Yi'ud demands on o.t., Golan, PLO.  Yi'ud made up of frmr. Tsomet party mbrs.  (MM 7/13)

Arafat arrives in Jericho fr. Gaza on Egyptian helicopter that overflies Israel.  Palestine National Authority, including Arafat and 12 cabinet members, sworn in, holds 1st official mtg.  Arafat pledges establishment of Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital.  1 PNA appointee, Labor Min.-designate Samir Ghawsha, not sworn in due to Israeli objections.  Crowd estimated at 5-10,000.  Israel denies barring Palestinians fr. Jericho.  (MM 7/5; Israeli Govt. Press Office release 7/5 in FBIS 7/6; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/6; TJT 7/8)

Nazareth Mayor and Hadash MK Tawfiq Ziyad killed in car crash while returning fr. mtg. Arafat in Jericho.  (MM 7/6; TJT, WP 7/8; JP 7/16)

Palestinian prisoner held by PLO police in Gaza Central Prison on suspicion of collaboration with Israel dies in custody after being beaten.  (NYT 7/10; CSM 7/11)

Israel and Morocco establish official direct telephone link.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/5 in FBIS 7/6)

PLO Chmn. Arafat returns to Palestine, entering Gaza Strip at Rafah border crossing and proceeding to Gaza City.  3,000 Palestinian police detailed to provide security for 3-day visit.  Arafat addresses crowd of 30-100,000 in Gaza City's Square of the Unknown Soldier, honoring intifadah casualties, Arab states, declaring intention to expand Palestinian self-rule in West Bank.  Arafat vows to seek release of Hamas leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin.  (MM 7/1; NYT, WP, WT 7/2; JP 7/9)

WSJ reports that Bethlehem is now Muslim, and mosques in once-predominantly Christian city fr. 5 to 70 since 1970.  (WSJ 7/1)

East Jerusalem Palestinian found shot to death.  "Sword of David" group claims responsibility, citing revenge for killing of Israeli, opposition to Arafat visit.  (NYT 7/3)

JP publishes poll showing 33.8 % of Israelis oppose all settlements, 25.2 % support them.  Poll also shows 59 % support continued talks with PLO.  (MM 7/1)

Multilateral working group on economics meets in Rabat, Morocco.  5th session of group involves delegations fr. 46 countries.  (MAP 6/16 in FBIS 6/20)

Saudi Fund for Development, International Development Association sign memorandum of agreement to fund $30 m. in West Bank/Gaza Strip development projects.  Agreement is part of $67.5 m. allocated out of $100 m. Saudi grant to Palestinians.  (Saudi embassy release 6/16)

Vatican, Israel announce agreement signed 6/14 to establish full diplomatic relations, implementing 12/30/93 agreement.  Ambs. to be exchanged soon.  (MM 6/15; NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 6/16; JP 6/25)

Sens. Arlen Specter (R-PA), Richard Shelby (D-AL) set up "Middle East Peace Accord Monitoring Group" to track PLO compliance with 5/4 agreement with Israel.  (MM 6/16; Forward 6/17)

IDF troops firing on Palestinian stone-throwers in Ramallah kill Palestinian woman.  (WT 6/12; TJT 6/17)

Frayh Abu-Midyan, justice M of Palestinian National Authority, says Palestinian police in Gaza Strip have arrested 26 collaborators.  (MM 6/14; WT 6/15)

Joint Israeli-Palestinian demonstration on Ramallah-Jerusalem highway calls for Jerusalem to serve as joint capital of Israel, Palestinian state.  (CSM 6/13; TJT 6/17)

Syria postpones scheduled Amman mtg. of "Higher Syrian-Jordanian Comm." in apparent rejection of previous week's Jordan-Israel breakthrough.  (MM 6/13)

Israeli FM Peres acknowledges letter of assurances to PLO on Jerusalem, claimed by PLO Chmn. Arafat in Johannesburg speech 5/10 but denied by Israel.  Letter, sent to then-Norwegian FM Johan Jørgen Holst 10/11/93, promises to preserve status quo of "all the Palestinian institutions" in East Jerusalem.  Text of document printed in all Israeli newspapers.  (MM, WP 6/7; WJW 6/9; JP 6/18) 

Palestine Broadcast Authority conducts 1st experimental TV broadcast in Jericho, showing test pattern in Arabic and English, Palestinian flag.  (MM 6/7; TJT 6/10)

Palestinian leaders fr. o.t. meet at Orient House in Jerusalem, issue statement asserting rights to live, work, in Jerusalem, reject Israeli "political cordon" around city.  (MM 6/7)

Trilateral U.S.-Israel-Jordan economic talks resume in Washington.  (MM 6/6)

Palestinians clash with IDF in Hebron, Ramallah.  (WT 6/6)

IDF closes 4 entrances to Nur Shams r.c., nr. Tulkarm.  (UNRWA News 6/15)

Nabil Shaath says world community "moving very, very slowly" on aid to Palestinian self-rule areas, PLO needs "bridging measures."  $7 m. received of $2.4 b. in aid pledged, according to Shaath.  (Qol Yisra'el 6/5 in FBIS 6/6; WT 6/8)

GCC foreign ministers issue statement "welcom[ing]" 5/4 Cairo Agreement as "positive step" toward "comprehensive" solution to Arab-Israeli conflict.  (Saudi TV 6/5 in FBIS 6/6)

Conservative Labor MKs form "3d Way" lobby group to limit amount of o.t. land ceded to Palestinians.  Group includes Agriculture M Yaacov Tsur, Dep. DM Mordechai Gur, 19 of 44 Labor MKs.  Lobby opposes Palestinian state, return to 1967 borders.  Group's outline of future o.t. settlement resembles "Allon Plan" of 1970s.  (WT 6/6; WJW 6/9)

Official Lebanese sources say Syria, Iran pressuring Hizballah to cease firing katyushas at Israel.  Reports follow 6/4 visit of Iranian FM Ali Akbar Velayati to Damascus.  (WT 6/6)

Arab League, Organization of the Islamic Conference condemn recent Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon.  (MENA, SPA 6/5 in FBIS 6/6)

Russian Chief of Staff Col. Gen. Mikhail Kolesnikov opens 3-day visit to Syria. (WT 6/21)

PLO Exec. Comm. approves program for self-rule authority, reaffirming commitment to agreements with Israel and calling for end to settlements.  Program envisions Jerusalem as capital of Palestinian state.  (WP 5/29)

Yesha settlers' council says frmr. Israeli DM Ariel Sharon has raised over $7 m. overseas to support settlement activities.  (Qol Yisra'el 5/28 in FBIS 6/1)