32 / 15150 Results
  • December 6, 1999

    U.S. Secy. of State Albright arrives in Saudi Arabia on the 1st leg of her 5-day tour of the Middle East to nudge the peace process forward. (CSM, MM, WP 12/7; WJW 12/9; MEI 12/10)

    U.S....

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  • November 16, 1999

    In Jerusalem, U.S. spedal envoy Dennis Ross meets with Israeli FM David Levy to discuss progress on final status talks. Although they discuss differences btwn. Israel and the Palestinian Authority...

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  • October 11, 1999

    In Luxembourg, Israeli FM Levy meets with EU FMs to discuss "reinvigorating" Israeli-EU relations. (EU press release 10/11; MEI 10/15)

    A day after his cabinet gives him the permission to...

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  • October 6, 1999

    PA Planning M Nabil Shaath receives Jordanian FM Abdallah Khatib for talks on the peace process, briefs him on Arafat's recent visit to Washington. The 2 men also discuss holding a 3-way (Egypt,...

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  • September 11, 1999

    Israel's Interior M Natan Sharansky suspends the revocation of the Jerusalem residency card of al-Quds University prof. Musa Budeiri. Since 1967, Israel has revoked the Jerusalem residency rights...

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  • June 24, 1999

    SLA shells a village in s. Lebanon, killing 1 Lebanese civilian. In response, Hizballah fires 12 rockets into n. Israel, causing no injuries. In retaliation, outgoing PM Netanyahu orders the IDF...

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  • June 7, 1999

    The most splintered Israeli parliament in history, including 15 parties, is sworn in. Prior to the ceremony, PM-elect Barak vows to stop Jewish settlers fr. establishing new settlement enclaves,...

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  • June 5, 1999

    In Cairo, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdallah continues talks with Pres. Mubarak on the peace process, bilateral relations. (Saudi Arabian Kingdom Radio Network 6/5 in WNC 6/8)

    In Hebron,...

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  • June 4, 1999

    In Amman, King Abdallah of Jordan, Crown Prince Abdallah of Saudi Arabia call on Israeli PM-elect Barak to exchange land for peace with the Palestinians. The crown prince then heads to Cairo,...

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  • June 3, 1999

    Yugoslavia accepts an international peace plan negotiated by Russia, Finland (acting for NATO) for ending Kosovo conflict. The plan provides "substantial autonomy" for Kosovo, return of all 850,...

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  • June 2, 1999

    PLO Executive Committee (PLOEC) meets in Ramallah to discuss resumption of the 4/27+n29 PLO Central Council (PCC) mtg., which will continue discussion on possible declaration of a Palestinian...

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  • May 19, 1999

    In Damascus, European Union (EU) special envoy Miguel Moratinos discusses with Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` resuming the Syrian-Israeli negotiating track. Afterward, Moratinos says that the Syrians "...

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  • May 16, 1999

    A day before Israeli elections, 2 minor candidates--Center party's Yitzhak Mordechai, Herut's Benjamin Begin--withdraw fr. the race for PM, fearing their campaigns undermine efforts to unseat...

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  • May 15, 1999

    Israeli Arab MK Bishara withdraws fr. race for PM, fearing his candidacy undermines attempts to unseat Netanyahu. However he does not endorse Barak. (NYT, WP, WT 5/16; al-Ahram...

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  • May 13, 1999

    Iranian pres. Khatami begins 3 day visit to Syria on 1st leg of 10 day tour that will also take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar; holds talks with Pres. Asad on bilateral relations and...

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  • May 7, 1999

    Orient House, Israeli Internal Security Min. officials try to reach compromise on closure of offices. (SA 5/9 in WNC 5/10) (see 5/6)

    Jordan's water minister says...

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  • May 2, 1999

    Jordan, Syria begin 3 days of water talks in Damascus, focusing on water sharing given expected drought this summer, implementation of al-Wahda dam project. Syria agrees to provide...

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  • April 4, 1999

    In Amman, Arafat meets with King Abdallah. (RJ 4/4 in WNC 4/5; WT 4/5; al-Riyad 4/7 in WNC 4/15)

    Jordan's King Abdallah begins a 3 day visit to Saudi Arabia...

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  • March 30, 1999

    Israel releases 14 Palestinian prisoners as a good-faith gesture to mark Id al-Adha. (MM 3/30; YA 3/30 in WNC 3/31; PR 4/9)

    U.S. intelligence officials say that in...

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  • March 21, 1999

    In Vienna, Arafat meets Austrian chancellor Victor Klima. (Oesterreich Eins Radio Network 3/21 in WNC 3/22)

    First lady Hillary Clinton, daughter Chelsea arrive in...

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  • March 13, 1999

    After mtg. with Palestinian notables in Rafah, Arafat stays the execution of PA police officer sentenced 3/10, orders a further investigation, releases all Palestinians detained...

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  • March 11, 1999

    In London, Arafat meets with British PM Tony Blair. (SA 3/11 in WNC 3/12; VOA 3/18 in WNC 3/19; PR 3/19)

    For 2d day in Gaza, PA police clash with 100s of...

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  • March 7, 1999

    U.S. Defense Secy. Cohen arrives in Saudi Arabia on 2d leg of regional tour; offers kingdom new weapons, military training to help shore up its defense against Iraq. (NYT 3/7; MM, NYT...

