The Palestine Chronology

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)

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)