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)

At the opening of the Knesset's winter session, FM Peres submits a political statement outlining the Rabin government's position on the Oslo II agmt., the peace process. MKs approve it by vote of 50-40, with 1 abstention. (ITV 10/23 in FBIS 10/24; MM 10/24)

Arafat shows up at Lincoln Center concert. Mayor Giuliani has him ejected fr. the concert hall, saying "When we're having . . . a celebration, I would rather not have someone who was implicated in the murder of Americans." State Dept., frmr. New York City mayors Edward Koch, David Dinkins criticize Giuliani for not showing Arafat the proper respect. (MM 10/25; MM, WP 10/25; NYT, WP 10/26; MEI 11/3) (see 10/20)

2 ships carrying 610 Palestinians expelled fr. Libya, which had been stranded off the coast of Cyprus, are allowed to dock in Latakia, Syria. (WP 10/24; JP 10/28) (see 10/18)

2-day CG donor mtg. opens. (PR 10/27)

Syria allows into the country 590 of the Palestinians stranded on the Libyan ferry off Cyprus. All 590 are either Syrian nationals or have Syrian travel documents. (AFP, SATN 10/18 in FBIS 10/19) (see 10/17)

Biannual 2-day U.S.-Israeli strategic cooperation mtg. opens in Washington. Talks focus on strategic issues, security implications of Oslo II agmt., arms control, status of multilateral arms control working group. Israel gives the U.S. progress reports on Arrow-2 missile, Ofek-3 satellite projects. (MM 10/9/ IL 10/20)

IDF moves reinforcements into s. Lebanon fr. n. Israel. (RL 10/19 in FBIS 10/19)

At the invitation of Secy. of State Christopher, Syrian FM Shara` arrives in Washington for 2-day working visit. (MM 10/5; RMC, SARR 10/5, SARR 10/6 in FBIS 10/6; MM 10/6; SARR 10/6 in FBIS 10/10; WJW 10/12)

In Jerusalem, 20,000-30,000 Israelis gather in Zion Square to urge MKs to vote against the Oslo II accord. (NYT 10/6; JP 10/6 in FBIS 10/6; JP 10/14)

PM Rabin opens the Knesset debate on the Oslo II agmt., for the 1st time outlining his vision of a final settlement. Labor coalition MKs vote unanimously for resolution calling the vote on the interim agmt. binding on all faction, coalition mbrs. (MM 10/5; QY 10/5 in FBIS 10/5)

Arab FMs meet at the UN to discuss Israeli memorandum circulated 10/3, issue their own memorandum calling on the UN committees dealing with Palestine, particularly the UNRWA, to continue their work until Palestinians regain their national rights, Israel completes its withdrawal fr. the o.t., the issue of settlements is solved. (VOP 10/5 in FBIS 10/6)

PA police arrest 20 Hamas mbrs in connection with 10/4 shooting of Israeli policeman. (JP 10/6 in FBIS 10/6)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah attacks 2 SLA convoys, killing or wounding 6. (VOL 10/5 in FBIS 10/6) 

In Taba, Arafat, FM Peres estimate they need only 3 more hrs. to finalize 18 outstanding points. PA's head negotiator Economics M Qurai` collapses fr. severe exhaustion, is taken to the hospital by FM Peres. (MM 9/22; MENA, QY, VOP 9/22 in FBIS 9/22; NYT 9/23)

Lebanese Interior Min. issues decree regulating entry, exit of Palestinians. (RL 9/22 in FBIS 9/25)

PA says U.S. has given initial approval to its request for exemption fr. the UN blockade on Iraq so it may import oil (35,000 bpd) to the self-rule areas. (Al-Dustur 9/22 in FBIS 9/22)

Palestinians hold demonstrations in Hebron as warning to PA not to compromise in negotiations. IDF arrests some demonstrators, leading to small rock-throwing clashes. Israeli settlers shoot, wound 1 Palestinian. IDF soldiers intervene. (ITV 9/22 in FBIS 9/25; NYT, WP, WT 9/23)

Israeli FMin. says it is having trouble planning a speaking tour of U.S. for a group of senior IDF reserve officers. PM Rabin is dispatching the delegation to encourage U.S. Jews to support the peace process, explain the Israeli government's positions, however, many Jewish conservative, reform groups are refusing to meet. (HA 9/11 in FBIS 9/12)