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  • February 14, 1999

    In Jerusalem, 250,000 Ultra-Orthodox Jews hold protest rally against High Court, saying recent decisions that erode special privileges held by Ultra-Orthodox violate Jewish law. 50,000 secular...

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  • January 27, 1999

    U.S. Secy. of State Albright flies to Egypt, Saudi Arabia to asks their assistance in implementing the U.S.'s policy of "containment plus regime change" toward Iraq. U.S. says that Middle East...

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  • January 22, 1999

    King Hussein removes his brother Prince Hassan as crown prince, says one of his sons (most likely Abdallah, his eldest by a previous marriage, or Hamza, his eldest by Queen Nur) will be designated...

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  • January 21, 1999

    U.S appoints career diplomat Frank Ricciardone as "special representative for transition in Iraq" to coordinate the opposition to Saddam Hussein as mandated under the ILA. U.S. says it is prepared...

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  • January 19, 1999

    10,000s of Jordanians turn out to welcome King Hussein on his return to Jordan after 6 mos. of cancer treatment in the U.S. The king promises a "comprehensive review" of Jordan's course, hinting...

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  • January 16, 1999

    Egyptian FM Musa speaks with FMs of Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria regarding 1/24 Arab League mtg. on Iraq. (MENA 1/16 in WNC 1/20)

    Italy allows PKK leader Ocalan to leave for...

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  • January 12, 1999

    In Tel Aviv, U.S. special envoy Ross says that the U.S. plans to play a much less active role in final status negotiations, thinks "permanent status is not something that should be mediated." (...

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U.S. Secy. of State Albright arrives in Saudi Arabia on the 1st leg of her 5-day tour of the Middle East to nudge the peace process forward. (CSM, MM, WP 12/7; WJW 12/9; MEI 12/10)

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in Israel to prepare for Albright's visit later this wk. He meets with the Israeli, and PA teams to try to bridge the impasse over FRD implementation. (WP, WT 12/7; MM 12/8; MEI 12/10)

PA chief negotiator `Abid Rabbuh cancels the day's planned round of talks, saying the PA will no longer discuss anything with Israel except the settlements. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/7; AYM, al-Quds 12/7, al-Quds 12/8 in WNC 12/9; WJW 12/9; MEI 12/10) (see 12/3)

Iran, Syria sign a media cooperation agmt. (IRNA 12/6 in WNC 12/7)

The U.S. grants QIZ status to the Jordanian industrial city of Dulayl. (JT 12/7 in WNC 12/8)

In Jerusalem, U.S. spedal envoy Dennis Ross meets with Israeli FM David Levy to discuss progress on final status talks. Although they discuss differences btwn. Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) delaying the 2d stage of the 2d further redeployment (FRD) outlined in Wye II, Ross says the problem should be worked out btwn. the 2 sides. Later in the day, Ross meets with PA head Yasir Arafat (MM 11/16; WP 11/17; MEI 11/26)

In Amman, the PA-Jordanian joint Technical Comm. ends a 2-day mtg. on bilateral trade and economic ties. (al-Quds 11/16 in WNC 11/22)

Algeria says it will agree to establish diplomatic relations with Israel as soon as it withdraws fr. the Golan Heights, s. Lebanon, the occupied territories. (ANSA (Rome] 11/16; MM 11/19)

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expels 300 Palestinians fr. the caves in which they reside nr. Yatta on the West Bank, after declaring the area a closed military zone. (Gush Shalom press release 1/25; NYT 2/22)

IDF troops clash with Islamic Jihad mbrs. in s. Lebanon, killing 2 mbrs. On 11/15, Lebanese PM Salim al-Huss warned Palestinian groups that it is not in Lebanon's interest for them to stage attacks on Israeli targets in or fr. Lebanese territory. (APP 11/16 in WNC 11/21; al-Quds, al-safir 11/16 in WNC 11/22; RL 11/19 in WNC 11/23)

In Cairo, Egypt, Saudi Arabia close 2 days of higher comm. mtgs., agree to reduce barriers to bilateral trade. (MENA 11/16 in WNC 11/21) 

In Luxembourg, Israeli FM Levy meets with EU FMs to discuss "reinvigorating" Israeli-EU relations. (EU press release 10/11; MEI 10/15)

A day after his cabinet gives him the permission to remove 42 settlements constructed since Wye, PM Barak approves Housing Min. tenders for new housing units in West Bank settlements. (NYT 10/12; CSM, WJW 10/14) (9/27)

Lacking sufficient evidence to prove his complicity in the 1996 Khobar barracks bombing, the U.S. deports suspect Hani `Abd al-Rahim Sayigh to Saudi Arabia, which is expected to try and execute him for the crime. The U.S. does not have an extradition treaty with Saudi Arabia, which did not want Sayigh back. The U.S. Justice Dept. refused to Sayigh's request that he be granted asylum since he would be probably executed if extradited. (NYT, WP, WT 10/12; MM 10/13) (see 10/6)

PA Planning M Nabil Shaath receives Jordanian FM Abdallah Khatib for talks on the peace process, briefs him on Arafat's recent visit to Washington. The 2 men also discuss holding a 3-way (Egypt, Jordan, PA) and 4-way (including Israel) ministerial mtgs. on displaced persons. (DUS 10/7 in WNC 10/11)

