The Palestine Chronology

After being briefed by Erakat on his 8/1 mtg. with Sher, Arafat accuses Israel of a breach of trust, saying Israel is trying to "avoid the accurate and honest implementation of what has been agreed upon" under Wye. (NYT 8/3; MA, al-Quds 8/3 in WNC 8/5; MM 8/6)

Israeli PM Barak meets with Russian pres. Boris Yeltsin in Moscow for talks on the peace process, urges Russia to halt transfer of military technology to Iran, Iraq. (MM 8/2; Interfax, ITAR-TASS, NTV [Moscow] 8/2 in WNC 8/3; NYT 8/3; MM 8/4; Ekho Moskvy 8/6 in WNC 8/9)

In Cairo, PFLP closes 2 days of reconciliation talks with Fatah, PC mbrs. Although PFLP's Habash refuses to meet with Arafat, both groups describe the mtg. as a positive, agree to set up a follow-up comm. to outline principles of a comprehensive national dialogue that would create a unified position on final status talks with Israel. (NYT, WP, WT 8/2; al-Arabi, al-Quds 8/2 in WNC 8/5; MM, WT 8/3; al-Sha`b 8/6 in WNC 8/9; AYM 8/8 in WNC 8/10; MM 8/9) (see 7/30)

Israeli Finance M Shohat, PA Trade M Mahir al-Masri discuss Wye articles on economic issues, resuming mtgs. of the joint Israeli-PA economic comm., which has not convened for 2 yrs. (AYM 8/3 in WNC 8/5)

Israel's Environmental M Dalia Itzik tours Gaza with her PA counterpart Yusif Abu Safiyya. The pair discuss water pollution, destruction of green areas, possible joint projects. (NYT 8/4)

2-day Jordanian-Syrian Higher Comm. mtg. opens in Amman. Talks focus on economic relations. (JTV 8/2 in WNC 8/3; Petra-JNA, RJ 8/3, JT 8/4 in WNC 8/5) (see 7/22)

In Athens, a small homemade bomb explodes outside the offices of the Greece-Israeli Friendship Society, causing damage but no injuries. A caller claims responsibility on behalf of the previously unknown Black Star Group. (Athens News Agency 8/3 in WNC 8/5)

Turkey's military dismisses 58 officers suspected of being antisecularist Islamists or leftists. (WP, WT 8/4)

Israelis elect One Israel's Ehud Barak as PM with 56.1% of the vote, meaning no 6/1 runoff is needed. In the Knesset, 6 of the 15 parties to win seats are new, including the anti-Orthodox Shinui, formed 2 mos. ago, which won 6 seats. Control of right-wing parties shrinks, as Russians, other centrists gain, changing the balance of power. The ultra-Orthodox Shas, however, gains 7 new seats for total of 17 seats, security its place as the 3d largest party after Labor/One Israel (27, down fr. 34 seats), Likud (19 seats, down fr. 32 seats). The 1st Israeli Arab woman, Husniyya Jabara of Meretz, is also elected to parliament. Israel seals the West Bank, Gaza for the elections. Arab, Asian, European states, the U.S, and Russia welcome Barak's victory, hope it means the peace process will resume soon. (MM 5/17; AFP, LPA 5/17 in WNC 5/18; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/18; AFP, al-Ahram, Chungang Ilbo [Seoul], Interfax, JT, Kyodo [Tokyo], MENA, MKR, RE, RNE-1 Radio Network [Madrid], SANA, SAPA [Johannesburg], Taiwan Central News Agency, VOL, Xinhua [Beijing] 5/18 in WNC 5/19; al-Akhbar 5/18 in WNC 5/21; MENA 5/18, Athens News Agency, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, JT, LPA, RE, Sueddeutsche Zeitung [Munich] 5/19 in WNC 5/20; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 5/19; CSM, NYT, WJW 5/20; CSM, MEI, MM, NYT 5/21; JP 5/28; CSM 6/17)

In a victory speech, PM-elect Barak lists 4 "red lines" for peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority (PA), promises to put any final status agmt. to a referendum by the Israeli public. (MM 5/18; JT 5/19 in WNC 5/20; MEI 5/21)