Reacting to the expulsion 9/8 of 350 Palestinian refugees with Lebanese laissez-passer, Lebanon closes sea routes with Libya, says Palestinians wishing to return must obtain entry visas fr. Lebanese embassy, but orders embassies not to issue new documents or visas without case-by-case approval by the Interior Min. Libya sends 10s of busses carrying 50 Palestinians each to Egypt, prompting Egypt to stop allowing in Palestinians without permits to enter Gaza, leaving 100s stranded on the border. (VOL 9/7, MENA, VOL 9/8 in FBIS 9/8; NYT, WP, WT 9/10; MBC, RL 9/8, AFP, RL, VOL 9/9, AFP, RL, VOL 9/10 in FBIS 9/11; MM 9/11; NYT 9/13)

Frmr. Israeli Islamic Movement mbrs. led by Shaykh Atif Khatib announce they will present an Islamic list for 10/96 Knesset elections that will incl. a candidate for PM. It would be the 1st time an Arab would run for PM. Shaykh Khatib says the new party, Islamic Arab Faction, will be left leaning, pro-peace process, for Arab equality. (YA 9/10 in FBIS 9/12; HA 9/18 in FBIS 9/21)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers storm Palestinian girls school, beat headmistress, injure 4 girls (aged 6-10) who took part in street protest. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/11; NYT 9/13)

In Nablus, armed men kidnap Fatah Hawk official Na'il Shubaytah. 25 Fatah Hawks march through city armed with grenades, pistols, machine guns in protest; accuse supporters of Issam Abu Bakr, who was suspended fr. the group 1 mo. ago. (AFP 9/10 in FBIS 9/11)

At Tel Ashqelon prison in Israel, 20 Palestinian prisoners beat to death their Hamas cell mate `Abd al-Fatah al-Rantisi, who was serving a 15-yr. sentence as a collaborator. (AFP 9/10 in FBIS 9/11)

In Italy, Arafat meets with PM Lamberto Dini, Pres. Oscar Luigi Scalfaro. Then on sidelines of a private business conference in Cernobbio, Italy, FM Peres, Arafat hold brief, informal mtg. to discuss unresolved issues. Peres confirms that secret Israeli-PA talks were held in Italy in 6/95. (MM 9/1; VOP 9/1 in FBIS 9/6; QY 9/2 in FBIS 9/5; WJW 9/7)

Israel asks U.S. to withdraw a travel warning recommending Americans avoid using Israeli busses, which have been targets of Palestinian suicide bombers. (QY 9/1 in FBIS 9/1; WT 9/2)

FM Peres meets with Arafat before, after PA-Israeli "drafting comm." mtg. Both say they are closer to reaching preliminary self-rule agmt. Meanwhile, 10 comms meet in Elat to work out differences on specific issues blocking a final agmt. (MM, WT 8/10; AFP, ITV, MENA, QY, VOP 8/10, VOP 8/11 in FBIS 8/11)

2d group of 150 Palestinians is deported fr. Libya. Libya says it will continue expelling Palestinians to the self-rule areas via Egypt. PA says it has no agmt. with Libya to accept the deportees but PA, Israel have agreed to let them into Gaza. [Over the past 2 days, some 2,500 Egyptians have also been expelled. There are 40,000 Palestinians, 800,000-900,000 Egyptians in Libya.] (AFP, MENA 8/10 in FBIS 8/11; MM 8/11; PR 8/18) (see 8/9)

Jordan gives asylum to Iraqi defectors Lt. Gen. Hussein Kamel Hassan, Lt. Col. Saddam Kamel Hassan (both sons-in-law of Pres. Saddam Hussein), their families, 15 other army officers. Lt. Gen. Kamel headed Iraq's weapons program; Lt. Col. Kamel was chief of security. (NYT, WP, WT 8/11; CSM 8/14)

PA police arrest 5 Hamas mbrs. in Gaza, IDF arrests 17 West Bank Palestinians; all are accused of plotting attacks for Hamas. IDF orders West Bank, Gaza closure extended until 8/13. (QY 8/10 in FBIS 8/10; YA 8/11 in IL 8/11; WP 8/12) (see 8/9)

Secy. of State Christopher meets with Pres. Mubarak, PM Rabin in Cairo to try to ease tensions btwn. Egypt, Israel. Trio discusses peace process, regional cooperation, weapons of mass destruction. (MM 6/8; CSM, MM 6/9; MENA, QY 6/9 in FBIS 6/9; NYT, WP, WT 6/10; WJW 6/15; JP 6/17)