Orient House head Faisal Husseini hosts delegation of 20 Jordanian parliamentarians, urges Jordan to support the PA in its final status talks with Israel. (MM 10/7)

Israel's Education M Yossi Sarid urges Israeli teachers to mark the anniversary of the 1956 Kafr al-Qasim massacre in their classrooms for the 1st time this yr.; says Israel owes it to its Palestinian citizens to commemorate the incident in which the IDF shot dead 47 Israeli Arabs (including 15 women, 11 children) as they returned to the village of Kafr al-Qasim, unaware of a military curfew that barred movement after dark. (NYT, WT 10/7; MM 10/12; WJW 10/14)

Saying that the incident had nothing to do with Iran, Iranian pres. Khatami rejects a request fr. Pres. Clinton for help in investigating the 1996 Khobar barracks bombing in Saudi Arabia in which 19 U.S. soldiers were killed. Clinton secretly sent a letter to Khatami in late 8/99 asking for assistance. (WP 10/7; see also MM 9/10)

Jordan's State Security Court issues new charges against detained Hamas political chief Mishal, spokesman Ghawshah, 2 of which can carry the death penalty. (MM 10/7, 10/8; MEI 10/15)

In s. Lebanon, 2 civilians are wounded by IDF shelling. (RL 10/6 in WNC 10/8)

Israel's Interior M Natan Sharansky suspends the revocation of the Jerusalem residency card of al-Quds University prof. Musa Budeiri. Since 1967, Israel has revoked the Jerusalem residency rights of some 5,400 Palestinians; half of the revocations were ordered by the Netanyahu government. (NYT 9/12; MEI 9/17; JP 9/24) (see 7/22)

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdallah sends a special envoy to Tehran to discuss with Iranian pres. Mohamed Khatami joint security cooperation, increased collaboration in stabilizing the oil market. (GIU 9/14)

SLA shells a village in s. Lebanon, killing 1 Lebanese civilian. In response, Hizballah fires 12 rockets into n. Israel, causing no injuries. In retaliation, outgoing PM Netanyahu orders the IDF to strike bridges along Lebanon's coastal highway, main power station in Beirut, power substation in Baalbeck, in total killing 8 civilians, wounding 62, causing a blackout in Beirut. 5 of the dead are fire fighters killed during a 2d IDF raid on the Beirut power plant, where they were trying to contain a blaze started by the 1st attack. (Netanyahu informs PM-elect Barak of the operation after it has begun.) Hizballah strikes back, firing 36 rockets into n. Israel, killing 2 Israeli civilians, injuring 5--the 1st civilian deaths in n. Israel related to the Lebanon conflict in 4 yrs. (AFP, RL, VOL 6/24 in WNC 6/25; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/25; AFP, IDF Radio, IRIB Television, IRNA, JTV, KSC Television [Kuwait], MENA, RJ, RL, RMC, Saudi Arabia Kingdom Radio, VIRI, VOL 6/25, AFP, Iran News, IRNA, MBC, Petra-JNA, RL, RMC 6/26, IRNA, AFP 6/27 in WNC 6/28; NYT, WP, WT 6/26; al-Quds 6/27, ATL, IRA, IRNA, QA, RMC 6/28 in WNC 6/29; AYM 6/27 in WNC 7/1; WP 6/28; WT 6/30; WJW 7/1; JP, MEI 7/2; MEI 7/16) (see 6/23)

Israeli, PA teams hold mtg. on civil issues, including advancing tourism in the framework of Bethlehem 2000. (YA 6/25 in WNC 6/28)

The Israeli daily Ma'ariv reports that the IDF is renovating, fortifying positions along the n. border with Lebanon, suggesting that the IDF mat be making plans for a withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon. (MA 6/24 in WNC 6/25)

The most splintered Israeli parliament in history, including 15 parties, is sworn in. Prior to the ceremony, PM-elect Barak vows to stop Jewish settlers fr. establishing new settlement enclaves, to reevaluate settlement decisions taken by outgoing PM Netanyahu. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/8)

Israel agrees to allow 1,500 Palestinian refugees from Egypt to return to Gaza over the next 2 yrs. (NYT, WP 6/10; JP 6/18)

Ending a 30 yr. dispute, Qatar, Saudi Arabia sign agmt., maps defining their common border. (WT 6/9)

IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem. (LAW 6/9)

Israeli military court rules that a Palestinian fatally shot by an IDF soldier at a West Bank checkpoint on 6/3 did not try to run the soldier over as claimed, sentences the soldier 30 days in jail for wrongful death. (AFP [Internet] 6/7)

In Cairo, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdallah continues talks with Pres. Mubarak on the peace process, bilateral relations. (Saudi Arabian Kingdom Radio Network 6/5 in WNC 6/8)

In Hebron, a settler opens fire on a Palestinian car, killing a passenger. (LAW 6/5)

In Bethlehem, Palestinians protesting Israeli settlement activity clash with IDF troops. No injuries are reported. (AP [Internet] 6/5)

In Amman, King Abdallah of Jordan, Crown Prince Abdallah of Saudi Arabia call on Israeli PM-elect Barak to exchange land for peace with the Palestinians. The crown prince then heads to Cairo, where he meets with Pres. Mubarak. (MM 6/4; MENA, RJ 6/4 in WNC 6/8; WP 6/5)