On the 3d day of his Washington visit, King Abdallah of Jordan meets with U.S. Secy. of State Madeleine Albright, calls for lifting sanctions on Iraq. U.S. urges France, Germany, other creditors to cancel Jordan's debt; encourages Jordan to seek additional U.S. economic assistance. In the afternoon, the king discusses trade issue with U.S. Commerce Secy. William Daley, receives reps. of various American Jewish groups at Blair House. (JT 5/17 in WNC 5/18; WP, WT 5/18; al-Ra'i 5/18 in WNC 5/20; MM 5/21)

Venezuela signs $20 m. deal to buy Israeli antiaircraft defense system. (YA 5/18 in WNC 5/19)

In s. Lebanon, Israeli Defense Force (IDF) shelling kills 2 civilians. (RL 5/17 in WNC 5/18; NYT, WP 5/18; RL 5/18 in WNC 5/19; WT 5/19)

In London, PM Netanyahu ends unsuccessful 4-day EU tour to promote new peace initiative based on a Camp David-style summit with the PA, conditional s. Lebanon withdrawal. (MA 3/8, IDF Radio, MA, RJ 3/9 in WNC 3/10; CSM, MM, WP 3/9; MM 3/10) (see 2/23)

In Amman, Israeli Infrastructures M Sharon, Trade M Natan Sharansky meet with King Hussein to try to mend relations damaged after Mossad's attempt on Mishal, discuss economic issues. (Globes [Internet], JTV 3/8, IDF Radio 3/9 in WNC 3/10; NYT 3/9; RJ 3/9, JT 3/10 in WNC 3/11; JT 3/11 in WNC 3/12, JT 3/16 in WNC 3/17, JP 3/21) (see 2/24)

King Hussein makes brief trip to Cairo for talks on peace process with Pres. Mubarak. (JTV, MENA, RJ 3/8, RJ, VOA 3/9 in WNC 3/10)

Israel acknowledges that 18 mos. ago it began to make it harder for non-Jewish immigrants who have married Israelis to stay in the country by refusing to begin citizen proceedings or deporting them. Israel claims that cases of "convenience marriages" are on the rise, while critics claim it is a government policy of religious discrimination. (WP 3/9)

U.S. offers to lift restrictions on number of U.S. satellites it would hire Russia to launch if Moscow halts transfers of long-range missile technology to Iran. Russia denies transfers have taken place. (NYT 3/9; WT 3/10) (see 3/6)

UN Secy. Gen. Annan says that U.S. would need to consult with--but would not necessarily require authorization of--the UNSC before mounting a military strike on Iraq. (WP, WT 3/9; WT 3/12) (see 3/2)

PSF says that it recently uncovered a shop for making Uzi submachine guns in Gaza, does not know how many guns were made or sold. (QY, YA 3/8 in WNC 3/11)

Arafat says he is healthy despite the uncontrollable trembling of this lower lip, which an Israeli doctor has said may be a sign of Parkinson's disease. (WP 11/20; MEI 11/21; 11/30 in WNC 12/9)

Israel agrees to allow 250 civilian PLO employees to take up permanent residence in the West Bank/Gaza.(al-Dustur 11/19 in WNC 11/21; PR 11/21)

Israel court jails for 5 yrs. a PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) officer convicted of abducting an Arab informer for Israel fr. Jerusalem, taking him to Jericho, torturing him. (WP 11/20)

Israel places Gaza resident Ashraf Atta Ahmad Kandil under administrative detention in an Israeli prison for 6 mos. He is the only Gazan under administrative detention, along with 600 West Bank Palestinians. (PCHR 1/15)

Russia's minister of science and technology arrives in Israel for mtg. of the joint Russian-Israeli Economic Comm. to discus ways of increasing cooperation. (Globes [Internet] 11/19 in WNC 11/21)