10,000 supporters of Israel's Islamic Movement hold rally in Kafr Kassim, calling for East Jerusalem as capital of a Palestinian state. (JP 6/17)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Amman, King Hussein opens mtg. btwn. Arafat, 120 Jordanian businessmen to encourage investment in Palestine. Arafat then meets with PM Sharif Zaid Bin Shakir to discuss bilateral relations, leaves for similar talks with Pres. Mubarak, Arab League Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid in Cairo. (JTV, RJ 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MM 5/25; VOP 5/25 in FBIS 5/26; MEI 5/28; MENA 5/29 in FBIS 5/30)

In Brussels, PA, Israeli negotiators meet with EU officials to discuss EU sponsorship, financing of 700-mbr. international monitor team for forthcoming elections. (MM 5/24; SA 5/25 in FBIS 5/26) (see 5/17)

In Tel Aviv, Russian Dep. FM Viktor Posuvalyuk meets with FM Peres, Dep. FM Beilin; offers to host next mtg. of Multilateral Working Group on Arms Control. (QY 5/24, HA 5/25 in FBIS 5/25)

Israeli Housing Min. approves construction of 1,500 units in East Jerusalem for Palestinian families. Units would be the 1st ever built by Israel for Palestinians in annexed East Jerusalem. (AFP 5/24 in FBIS 5/24)

In student council elections at Birzeit, Fatah wins 21 seats, Hamas 18, PFLP 8, PPP 3, DFLP 1. Islamic Jihad did not run. Fida received 16 of the 2,385 votes. Islamic bloc wins majority of seats in al-Bireh Medical College, `Abdallah Bin Husayn College elections. Fatah wins at Bethlehem University. (ITV 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MM 5/25; MEI 6/9)

In Gaza, FM Peres, Arafat discuss industrial parks. In a gesture of goodwill in light of land conflict, Peres increases number of Palestinians allowed to work in Israel to 35,000, says PA will be allowed to take over 8 more spheres (5 agreed upon 5/16 plus agriculture, census and statistics, local administration) before 7/1. (MM 5/22; IDF Radio, QY, VOP 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; NYT 5/23; PR 5/28)

PM Rabin suspends confiscation of 134 acres of land in Jerusalem, killing no-confidence vote brought by Arab and rightist MKs that could have collapsed the government (see 5/17). Arab nations postpone minisummit on Jerusalem (see 5/21). (MM 5/22; ESC Television, IDF Radio, MENA, QY, VOP 5/22, MA, MENA, QY, VOP 5/23 in FBIS 5/23; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/23; CSM, MM 5/24; WJW 5/25; MEI 5/26; PR 6/28; JP 6/3; WSJ 6/6; MEI 6/9)

FM Peres tells Arafat that Israel will loan the PA $125 m.--the sum Israel should hand over for tax collection on behalf of PA but cannot due to delays in Knesset legislation. (QY 5/22 in FBIS 5/23)

PLO's Qaddumi meets with heads of Palestinian opposition groups in Damascus, incl. DFLP's Nayif Hawatmeh, Islamic Jihad's Fathi Shiqaqi, Palestinian National Grouping's (PNG) Bassam al-Shak'a, a Hamas rep. (RMC 5/23 in FBIS 5/24)

UNRWA Commissioner Gen. Ilter Türkman meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss UN activities in Gaza, Jericho. (UNRWA News 6/2)

IDF soldier opens fire on, throws grenades into Jaffa church, causing extensive damage but no casualties. 11 Palestinians are injured when clashes erupt outside church btwn. Palestinians, Israeli police. (ITV, QY 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; WT 5/23; MM, WT 5/24)

PA, Jordan sign 1st comprehensive trade accord, defining terms for shipments across Jordan river, preferential tariff system, free trade btwn. autonomous areas, Jordan. (RJ 5/4 in FBIS 5/4; JP 5/13)

Israeli embassy in Amman holds independence day celebration but few invited Jordanian officials attend. (SARR 5/4 in FBIS 5/5; JP 5/13; WT 5/17)

Arafat approves creation of Palestine Telecommunications Co., plans to have 600,000 phone lines, 200,000 mobile phones in use within 10 yrs. (VOP 5/4 in FBIS 5/5)

PA military court sentences 4 Palestinians to 6 mos. in jail for burning Israeli fields nr. Erez. (QY 5/4 in FBIS 5/5)