Lebanese PM Salim al-Huss makes 1st visit to Jazzin in 17 yrs. by a top Lebanese official. (VOL 6/4 in WNC 6/8; NYT, WT 6/5; al-Ba`th 6/6 in WNC 6/11; MEI 6/18)

Yugoslavia accepts an international peace plan negotiated by Russia, Finland (acting for NATO) for ending Kosovo conflict. The plan provides "substantial autonomy" for Kosovo, return of all 850,000 ethnic Albanian refugees. U.S. expresses cautious optimism, says air war, which began 3/24, will continue until treaty is fully implemented. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/4; WP 6/5; GIU 6/7; MM 6/11; GIU 6/14)

In Damascus, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdallah holds a 2d round of talks with Pres. Asad before leaving for Amman, where he meets with King Abdallah. (`Ukaz 6/2 in WNC 6/8; MM 6/4)

SLA completes withdrawal fr. Jazzin. Lebanese government says it will not grant amnesty to the 203 SLA mbrs. who elected to surrender to Lebanese authorities rather than evacuate. (MM 6/3; RL 6/3 in WNC 6/8; NYT, WT 6/4; JP 6/11)

Fewer than 3,000 Palestinians across the territories observe the PA's "day of rage" to protest Israeli settlement expansion. In Bethlehem, Gaza, Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm, demonstrators clash with IDF soldiers, who respond with tear gas and rubber bullets, in total injuring 36 Palestinians, killing 1. (MM 6/3; HJ 6/3 in WNC 6/8; al-Akhbar, al-Quds 6/3 in WNC 6/9; CSM, NYT 6/4; al-Quds 6/4 in WNC 6/11; LAW 6/6; MM 6/7; JP 6/11; MEI 6/18) (see 5/30)

At a roadblock nr. Yattir settlement in the West Bank, an IDF soldier fatally shoots a Palestinian motorist who allegedly tried to run him over. (CSM, NYT 6/4)

PLO Executive Committee (PLOEC) meets in Ramallah to discuss resumption of the 4/27+n29 PLO Central Council (PCC) mtg., which will continue discussion on possible declaration of a Palestinian state. (al-Ra'i 6/2 in WNC 6/3; al-Quds 6/4 in WNC 6/11)

In Paris, King Abdallah of Jordan holds talks on the peace process, debt forgiveness with Pres. Jacques Chirac. (AFP, RJ 6/2 in WNC 6/3)

In talks with Syrian pres. Asad in Damascus, Crown Prince Abdallah of Saudi Arabia offers to mediate btwn. Asad, Arafat if it would help coordinate a unified Arab stand on the peace process. (al-Nahar 6/2 in WNC 6/3; MM 6/3, 6/4)

IDF suspends export licenses of the Israeli company Orlil based on reports that Orlil stole U.S. night-vision equipment purchased for the IDF, sold it to "Far Eastern" countries. (Globes [Internet] 6/2 in WNC 6/3)

In Damascus, European Union (EU) special envoy Miguel Moratinos discusses with Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` resuming the Syrian-Israeli negotiating track. Afterward, Moratinos says that the Syrians "respect [Barak] a lot, and they think Labor can achieve the final peace with Syria," possibly within a yr. (MM, WT 5/20, 5/21; WJW 5/27; CSM 6/8)

Russia, Syria sign agmt. on using atomic energy for peaceful purposes, including scientific, technical, economic cooperation. (ITAR-TASS 5/19 in WNC 5/20; al-Bayan 5/23 in WNC 6/1)

In Washington, King Abdallah of Jordan meets with congressional leaders to urge them to approve the $300 m. in Wye supplemental aid for the kingdom. (WT 5/20; MM 5/21; NYT 5/23)

Iranian pres. Khatami ends 5 day visit to Saudi Arabia, heads to Qatar for talks on expanding bilateral cooperation, Muslim issues. (MM 5/19; IRIB Television, IRNA, Radio Qatar 5/19 in WNC 5/20; GIU, MM 5/20; IRNA, VIRI 5/20 in WNC 5/21; IRNA 5/21 in WNC 5/25) (see 5/16)

Israel's National Union party head Benjamin Begin, the ultranationalist son of fmr. PM Menachem Begin, resigns his Knesset seat, leaves the party (which won only 4 seats in the 5/17 elections), retires fr. politics. (NYT 5/20; WT 5/23; JP 5/28)

In Hebron, IDF demolishes Palestinian reservoirs that local Palestinians built to collect rainwater to irrigate their crops during the ongoing drought. (WP 5/20)

In Damascus, Armenian, Syrian officials hold talks on expanding bilateral ties, particularly in the economic sphere. (Snark [Yerevan] 5/20 in WNC 5/21)

In `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp in Lebanon, unidentified gunmen kill Amin Kayid, an official in PA head Yasir Arafat's Fatah organization, and his wife, possibly in retaliation for the murder of Shaykh Hisham Shreidi in 1990. (RL 5/29 in WNC 5/20; NYT 5/20; MEI 6/4; al-Safir 6/30 in WNC 7/2)

A day before Israeli elections, 2 minor candidates--Center party's Yitzhak Mordechai, Herut's Benjamin Begin--withdraw fr. the race for PM, fearing their campaigns undermine efforts to unseat incumbent PM Benjamin Netanyahu. (NYT, WP, WT 5/16; MM 5/17; al-Ahram 5/18 in WNC 5/19)