Facing the erosion of its efforts to isolate Iran economically, U.S. announces new policy of pushing for a "Eurasian transportation corridor" (fr. Azerbaijan to Turkey) to bring Caspian oil to the West; pressuring Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan to shelve proposal for pipeline through Iran to the Gulf. U.S. Energy Secy. Federico Peña says U.S. has no plans to help finance the Eurasian corridor project. (NYT, WP, WT 11/20; MM 11/26)

Hizballah detonates roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, injuring 1 South Lebanon Army (SLA) mbr. (VOL 11/19 in WNC 11/21)

At Arafat's initiation, envoys fr. Egypt, EU, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Russia, U.S. meet in Gaza, criticize Netanyahu's plan for construction in East Jerusalem. U.S. blocks move to issue final declaration at end of mtg. (WT 3/15; NYT, WP, WT 3/16; PR 3/21; JP 3/22)

In Rabat, King Hassan, Egyptian pres. Mubarak hold talks on the peace process; ways to coordinate protection of Muslim, Arab rights in Jerusalem. (RTM Television [Rabat] 3/15 in WNC 3/19; MM 3/18)

Arafat gives representatives to th PA fr. Egypt, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Russia letters to their heads of state asking them to pressure Israel on Hebron. (VOP 9/9 in FBIS 9/11)

In Gaza, PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat meets with British police officials. Sides agree to form joint comm. to train PA security mbrs. in proper ways to operate during elections to assure elections are fair, democratic. (VOP 9/9 in FBIS 9/12)

In Halhul, 1,000 Palestinians march in protest over apparent IDF killing 9/8, demand dismantling of settlements. (CSM, MM 9/11)

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)

Israel-PA talks on elections close without progress in Cairo. PA negotiator Local Government M Saeb Erakat gives Israeli delegation 6 proposal papers on international supervision of elections. (IDF Radio, MENA 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; WP 2/23; JP 3/4; MEI 3/17)

PLO Executive Comm. mtg. closes without suspending talks with Israel. Arafat calls for emergency Arab summit, says PLO will send delegations to China, EU, Japan, Russia, U.S. in diplomatic effort to pressure Israel to set date for troop withdrawal, elections. Arafat begins by meeting with Pres. Mubarak, flying to Saudi Arabia to perform lesser hajj, coordinate with King Fahd. (MENA, VOP 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; MENA, VOP 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; CSM, FT, NYT 2/23; MEI 3/3; JP 3/4)

U.S. House Appropriations subcommittee increases Jordan's debt forgiveness fr. $99 m. to $149 m. for its support of peace process. (WT 2/23)

Clinton administration submits draft of FY 1996 budget, incl. $44.2 m. military, economic aid to Jordan. (JT 2/25 in FBIS 2/28)

PA Atty. Gen. Khalid al-Qidra says Palestinian security services are detaining 6 mbrs. of Abu Nidal Organization found in Gaza for "disturbing national security." (QY, VOP 2/22 in FBIS 2/23)

Israeli Labor Bureau says number of foreign workers replacing Palestinians in Israel has reached 70,695--860% more than last yr. PA estimates unemployment in Gaza to be 52%. (NYT, WT 2/22)

IDF says it will open 20 houses in Nablus that were sealed because of security offenses by owners. (QY 2/22 in FBIS 2/23)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli comms. on security, borders, territories, environment, crime, drugs hold 1st "preparatory" mtgs. at Dead Sea Hotel to formulate outlines for meeting goals set out in Jordan-Israel treaty. (RJ 12/13 in FBIS 12/14)

7th mtg. of Refugee Working Group opens in Ankara. 250 delegates fr. 40 countries, organizations attend; discuss job creation, family reunification, aid for children, public health, social and economic infrastructure, human resource development. Syria, Lebanon boycott. (AFP 12/14 in FBIS 12/15)

7th mtg. of Middle East Arms Control Group opens in Tunis. Participants (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, PA, U.S., Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia) discuss confidence-building measures; naval issues; creation of regional communication and security centers, demilitarized zones. Deep divisions btwn. Arab states, Israel noted. Syria and Lebanon boycott. (MENA 12/14 in FBIS 12/15; MBC Television 12/14 in FBIS 12/16)