3 Israeli policemen, 1 Palestinian are hurt when Jewish extremists try to force their way in to al-Aqsa compound to pray. (CSM 5/5)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah shells IDF tank wounding 1 soldier, fires mortars at SLA position. IDF returns fire, killing 2 Lebanese civilians. (QY, VOL 5/4 in FBIS 5/4; RL 5/4, 5/5 in FBIS 5/5; WT 5/6)

In Damascus, Egyptian FM Musa meets with Syrian FM al-Shara`, transmits message fr. Pres. Mubarak to Pres. al-Asad on bilateral coordination, consultation on peace process, regional issues. (SARR 5/2 in  FBIS 5/2; RE 3/2 in FBIS 3/3)

In Gaza, Arafat meets with EU delegation, U.S. Consul Gen. Edward Abington to discuss outcomes of Paris donor's mtg. 4/27-28. (VOP 5/3 in FBIS 5/4)

PA invites Canada, EC, Egypt, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Russia to participate in 1,000-mbr. elections observer force. Arafat opens Palestine Central Elections Comm. headquarters in Gaza. (ITV 3/2 in FBIS 3/3; JP 5/13)

PA says direct phone line btwn. Arafat, Rabin has been set up so they can make rapid decision as problems arise, esp. concerning IDF, police, border issues. (YA 5/3 in FBIS 5/4)

U.S. Amb. to the UN Albright meets with Israeli PM Rabin, FM Peres, PA Local Government M Erakat, PA Information M `Abid Rabbu; discusses settlements, new U.S. trade ban on Iran, terrorism. Rabin gives support for U.S. dual containment policy; heads to Jordan for mtg. on peace process with Crown Prince Hassan. (WT 5/2; JP, QY 5/2 in FBIS 5/2; JTV, RJ, VOP 5/2 in FBIS 5/3; MM 5/3)

PA military court gives 1st death sentence to Palestinian police officer for killing 2d officer, gives him 14 days to appeal. (ITV 3/2 in FBIS 3/3; NYT 5/3; WT 5/15) (see 4/24)

Masked Israeli border policemen raid Makassed hospital in East Jerusalem in search of "Palestinian activists"; prevent ambulance workers fr. admitting patients. (WT 5/3)

Israel closes o.t. for 4 days, over Remembrance Day holiday. (QY 4/30 in FBIS 5/1)

In Morocco, OPIC announces creation of Middle East and North Africa Investment Fund. Capital for fund will come fr. U.S. private firms, be guaranteed by OPIC. Fund will encourage private sector investment in self-rule areas, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia; will focus on tourism, real estate, communications, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, high tech; will not replace Middle East Development Bank. (MM 4/27; al-Hayat 4/30)

PA begins training 6,000 teachers on census taking, verifying and updating voter lists received fr. Israel 4/4. (VOP 4/26 in FBIS 4/26)

PLO files official protest with UN over Israeli confiscation of 134 acres in Jerusalem. (VOP 4/29 in FBIS 5/1) (see 4/27)

497 Islamist and nationalist leaders fr. around the Muslim world issue "Statement of Support and Solidarity" for Hamas in its struggle to "liberate Palestine," warn Arafat not to detain Islamists. Statement run twice on 2-page ad in al-Hayat. (MM 5/5)

1 Scottish, 2 Israeli pathologists say Palestinian who died in Shin Bet custody 4/25 is "first absolutely clear-cut case where there can be no debate that this is a death as the result of torture and nothing else." Shin Bet official comments: "As much as it is unpleasant . . . we don't need to change the general rules." (MM 4/28; WP 4/29; NYT 5/1; WP 5/4; JP 5/6; MEI 5/12)

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)

On visit to Austria, Israeli Dep. FM Beilin says it makes no difference to Israel which elements are in control of s. Lebanon "so long as the safety of the inhabitants is maintained." Statement thought to be a concessionary signal to Syria. (MM 4/20)

Syrian VP Khaddam says Syria still wants full withdrawal to 6/4/67 border [the 1967 border incl. a strip of land along the Sea of Galilee not incl. in the international border], "equality" in security arrangements, recent signals fr. Israel have not changed Syria's position. (MM 4/20)

U.S. says Saudi Arabia failed to cooperate with U.S. effort 2 wks ago to seize Islamic Jihad's Imad Mughniyya in connection with 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing. Saudis refused to let plane in which Mughniyya was flying land on Saudi soil. (NYT, WP, WT 4/22; al-Hayat 4/23 in FBIS 4/25; MM, WT 4/24; WJW 4/27)