On the 2d day of his visit aimed at improving bilateral relations and regional security, Iranian pres. Mohamed Khatami meets with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdallah. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/17; MEI 5/21) (see 5/15)

Kuwait's cabinet gives women the right to vote, run for parliament as of 2003. The decision must be approved by the new parliament elected in 7/99. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/17; MM 5/19, 5/27; NYT 6/18)

Israeli Arab MK Bishara withdraws fr. race for PM, fearing his candidacy undermines attempts to unseat Netanyahu. However he does not endorse Barak. (NYT, WP, WT 5/16; al-Ahram 5/18 in WNC 5/19)

In Damascus, Iranian pres. Khatami meets with Lebanese political and religious leaders, including Hizballah spiritual leader Shaykh Fadlallah, Hizballah secy. gen. Hassan Nasrallah, Progressive Socialist party secy. gen. Walid Junblatt. Khatami then leaves for 5 day visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss rapprochement, economic cooperation, regional stability; inaugurates new Iranian consulate in Jiddah. (Iran News, IRIB Television, IRNA, SATN 5/15, IRNA 5/16 in WNC 5/17; NYT, WP, WT 5/16; GIU 5/20; MEI 5/21)

Hizballah clashes with the IDF, SLA in s. Lebanon, killing 1 IDF soldier, 1 SLA mbr., wounding 7 SLA mbrs. (VOL 5/15 in WNC 5/17; MEI 5/21)

Iranian pres. Khatami begins 3 day visit to Syria on 1st leg of 10 day tour that will also take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar; holds talks with Pres. Asad on bilateral relations and regional security; forming an Arab-Islamic axis (Iran, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia) to counter the U.S.-Israel-Turkey alliance. (MM 5/13; Iran News, IRNA, VIRI 5/13 in WNC 5/14; MM, NYT, WT 5/14)

IDF shells areas in s. Lebanon, killing 2 Amal mbrs. In a separate incident in Jazzin, a roadside bomb explodes as a car passes, killing 4 civilians, 1 suspected SLA mbr. (VOL 5/13 in WNC 5/14; WP, WT 5/14)

Orient House, Israeli Internal Security Min. officials try to reach compromise on closure of offices. (SA 5/9 in WNC 5/10) (see 5/6)

Jordan's water minister says that Israel will provide the kingdom with its full share of water under the regular schedule agreed to under the 10/94 peace treaty. (JT 5/8 in WNC 5/10)

Arab League antiterrorism agmt. comes into force 1 mo. after being ratified by 8 of the League's 22 mbrs. (Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, the PA, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the UAE). (NYT 5/8)

PSF arrests 4 al-Najah University students on charges of being mbrs. of Islamic Jihad; raid al-Manar press offices, where 1 student worked as a corresponded for Islamic Jihad's al-Istiqlal newspaper, confiscating files, computer disks. (LAW 5/12)

Jordan, Syria begin 3 days of water talks in Damascus, focusing on water sharing given expected drought this summer, implementation of al-Wahda dam project. Syria agrees to provide Jordan with an additional 8 mcm of water to offset 10% projected shortage. (SANA 5/2, JT 5/3 in WNC 5/4; MM 5/4; JT 5/4 in WNC 5/5; MEI 5/7; SA 5/9, al-Ra'i 5/12 in WNC 5/13; al-Ra'i 5/17 in WNC 5/18)

The PA calls on Syria to convene a summit aimed at renewing bilateral relations. (AFP 5/2 in WNC 5/3; al-Quds 5/2 in WNC 5/4; AFP, RMC 5/5 in WNC 5/6)

In Tehran, Iran, Saudi Arabia open 4 days of talks on military cooperation, improving defense ties, but are vague on what form such coordination would take. Iran proposes forming an Arab-Islamic axis, comprising Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, to counter the U.S.-Israel-Turkey alliance. (NYT, WT 5/3; GIU 5/4; MM 5/6; al-Musawwar 5/14 in WNC 5/17)

In Amman, Arafat meets with King Abdallah. (RJ 4/4 in WNC 4/5; WT 4/5; al-Riyad 4/7 in WNC 4/15)

Jordan's King Abdallah begins a 3 day visit to Saudi Arabia today on 1st leg of regional tour aimed at restoring Arab solidarity, inter-Arab coordination; meets with King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdallah, who urge Jordan to limit ties with Iraq. (MM 4/6; JTV 4/6 in WNC 4/7; MM 4/7; `Ukaz 4/7, al-Ra'i 4/9 in WNC 4/14; al-Riyad 4/7 in WNC 4/15; MM 4/9; MEI 4/23)

Clashes erupt in Nazareth btwn. Christians and Muslims, who oppose planned construction of a plaza for millennium Christian pilgrims nr. a mosque. More than 70 Israeli police arrive but make no effort to stop the rioting, which leaves 7 Palestinians injured. There have been nonviolent protests over the project for more than a yr. (WP, WT 4/5; MM 4/8; MEI 4/23)

Egypt recalls its diplomatic mission fr. Belgrade to protest attacks against Albanians in Kosovo. (MENA 4/4 in WNC 4/5)