Israeli DMin. says it will allow 200 Gazans who are students at Birzeit University permission to enter West Bank for classes provided PA gives DMin. list of their names for security check, they all pledge to support peace process, renounce terrorism. If 200 behave, remaining 656 would be allowed to enter. (Article 17 12/94)

Jerusalem City Hall officials say plans have been submitted to expropriate, develop 6,000 dunums of Arab land btwn. Jewish neighborhoods of Pizgat Ze'ev, Neve Ya'aqov. (JP 12/13 in FBIS 12/13)

ICO conference opens in Casablanca. Mbrs. draft resolution on Jerusalem that omits praise for Jordan's efforts to preserve city's holy sites, following protests fr. Palestinian delegates. Arafat cancels mtg. with Jordan's King Hussein planned for sidelines of conference. (MM 12/12, 12/14; RA 12/12 in FBIS 12/15; Al-Dustur 12/14 in FBIS 12/14; MM 12/16; Al-Yawm 12/18 in FBIS 12/22)

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)

Arafat stops in Moscow for mtg. with Russian Dep. FM Igor Ivanov, says he is "deeply satisfied with the role Russia is playing" in peace process, invites Russian observers to oversee elections scheduled for 11/1. Ivanov briefs Arafat on Russian efforts on Syrian-Israeli track. (MM 9/15)

Salah `Abd al-Shafi, in charge of U.S. aid to Gaza, blames Arafat for economic delays, says "no one [in PNA] knows who is responsible for what, to the extent where foreign businessmen have to go directly to . . . Arafat . . . to make any progress with their plans." (La Tribune Desfosses 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

French FM Alain Juppé criticizes Israeli PM Rabin's statements on Syria, Lebanon made 9/5, says "Lebanon must be the master of its destiny and sovereignty." (MM 9/14)

Arab League session opens in Cairo with speech by SG 'Ismat `Abd al-Majid praising Arab-Israeli negotiations, encouraging Israel to progress on Syrian, Lebanese tracks. (MENA 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

PLO Political Dept. head al-Qaddumi meets with Arab FM's after Arab League opening, discusses PNA financing, Jerusalem, progress on self-rule; issues statement saying there have been no positive results in the past yr. except more Palestinians can return to their homes, occupation continues. (MENA 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

Islamic Jihad welcomes Hamas' plan to set up Islamic party, says it will take part in elections, hinting Islamic party may become umbrella for all Islamist groups. (HA 9/16 in FBIS 9/20) (see 9/7)

Gaza military court sentences Palestinian policeman to 7 yrs. in jail for selling his M-16 rifle to a Palestinian civilian. (AFP 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

Palestinian police in Jericho, Gaza Strip receive salary, paid with $5 m. in U.S. aid.  Payment comes after PECDAR officials had complained of financial crisis.  (WT 6/9)

Deadline for release of 5,000 Palestinian prisoners under 5/4 agreement passes with only 1/2 that number freed.  (NYT 6/10)

Hizballah fires katyushas on northern Israel.  IAF sends 4 planes on sortie against Hizballah positions in Iqlim al-Tuffah, southern Lebanon in 18th IAF raid on Lebanon of 1994.  No casualties reported.  (WP 6/9)

Russian Chief of Staff Col. Gen. Mikhail Kolesnikov ends visit to Syria, having signed 12 military-cooperation agreements.  Russia reportedly agrees to sell Syria $500 m. in anti-tank weapons and radar, as well as $1.6 b. in other arms.  (WT 6/21)

U.S. and Russia invite parties to resume peace talks 4/20. Palestinian delegation refuses to accept letter of invitation in Jerusalem. Multilateral water talks are scheduled for Geneva 4/27. (AFP 3/10 in FBIS 3/10; MM 3/10; NYT, WP 3/11)

PLO pol. dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi meets with Syrian FM Shara' in Damascus. Qaddumi says Arab states may go to the talks without the Palestinians to "test U.S. intentions." PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Mahmud Abbas meets with Egyptian FM 'Amr Musa in Cairo. (RMC, SARA 3/10 in FBIS 3/10; MENA 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; MM 3/11)