Previously unknown group, Islamic Salvation Front for Palestine, releases 2d communiqué in 2 wks threatening to attack Israeli targets in Egypt, Algeria, France, Britain, U.S. if PA crackdown on Islamist groups continues. Hamas, Islamic Jihad say they have never heard of the group. (AFP, QY 4/20 in FBIS 4/21)

FBI switches focus of search for Oklahoma bombers to domestic separatist, white supremacist groups; Middle Eastern connection termed unlikely. (NYT, WP, WT 4/21; WP 4/22; MM 2/24) (see 4/19)

IDF undercover unit ambushes, kills 3 Hamas mbrs. in Hebron, imposes curfew. (QY 4/16 in FBIS 4/18; CSM, NYT 4/17; CSM, MM 4/18; MEI 4/28; JP 4/29)

PA court sentences 2 Hamas mbrs. to 2 yrs in prison for training with illegal weapons, involvement in attack last yr. that left 1 IDF soldier dead. (QY 4/16 in FBIS 4/18; CSM, NYT 4/17; NYT 5/3)

PA continues mtgs. with Hamas to reduce tensions. No agmt. is reached but PA releases another 50 Hamas mbrs. (RMC 4/16, QY 4/17 in FBIS 4/19) (see 4/14)

New group calling itself Palestine National Democratic Coalition (PNDN) led by Firuz Yari announces it has broken away fr. PFLP, apparently following dispute over whether PFLP should continue as an underground group, remain outside PA bureaucracy. Observers say PNDN's proparticipation platform "has huge potential." (HA 4/16 in FBIS 4/20)

Rabin says he would accept a Palestinian state in Gaza if Palestinians would drop claims to rest of o.t.; PA Planning M Shaath rejects idea. Rabin also calls on Arafat to arrest all Palestinians who assist or incite anti-Israeli attacks, incl. religious leaders. (MM 4/13; JP 4/13 in FBIS 4/13; MM 4/20, 4/21)

IDF confiscates 4,080 Palestinian passports issued to West Bank, Jerusalem residents leaving to perform hajj; says passports are "a muscle-flexing move on the part of the PA, as it tries to show it has authority" in West Bank, only Palestinians fr. self-rule areas can have them. (QY 4/13 in FBIS 4/14; JP 4/29) (see 3/30)

Jordanian Interior Min. officials question Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghawshah about making "press statements against another state," following PA complaints 4/12. Government says Hamas mbrs. live in, but Hamas does not operate as a group fr. Jordan. (AFP, RMC, VOP 4/13 in FBIS 4/13; ITV 4/13 in FBIS 4/14)

Arafat orders closure of al-Hayat al-Jadid, which began publishing in Gaza 11/20/94, citing breech of loyalty agmt. reached with its owner Nabil `Amr, editor Hafiz Barghouti. (al-Ahali 4/13 in FBIS 4/20)

After Hamas-run al-Watan criticizes PA arrest of Hamas mbrs. following 4/9 bombings, PA police raid paper's Gaza offices, detain editors Sayyid Abu Musamih, Ghazi Hammad; release them hours later. (QY 4/13 in FBIS 4/14)

Israel puts curfew on Hebron, closes borders with Gaza, West Bank to prevent violence during, keep Palestinians out of Israel through Passover. (QY 4/12 in FBIS 4/12; MM, NYT 4/13; QY 4/13, 4/14 in FBIs 4/14; WT 4/14, 4/15)

Rabbi Ido Elba, spiritual leader of Kiryat Arba arrested in 8/94 in connection with Hebron massacre, is sentenced to 2 yrs for inciting racism for saying "thou shalt not kill" commandment does not apply to Jews killing non-Jews. (JP 4/22)

PA-Israeli talks on elections resume in Cairo. Sides discuss updating Palestinian census for voter registration. Israel turns over magnetic tapes of census information, aerial photos of o.t. to help draw up voter districts. (QY, VOP 4/4 in FBIS 4/5; MM 4/5)

Jordan, Israel sign tourism agmt. at Dayr Alla. (JT 4/5 in FBIS 4/5)

Donors' Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) close informal 2-day mtg. in Washington. PA submits FY 1995 budget. Donors agree to cover PA operating costs through April, pending donor plenum 4/27. (HA 3/31 in FBIS 3/31; RE 4/6 in FBIS 4/6; VOP 4/6 in FBIS 4/6; JP 4/8)