IDF shelling in s. Lebanon, injures 8 Lebanese civilians, including 5 children. (VOL 4/4 in WNC 4/5; WP 4/5; RL 4/5, 4/6 in WNC 4/7; WT 4/9; JP 4/16)

Israel releases 14 Palestinian prisoners as a good-faith gesture to mark Id al-Adha. (MM 3/30; YA 3/30 in WNC 3/31; PR 4/9)

U.S. intelligence officials say that in 2/99, when the U.S. 1st threatened airstrikes against Serbian forces, a Yugoslavian military delegation went to Iraq to discuss sharing information, equipment to target U.S. warplanes. Currently, NATO attacks on Milosevic's forces continue as 10,000s of Kosovar ethnic Albanians flee to Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro to escape Serbian attacks, which have intensified since strikes began 3/24. NATO has moved into the 2d stage of its attack, targeting Serb troops in Kosovo, but member states are debating whether ground troops will be needed to control the situation. The U.S. says it will not deploy ground troops except to monitor a peace agmt. (GIU, WT 3/31; WP 4/2; JP 4/9) (see 3/24)

To date, Middle Eastern states are divided on whether or not to support NATO actions in Yugoslavia. Some, like Jordan and Saudi Arabia, support the NATO intervention as an effort to protect Kosovo's Muslims. Others, like Iran and Iraq, denounce it as a dangerous exercise in Western hegemony. Egypt, UAE are providing aid refugees but saying little. Jordan has recalled its amb. to Belgrade. (WP 4/2)

Criticized for his government's muted response to the expulsion and killings of ethnic Albanians in Kosovo, PM Netanyahu condemns mass murder by anyone in the Yugoslavian conflict; says Israel will send $100,000 worth of tents, medicine, clothing to the refugees, but rejects any comparison btwn. Kosovo, Israel. Netanyahu aides say that Israel--motivated by a historic debt to Yugoslavia, whose partisans helped Jews escape the Nazis during World War II, and by an interest in smoothing relations with Russia--does not want to take sides in the conflict. (NYT 3/31; Tishrin 3/31, al-Hayat al-Jadida 4/1, ATA [Tirana], YA 4/2, al-Akhbar al-Yawm 4/3 in WNC 4/5; MM, WP 4/1; MM 4/2; WT 4/3; Xinhua 4/3, MA 4/4 in WNC 4/5; AFP 4/5, AFP, IDF Radio, Xinhua 4/6 in WNC 4/7; al-Hayat al-Jadida 4/5, al-Ayyam 4/6 in WNC 4/8; CSM 4/8; MEI 4/9)

Israeli helicopters fire on Lebanese troops in s. Lebanon, wounding an officer, 3 soldiers. IDF says the troops were on a route usually used by Hizballah mbrs. (RL 3/30 in WNC 3/31; NYT 3/31)

In Vienna, Arafat meets Austrian chancellor Victor Klima. (Oesterreich Eins Radio Network 3/21 in WNC 3/22)

First lady Hillary Clinton, daughter Chelsea arrive in Egypt for 5 day visit on 1st leg of N. African tour. (MENA 3/21 in WNC 3/22)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Kiev for brief talks with Ukrainian pres. Leonid Kuchma on bilateral economic relations, preventing flow of nuclear know-how to Iran. He then heads to Moscow for 2 days of similar talks with Russian officials. (ITAR-TASS 3/21 in WNC 3/22; MM 3/22, 3/25; MEI 3/26; Zerkalo Nedeli [Kiev] 3/27 in WNC 4/7)

Israel's High Court rules that the more than 600 bedouin who entered Israel fr. Egypt and requested asylum face no danger fr. the Egyptian government, clearing the way for their deportation. (WP 3/22; CSM, NYT 3/23; PR 3/26) (see 3/15)

King Abdallah of Jordan issues royal decree naming his wife, Rania, queen. Queen Nur, wife of the late King Hussein, will be known as "queen mother." (NYT, WP 3/22)

Israeli judge quashes atty. gen.'s request to review the High Court's decision not to extradite Sheinbein to the U.S., allowing Sheinbein to be formally indicted on murder charges on 3/22. Even if convicted in Israel, Sheinbein would face prosecution if he returned to the U.S. (WP 3/22, 3/23; WJW 3/25; WP 3/28; JP 4/2)

Saudi Arabia acknowledges that it refuses to allow U.S. planes based in the kingdom to take part in raids on Iraq, that it objects to loosened rules of engagement. (NYT 3/22)

After mtg. with Palestinian notables in Rafah, Arafat stays the execution of PA police officer sentenced 3/10, orders a further investigation, releases all Palestinians detained during recent demonstrations. Arafat then leaves for a tour of the Gulf, Europe to continue consultations on Palestinian statehood with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Finland, Norway, Spain. (MM 3/16; CSM 3/18; VOA 3/18 in WNC 3/19; PR 3/19; MEI 3/26)

Overnight, Israel deploys helicopters to hover over Beirut, areas in n., e. Lebanon, threatening attack. Helicopters return to bases around 4 a.m., but Lebanese forces remain on high alert. Hizballah attacks an SLA post in s. Lebanon, wounding 1 SLA mbr. (VOL 3/13 in WNC 3/16; WT 3/14)

