The Palestine Chronology

Speaking at joint press conference, Pres. Mitterrand, Pres. Gorbachev express support for international peace conference and Palestinian statehood [MEM 5/8].

Israeli officials and Western diplomats say Gulf states are weighing relaxation of Arab League economic boycott against Israel and firms that do business with Israel [WP 5/7]. Palestinian and PLO editorials attack Kuwait for planning to ease boycott [MEM 5/7].

Arriving in Riyadh, Def. Sec. Cheney opens efforts to negotiate sweeping changes in U.S.-Arab military relationship that would include permanently stationing weaponry and deploying large numbers of troops during rotating exercises in the Gulf region (cf. 5/9) [WP, NYT 5/7; SPA 5/6 in FBIS 5/7].

Syrian officials say that Lebanese guerrilas fighting against Israeli-backed militias in southern Lebanon should not lay down their weapons under Beirut's plan for disarming all militias: "Weapons of resistance groups ... cannot be touched until the Israeli enemy abandons the border strip" [NYT 5/7].

In letter to UN Sec.-Gen., Iraq asks for 5- year delay on paying war reparations so as to first rebuild its economy. U.S. ambassador to UN Thomas Pickering says Sec. Council is unlikely to ease that part of cease-fire agreement [NYT 5/7].

Allied bombers, aided by improving weather, step-up pace of attacks deep into Iraq; largest Marine amphibious assault force since Korean War practices landings in Gulf [NYT, LAT, WP 1/25].

For 1st time, French warplanes attack targets inside Iraq; previously Pres. Mitterrand said French would only attack positions in Kuwait [NYT, LAT 1/25].

Saudi pilot shoots down 2 Iraqi Mirage F-1s, recording 1st Saudi kills in combat [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/25].

About 300 young Kuwaitis have been trained to help U.S. ground forces identify Iraqis in Kuwait in event of land war in Gulf; Kuwaitis will work as interpreters and try to spot Iraqis trying to blend in with Kuwaiti population [NYT 1/25].

Facing growing hesitation about Egypt's role in Gulf war, Pres. Mubarak says Egypt is obligated by its commitments to UN and Arab League to come to the aid of Kuwait; Mubarak also urges Israeli restraint [NYT, WP 1/25]; Los Angeles Times reports growing Arab concern over Iraq's survival [LAT 1/25].

UN Sec. Council meets to discuss ceasefire proposed by N. African countries, but effort is considered futile as U.S. and other permanent council members are certain to veto any resolution calling for end to fighting [NYT 1/25].