Following donor mtg., mbrs. of Palestinian delegation meet with World Bank, IMF, U.S. Dept. of Commerce officials to discuss free Palestinian trade, with U.S. delegations interested in starting joint U.S.-Palestinian development projects in o.t. (VOP 4/6 in FBIS 4/7)

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak visits mbrs. of Congress, lobbies for continuation of aid; holds 2d mtg. with Secy. of State Christopher, discusses NPT, Egypt's economy, methods of expanding peace btwn. Israel, Arab states; receives assurances the administration will push Congress to maintain $2.1 b. aid package. Christopher reportedly blasts Mubarak for Egypt's "lack of support" on NPT issue. (WT, NYT 4/4; MENA 4/4 in FBIS 4/5; MENA 4/4 in FBIS 4/6; WT 4/5; CSM 4/6; MM 4/7; MEI 4/14)

Knesset delays bill that would allow government to transfer tax funds to the PA to ease its financial burden after Tsomet asks to turn vote into no-confidence motion. (JP 4/4 in FBIS 4/4)

Israeli FMin. Dir. Gen. Uri Savir says that, following recent secret talks, PA has accepted a phased IDF withdrawal fr. West Bank, may also accept partial withdrawal. 1st phase would occur on eve of elections, additional stages after elections. (ITV 3/24 in FBIS 3/27; IDF Radio 4/13 in FBIS 4/13)

Israeli, Syrian ambs. hold 1st mtg. in Washington since 12/94, prepare for negotiations to resume 3/27. (WT 3/27)

VP Gore meets with Arafat in Jericho, announces PA will be allowed to export goods to the U.S. tariff-free, says $73 m. of pledged U.S. aid will be disbursed to build and renovate housing, pave roads, repair sewer system in Gaza. Arafat pledges to prosecute those who attack Israelis to derail the peace process. Both sign economic agmt. on U.S. participation in building health, educational, industrial projects. U.S., Palestinian businessmen meet. (MM 3/23, 3/24; VOP 3/24 in FBIS 3/27; NYT, WP, WT 3/25; WJW 3/30; MEI 3/31; JP 4/1) (see 2/16)

 Arafat attends Friday prayers at Jericho mosque. When prayer leader Shaykh `Abd al-Salaam Abu Shaykhidim denounces making peace with Jews, Arafat dispatches 2d shaykh to the pulpit, ending Abu Shaykhidim's sermon. (NYT, WP 3/25) (see 3/3)

PA Agriculture Min. bans entry of Israeli produce into Gaza, citing Israel's banning entry into Israel of Palestinian produce trucks. (VOP 3/24 in FBIS 3/28) (see 2/26)

Poll released by Dahaf pollsters shows 73% of Israelis think current negotiations will result in a Palestinian state as long as the PA "overcomes terror"; 23% think no state will result. (WT 3/25)

Israeli Environmental M Yossi Sarid says Palestinian state will eventually emerge fr. negotiations; borders will probably coincide with separation plan; officially it will not be a state "but in reality it will be." The statement, thought to be trial balloon, is denounced by PM Rabin, Likud. (QY 3/19, IDF Radio 3/20 in FBIS 3/20; WJW 3/23; ITV 3/24 in FBIS 3/28; JP 3/25; JP 4/1)

2-day, informal Major Donor and Host Governments mtg. opens in Amman. Participants fr. 28 countries, organizations reaffirm their pledges to reassure Palestinians. Additional pledges announced: U.S., $15 m.; Sweden, $2 m.; Britain $1 m. After mgt. Britain says it will give another $7 m. to PA. (UNRWA News 3/8, 3/9, 3/22)

En route to Morocco, Arafat stops in Tunis to meet with al-Qaddumi, Abbas to discuss convening Fatah Central Comm. 3/16 to reassess peace talks. (VOP 3/8 in FBIS 3/9)

Israel issues 3,500 permits for Palestinian workers to enter Israel, raising total number to 18,500. Permits will go to married men over 30, tourism workers over 25. (QY 3/3 in FBIS 3/3; WP 3/4)

House Appropriations Comm. cuts debt forgiveness to Jordan to $50 m. fr. $275 m. PM Rabin calls Pres. Clinton to criticize move. Clinton condemns decision as threat to peace process, calls on Senate to overturn it; phones King Hussein to reassure him. (CSM, WT 3/3; RJ 3/7 in FBIS 3/8;  CSM 3/8; JP 3/11; WT 3/12; WJW 3/16; MEI 3/17; WSJ 3/24; NYT 3/29; MEI 3/31) (see 2/22)