In London, Arafat meets with British PM Tony Blair. (SA 3/11 in WNC 3/12; VOA 3/18 in WNC 3/19; PR 3/19)

For 2d day in Gaza, PA police clash with 100s of Palestinians protesting PA police shooting of demonstrators 3/10. PA declares area a closed military zone, confiscates film fr. 6 photographers, detain 3 journalists. More than 50 Palestinians, including 17 policemen, are injured. (WT 3/12; RMC 3/12 in WNC 3/16; PR 3/19; MEI 3/26)

U.S. Senate approves (98-1) resolution urging Pres. Bill Clinton not to recognized a unilaterally declared Palestinian state. (RMC 3/12 in WNC 3/16; al-Jazira 3/13 in WNC 3/17; al-Quds 3/17 in WNC 3/22; WJW 3/18; PR 3/19) (see Doc. C3)

Iranian pres. Khatami meets with Pope John Paul II. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/12; MM 3/15)

On the last day of his regional tour, U.S. Defense Secy. Cohen stops in Egypt, pays courtesy call on PM Netanyahu in Israel. (MM 3/11; MENA 3/11 in WNC 3/12; NYT, WP, WT 3/12; WT 3/13; al-Quds 3/13 in WNC 3/17; MM 3/17; al-Watan al-Arabi 3/26 in WNC 4/5)

Saudi Arabia signs protocol with Afghanistan's Taliban under which only Taliban-certified Afghans may participate in the Hajj, lending credence to rumors that the Taliban broke with Saudi dissident Bin Laden a mo. or so ago, is no longer providing him safe haven. (GIU 3/16; see NYT 3/4)

In Amman, Turkey, Jordan hold talks in the context of their security cooperation agmt. on combatting terrorism, drug smuggling, organized crime. (ATL 3/12 in WNC 3/16)

Turkish lawyer Ahmet Zeki Okcuoglu agrees to take up Ocalan's defense again but says that he still does not feel secure. (NYT 3/12) (see 2/25)

Hizballah attacks a South Lebanon Army (SLA) post in s. Lebanon, wounding 1 SLA mbr. (VOL 3/11 in WNC 3/12)

U.S. Defense Secy. Cohen arrives in Saudi Arabia on 2d leg of regional tour; offers kingdom new weapons, military training to help shore up its defense against Iraq. (NYT 3/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/8; MEI 3/12) (see 3/6)

Jewish settlers fr. West Bank settlement of Tene Omarim move 7 trailers to nearby hilltop to start new enclave. (AFP [Internet] 3/7)

In separate incidents in Jerusalem, a Palestinian woman tries to stab an Israeli security guard; a Palestinian taxi driver is stabbed, wounded by a suspected Jewish assailant. (MM 3/8) (see 3/6)

In Jerusalem, 250,000 Ultra-Orthodox Jews hold protest rally against High Court, saying recent decisions that erode special privileges held by Ultra-Orthodox violate Jewish law. 50,000 secular Jews hold counterdemonstration. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/15; MM 2/16; WJW 2/18; JP 2/19) (see 1/26)

Jordan's King Abdallah asks the cabinet to stay on, continue policies laid out by King Hussein. The new king may call for the cabinet to resign after he completes consultations with advisers, politicians on the country's economic, political policies. (WP 2/15)

Iraq orders Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey to rescind permission for the U.S., Britain to use their bases to patrol the Iraqi no-fly zones or face possible retaliation. (NYT, WP 2/15; NYT, WP, WT 2/16)

U.S. Secy. of State Albright flies to Egypt, Saudi Arabia to asks their assistance in implementing the U.S.'s policy of "containment plus regime change" toward Iraq. U.S. says that Middle East leaders have been "sympathetic" the its ideas but have not endorsed the plan, offered to aid in the effort. (MENA 1/27 in WNC 1/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/28; WP, WT 1/29) (see 1/21)

Outside the PC mtg. in Ramallah, Palestinians demonstrate for the release of Palestinian political prisoners held in PA jails demonstrate. (LAW 1/29)

King Hussein removes his brother Prince Hassan as crown prince, says one of his sons (most likely Abdallah, his eldest by a previous marriage, or Hamza, his eldest by Queen Nur) will be designated regent soon. The king's letter of dismissal to Hassan, who was crown prince for 34 yrs., accuses him of meddling in army matters; settling personal scores by forcing soldiers to retire, changing ambassadorial staff; demanding to choose his own crown prince after his ascension rather than having a family council decide, as Hussein wants. King also meets with PM Tarawnah to reiterate his confidence in his government. (al-Hayat 1/22; al-Ittihad 1/22, JT, RJ 1/23 in WNC 1/26; NYT, WP, WT 1/23; NYT, WT 1/24; MA, YA 1/24 in WNC 1/26; JTV, Petra-JNA 1/25, 1/26 in WNC 1/27; JP, MEI 1/29) (see 1/20; Docs. B4, B5)

PA releases Islamic Jihad leader Shami. (WT 1/23) (see 12/13)

Saudi Arabia opens celebrations marking `Abd al-Aziz Ibn Saud's capture of Riyadh in 1902 (100 yrs. ago by the lunar calendar), unification of the country in a series of tribal wars. (NYT 1/23)