Hamas and Fateh agree to establish intifada "joint command," other committees to enhance cooperation. (WT 3/11)

Israel lodges formal complaint with UNRWA over an official's alleged negligence during 3/2 incident in Gaza Strip (see 3/6). (Qol Yisra'el 3/10 in FBIS 3/11)

IDF shoots Palestinian youth dead near Jerusalem. IDF soldier stabbed, critically wounded in Nazareth. (Qol Yisra'el 3/11 in FBIS 3/11; WT 3/11)

Fateh official assassinated in Tyre, Lebanon. (Radio Lebanon 3/10 in FBIS 3/11)

New Jersey resident and chemical engineer Nidal Ayyad is arrested in connection with 2/26 World Trade Center bombing. (WP 3/11)

Rep. David Obey (R-WI), chmn. of House appropriations subcomm., suggests that Israel and Egypt may "one day" see their aid cut, as Pres. Clinton seeks to cut foreign aid by $2b over 5 years while increasing aid to Russia next year by $300m. Clinton has pledged to maintain current levels. (WT 3/9)

Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin protests to British amb. in Israel over UK decision to upgrade PLO contacts. (IDF Radio 3/8 in FBIS 3/8)

Haydar'Abd al-Shafi calls on Hamas and Islamic Jihad to behave "in a responsible way" after 3/7 clash inside Gaza mosque. (al-Fajr 3/9 in FBIS 3/9)

Jerusalem Post reports on quota for Arab pop. of Jerusalem set by govt. in 1973, consistently enforced through housing plans-in 1967, Arab pop. was 26% of total, today is 27%. City council may appeal the legality of the discriminatory quota to the High Court. (MM 3/8)

Elections at Hebron U. are postponed because of Ramadan and IDF's impeding access to campus (acc. to PLO supporters), or because PLO was afraid of defeat and wants more of its supporters inthe admin. (acc. to Islamists). PLO-Islamist fights ensue. Islamists have consistently won past elections. (MM 3/9)

Israel reopens Gaza checkpoints to Palestinian workers; 30,000 travel to jobs (see 3/2). Two Palestinians kill settler as he was driving them to work; Fateh Eagles claim responsibility. Settlers angrily protest, killing 1 Palestinian. (Qol Yisra'el 3/8 in FBIS 3/8; MM 3/8; WP 3/9)

IDF shoots Palestinian youth dead near Tulkarm. (ITV 3/8 in FBIS 3/9)

PLO official Khalid Muhammad al-Jassem is convicted of attempting to bomb three Israeli targets in New York City in 1973. (NYT 3/9)

Acting Secy. of State Eagleburger warns that there will be "more pressure in the Security Council for some kind of Chapter 7 enforcement" of UNSCR 799, which "puts the Israelis and us and a lot of other people in an awkward spot," and that Israel is "going to have to find some solution to the problem, whether it's to take them back and put them in jail or whatever itis." (MM 1/15)

Palestinian, Jordanian, and Lebanese presses level harsh criticism on the U.S. and the West for their 1/13 attack on Iraq, Gulf states are notably cool or silent, Syria and Egypt try to strike medium in their criticisms of both Iraq and the West. Fateh issues statement condemning the attack on Iraq, as well as a 28th anniversary statement. (MM 1/14; Algiers, Sanaa VOP 1/14 in FBIS 1/15)

IDF kills 2 Palestinians, wounds 45 in clashes in Gaza Strip. Border Police surround, fire anti-tank missiles at house near Jenin, kill 1 suspected Black Panther activist as he tries to escape. (MM, WT 1/15; Qol Yisra'el 1/14 in FBIS 1/15)

Chemical weapons agreement signed in Paris. Russia, the U.S., Israel, and Iran are among the 120 signatories; despite Arab League's 1/11 unanimous boycott, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Libya, Kuwait, Yemen, and Oman also sign. Negotiated since 1968, the treaty banning production, stockpiling, and use of such weapons, as well as mandating their destruction with a complex verification regime, will go into effect after a minimum ratification period of 2 years. (NYT, WP 1/14)