Senate confirms Martin Indyk as 1st Jewish U.S. amb. to Israel "with no controversy." (WT 3/6)

PA arrests Shaykh Salama al-Safadi fr. Gaza's Filastin Mosque, Shaykh Ahman Nimr fr. Khan Yunis mosque for giving anti-PA sermons. (HA 3/5; AFP 3/6 in FBIS 3/6; MBC in FBIS 3/7)

PM Rabin, FM Peres appoint Shimon Shamir, frmr. amb. to Egypt, Israel's 1st amb. to Jordan. (IDF Radio 2/15 in FBIS 2/16; MM 2/16, 2/17)

Palestinian police detain Palestinian human rights lawyer Raji Sourani for 16 hrs. after he criticizes Arafat's decision to set up military court system (see 2/7). (MM 2/15; QY 2/15 in FBIS 2/15; AFP 2/15 in FBIS 2/16; MM, NYT 2/16; PR 2/20)

South Africa's FM Alfred Nazo signs agmt. with PLO's al-Qaddumi, officially recognizing Palestine; says recognition should not affect South Africa's relations with Israel. (PR 2/20)

U.S. continues to pressure Egypt to sign NPT. Says it will not force issue with Israel because of its "vulnerable position" in the region, fears of angering American supporters of Israel. Some mbrs. of Congress say they will push to reduce foreign aid to Egypt if it does not sign. (NYT 2/16)

Israel releases 2 Arab-Americans arrested 1/93 on suspicion of funnelling money to Hamas, drops all charges. (NYT 2/16)

Israel, PA close election talks in Cairo without making any progress. (AFP, RMC 2/8 in FBIS 2/8)

U.S. Commerce Secy. Brown, executives fr. 10 American corporations meet in Taba with trade officials fr. Egypt, Israel, Jordan, the PA to discuss setting up regional council for trade, investment, assess results of Casablanca mtg., set ground work for international economic forum in Jordan in spring. Parties say they will work establish free trade btwn. themselves, form 2 economic bodies to develop their economic ties. (WT 2/8; MENA 2/8 in FBIS 2/8)

EU delegation headed by French FM Alain Juppé arrives in Damascus, meets with Pres. al-Asad to discuss EU-Syrian relations, peace process, says EU supports full Israeli withdrawal fr. Golan. (SARR 2/8 in FBIS 2/8; MM 2/9; MEI 2/17)

Reports say that over past few months Israel has brought in 12,000 Thai workers to replace Palestinian laborers in Israel, bring import of new workers fr. South East Asia, Eastern Europe to 50,000 since 3/94. (MEI 2/3, NYT 2/8; MEI 2/17)

Poll released by Strategic Studies Center, University of Jordan, shows that 72.6% of Jordanians polled favor some kind of union with Palestine. (JT 2/8 in FBIS 2/10)

PA says it has arrested more than 100 DFLP mbrs. since 2/6 incident. (QY 2/8 in FBIS 2/8; WP 2/10)

King Hussein hosts 29-mbr. Knesset delegation in Amman, briefs it on peace process, treaty implementation. Mbrs. of delegation dine with 30 mbrs. of parliament. (al-Aswaq, JTV 2/5, JT 2/6 in FBIS 2/6; MM 2/ 6; JTV 2/6 in FBIS 2/7)

Jordanian-Israeli aviation comm. meets. Israel accepts some Jordanian demands related to air corridors, routes; Royal Jordanian, El Al agree on joint tourist packages. (JT 2/5 in FBIS 2/6; MM 2/6; JP 2/7 in FBIS 2/8)

Israel cabinet extends closure of West Bank, Gaza, imposed 1/22; says only teachers, doctors, Palestinian agricultural goods can enter. PA, U.S. Commerce Secy. Ron Brown, in Israel on 4-day official visit to discuss Israeli-U.S. trade, criticize decision. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/6; VOP 2/6 in FBIS 2/6; QY 2/5 in FBIS 2/7; WJW 2/9)

At cabinet meeting, Israeli Environment M Sarid, Education M Amnon Rubinstein suggest making closure of Gaza, West Bank permanent, compensating Palestinians $330 m. annually for lost income. No vote is taken. (MM, WT 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)

Arafat, PM Rabin meet at Erez checkpoint; agree on recognition of Palestinian passports, release of prisoners, routes linking autonomous areas. Men over 50, women over 35 will begin using safe-passage routes. (MM 1/9; AFP, QY, VOP 1/9 in FBIS 1/9; QY 1/9 in FBIS 1/10; NYT, WP, WT 1/10; CSM 1/12; PR 1/15; MEI 2/3) (see 1/6)