U.S appoints career diplomat Frank Ricciardone as "special representative for transition in Iraq" to coordinate the opposition to Saddam Hussein as mandated under the ILA. U.S. says it is prepared to contain Hussein with missiles, sanctions for yrs., while it tries to win acceptance for surrogate Iraqi exile armies that might eventually be able to overthrow the regime; will solicit cooperation fr. Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, possibly Iran to host exile armies. Turkey says it hopes Ricciardone will not operate fr. Ankara. (MM 1/21; WP, WT 1/22; HUR 1/22, Sabah 1/25 in WNC 1/26; WT 1/26; WP 1/29; MM 2/1; CSM 2/16) (see 1/15)

10,000s of Jordanians turn out to welcome King Hussein on his return to Jordan after 6 mos. of cancer treatment in the U.S. The king promises a "comprehensive review" of Jordan's course, hinting at change in succession. Arafat, leaders of Yemen, Qatar greet King Hussein at the airport. Israel, Syria, Saudi Arabia, the U.S. send congratulations. Israel also provides fighter escort to the king's plane on its flight over Israel. (JT, JTV, Petra-JNA, RJ, SATN 1/19 in WNC 1/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/20; AFP, JTV 1/20 in WNC 1/21; JTV 1/25 in WNC 1/27; MEI 1/29; al-Dustur 1/30 in WNC 2/2) (see 1/8)

Burglars break in to Greenberg Quinlan Research for 2d time, disabling a new sophisticated security system, stealing more sensitive material related to the Barak campaign. Barak advisers, who refused to speculate on the 1st robbery, this time directly blame the "Committee to Re-elect Netanyahu." Advisers also report that over the last 4 mos., homes of at least 7 Barak staff mbrs. have been burglarized, but nothing stolen. Netanyahu says break-ins were staged to "spread clouds of false accusations against the Likud." (MM, NYT, WP 1/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WJW, WP 1/21; WP 1/23; YA 1/29 in WNC 2/1; WJW 2/4) (see 1/13)

Egyptian FM Musa speaks with FMs of Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria regarding 1/24 Arab League mtg. on Iraq. (MENA 1/16 in WNC 1/20)

Italy allows PKK leader Ocalan to leave for an undisclosed location to seek asylum. Italy has been under diplomatic pressure fr. the U.S., economic pressure fr. Turkey to turn Ocalan over to Ankara. (NYT 1/17, 2/19) (see 11/25)

In Tel Aviv, U.S. special envoy Ross says that the U.S. plans to play a much less active role in final status negotiations, thinks "permanent status is not something that should be mediated." (USIS Washington File 1/12; NYT, WP 1/13; PR 1/15)

After 4 yrs., Lebanon lifts travel restrictions on Palestinians, dropping requirement for Palestinians to obtain visas to return to Lebanon. (RL 1/12 in WNC 1/13; NYT 1/13; RL 1/16 in WNC 1/20)

Netanyahu's office warns the PA that Israel would bar Arafat, PA officials fr. leaving he autonomous enclaves should the PA unilaterally declare statehood. (MEI 1/15)

PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. millionaire Irving Moskovitz, who is in town to decided which right-wing candidate for PM he will support financially in the 5/17 elections. Netanyahu gives assurances that he will not halt Moskovitz's construction of 132 units in the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al-Amud in East Jerusalem. Congressman Michael Forbes (R-NY) is accompanying Moskovitz. (MM, WP 1/14; MM 1/21; JP 1/22; PR 1/29)

In what police, FBI term a sophisticated operation, burglars break into offices of prominent Washington polling firm, Greenberg Quinlan Research, that is advising Israeli PM-candidate Barak. Firm says that its international work was targeted, but it is uncertain whether files on Barak were among those stolen. (MM, WP 1/13; YA 1/13 in WNC 1/14; WJW 1/14; MM 1/20)

Israeli Religious Affairs M Eli Suissa cuts the size of local religious councils to keep them all Orthodox. A recent High Court ruling ordered the powerful councils (which run marriage bureaus and burial societies, maintain synagogues and ritual baths, supervise kosher inspections for both religious and secular Jews) be expanded to include Reform, Conservative Jews. (WT 1/13)

IDF lifts closure on Hebron imposed 1/4. (MM 1/14, MEI 1/15)

Unidentified assailant stabs, wounds Palestinian in West Jerusalem. (MM 1/12; PR 1/15, JP 1/22)

IDF uproots Palestinian orchard nr. Jewish settlement in the West Bank. (AFP [Internet] 1/12)

In Cairo, FMs of Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen hold 2d mtg. to prepare agenda for 1/24 Arab League mtg. on Iraq. Jordan does not condemn mtg. but is upset at not being included, blames Syria, warns that "forming axes" only deepens Arab divisions. (MM 1/12; MENA, RE 1/12 in WNC 1/13; MM 1/13; al-Dustur, MENA 1/13 in WNC 1/14; MM 1/14; JT, MENA, RE 1/14 in WNC 1/16; MM 1/15) (see 1/3)

The U.S. secretly sends letters to Arab states urging them to support its position on Iraq at the 1/24 Arab League mtg. (MM 1/22)

U.S. planes fire on Iraqi missile battery in n. no-fly zone. Defense Dept. says that Iraq has sent planes into the no-fly zones 66 times in the past 2 wks., targeted U.S. and British planes 12 times, increased its number of missile sites fr. 9 to 17. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/13)