Israeli-PA talks on procedures and mechanisms for elections, expanding self-rule reopen in Cairo. Parties defer discussion on redeployment, review events of previous 8 mtgs. (MM 1/9; MENA 1/9 in FBIS 1/9; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/10; RE 1/9, MENA 1/10 in FBIS 1/10; MENA 1/10 in FBIS 1/11)

PA holds conference on settlements in Jericho. Participants, incl. 4 PA mbrs. and Hamas mbrs., call on PA to suspend talks, step up protests, reconsider peace process in light of Israeli settlement violations. (MM 1/9; QY 1/9 in FBIS 1/10; NYT 1/10; Al-Quds 1/10, QY 1/11 in FBIS 1/11; CSM 1/12; PR 1/15)

PA, German officials meet in East Jerusalem to discuss development projects. Israeli FMin. complains it did not receive prior notice of mtg. (QY 1/9 in FBIS 1/10) (see 12/26)

U.S. Defense Secy. Perry receives briefing on Golan fr. IDF, say U.S. anticipates being asked to provide monitors for the area (as opposed to security forces). (MM 1/9; AFP, JP, QY 1/9 in FBIS 1/9; ITV 1/9 in FBIS 1/10; WP, WT 1/10; CSM 1/11; MEI 1/20; JP 1/21)

Poll released by Center for Palestine Research Studies shows that majority of Palestinians favor suspending (31.5%) or completely halting (20.6%) talks with Israel. (MM 1/9)

HA reports Iraq is ready to recognize Israel since Israel has reconciled with PLO, has asked Morocco to mediate; claims Iraqi official Ismat Katani visited senior FMin. official Yitzhak Lior in Israel. Lior admits mtg. took place but says Israeli-Iraqi relations were not discussed. (HA 1/9 in FBIS 1/9; WT 1/10)

Rigged donkey cart explodes in Gaza as bus of Jewish settlers passes. No injuries, no one takes responsibility. (NYT, WT 1/10)

Israeli-PA Supreme Liaison Comm. meets in Cairo, makes no progress but agrees to 2 mtgs. btwn. PM Rabin, Arafat in coming wks. Each side presents list of other side's DOP violations. PA Planning M Shaath threatens to quit as negotiator unless Israel moves forward on releases of Palestinian prisoners. (MM 1/3; HA, MENA 1/3 in FBIS 1/4; CSM, MM 1/4; VOP 1/4 in FBIS 1/5; VOP 1/5 in FBIS 1/6; CSM 1/6)

Egyptian FM Musa meets with Israeli FM Peres on sidelines of Supreme Liaison Comm. mtg. to discuss peace talks, settlements; hosts luncheon for Peres and Shaath. (IDF Radio, MENA 1/3 in FBIS 1/4; MM 1/4; QY 1/3 in FBIS 1/5)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, Israeli FM Peres meet to discuss negotiations. Peres says both agreed to eliminate all trade, tourism restrictions btwn. the 2 countries. (RE 1/3 in FBIS 1/4; QY 1/4 in FBIS 1/5; MM 1/5)

IDF claims Palestinian policemen involved in clash with IDF 1/2 were really Hamas mbrs. who had joined police force with intent of attacking Israelis inside Israel. (IDF Radio, QY 1/3 in FBIS 1/3; MM 1/4; QY 1/5 in FBIS 1/5)

Germany grants additional $13.8 m. to PA for job creation, for workers returning fr. abroad to start businesses. (WT 1/4)

Head of IDF planning branch, Maj. Gen. Uzi Dayan, suggests Israel will make preemptive strike on Iran to halt its nuclear program if it is found to pose a threat. (MM 1/4, 1/10, 1/11)

David Ivri, director-general of Israeli DMin., says he is investigating U.S. accusations that Israel illegally provided China with U.S. technological secrets, says Israeli spinoffs of U.S. technology may have been given. (WT 1/4; CSM 1/6; MEI 1/20) (see 11/28)

1000s of Palestinians rally against Israel at funeral for policemen killed by IDF 1/2. (MM 1/3; WP 1/4)

Poll of Americans conducted by Luntz Research shows 34% strongly opposed to U.S. deployment in Golan; 24% opposed; 35% favor; 11% strongly favor. 44% of those in favor would change their minds if troops could be target of terrorists. (WT 1/10)