The Palestine Chronology

Arafat sends letter to UN Secy. Gen. Kofi Annan, requesting full Palestinian membership in the UN, something thus far granted only to independent states. (WP 11/30)

King Hussein gives speech inaugurating Jordan's new parliament in which he reaffirms support for the Palestinians, including their right to have the capital of a Palestinian state "in Jerusalem." Jordanian opposition parties criticize the phrase as an acceptance of partition. (JTV 11/29 in WNC 12/7; MM 12/17)

Across the West Bank, Palestinians hold demonstrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the UN partition res., which created Israel. In Bethlehem, the IDF opens fire with rubber bullets on 5,000 Palestinians marching to demand Israel release Palestinian prisoners, injuring 40 (including a PA policeman), making today the worst single day of Palestinian-Israeli clashes in mos. In contrast, few Israelis celebrate the anniversary. (NYT, WP, WT 11/30; WP 12/1; MEI 12/5)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bombs, killing 3 SLA mbrs., wounding 5 IDF soldiers. (RL 11/29 in WNC 12/9; WP 11/30)

Netanyahu holds talks with his cabinet about negotiations with the PA, discusses proposals for moving the peace process in 2 directions: (1) toward resolving outstanding issues, which would require the PA to fulfill a set of requirements (mostly on "terrorism") within several mos. and Israel to implement 1 FRD; (2) toward accelerated final status negotiations. No agmts. are reached among the cabinet Ms. Talks will resume 11/30. (MM 11/26; MM, WT 11/27; NYT 11/28)

In Cairo, French FM Vedrine discusses peace process with Egyptian FM Musa. (RMC 11/27 in WNC 12/9)

Egyptian amb. to Israel Muhammad Basyuni, PA chief negotiator Local Government M Saeb Erakat discuss coordinating positions on FRD issue. (ITV 11/26 in WNC 12/9)

PA releases Fathi Subuh, a professor at al-Azhar's Gaza campus who was arrested 7/2 for putting questions on PA, al-Azhar corruption on his final exam. Charges were never filed against him, though he was informally accused of espionage, lewd behavior. He is forced to pay $7,100 bail, report to PA police daily. (PCHR 11/26; NYT 12/3; JP 12/6)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)--comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE-- holds ministerial mtg. on Iraq-UN conflict. Members' positions differ, but all agree that military solution is unacceptable. (MM 11/27, 11/28) (see 11/21)

Palestine Observer Mission at the UN announces plans to introduce a resolution in the UN General Assemby (UNGA) by early 11/97 that would deny Israel's right to represent East Jerusalem, Golan Heights, meaning credentials for Israeli reps. would have to be issued fr. Tel Aviv, symbolically cutting Israel's territory back to pre-1967 lines. The mission will also try to have its observer status upgraded to "special observer," so that reps. can participate in plenary session, on comms. and working groups. (WT 10/14, 10/17; NYT 10/24)

Jordan, Syria end 2 days of mtgs. on  water; sign minutes of mtg., agreeing to go ahead with construction of al-Wahda dam on the Yarmuk River in Syrian territory. (RJ 10/13, JT 10/14 in WNC 10/15)

After Canada receives an official apology fr. Israel for using forged Canadian passports in Mishal attack 9/25, Canadaian amb. returns to  Tel Aviv. (Radio Canada International 10/13 in WNC 10/15) (see 10/2)

Israel releases 2d batch 9 Jordanian detainees, flies them to Amman. (JTV 10/13 in WNC 10/15; CSM, WT 10/14; NYT 10/15) (see 10/6)

4,000 Palestinians attend rally in Nalbus to celebrate Shaykh Yasin's return to Gaza. (WT 10/14) (see 10/6)

Turkey begins pulling troops out of n. Iraq after its latest incursion against the PKK, which began on 9/21. (WT 10/14)

At the close of a 2-day NATO summit in Madrid, Pres. Clinton says that his administration is working on new ideas to restart the Israeli-PA talks, gives no specifics. (MM 7/10, 7/11; ITV 7/17 in WNC 7/18)

Israeli FM Levy sends letter to Pres. Clinton, Secy. of State Albright asking the U.S. to foil any proposal by the Arab states to act against Israel at the UN. (YA 7/11 in WNC 7/14)

UNRWA launches an emergency appeal for an additional $11 m. for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, saying its current budget is insufficient to meet refugees' basic needs. (UNRWA press release 7/10)

Angered by a speech made by UK Secy. of State for Overseas Development Clare Short sympathizing with the plight of the Palestinians, Israel asks Labor MK Beilin, in London on a visit, and the Israeli amb. to London to cancel a planned mtg. with her. Beilin goes through with the mtg., but the amb. does not. (Independent [London] 7/11 in WNC 7/14)

Clinton administration loses case for deportation against 1 Kenyan, 7 Palestinian immigrant PFLP supporters when the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals of San Francisco rejects arguments that the new antiterrorism law voids the constitution right to recruit mbrs., raise humanitarian aid when such activity provides "material support" to a terrorist group. The government effort to have the 8 deported has gone on for 10 yrs. (WP 7/11)

Turkey resumes border trade with Iraq for the 1st time since 1991. (WT 7/12)

Hizballah stops paying salaries of mbrs. who follow Tufayli or are committed to his Revolution of the Hungry. (al-Nahar 7/10 in WNC 7/16) (see 7/4)

Turkish MP Yildirim Aktuna of the True Path party resigns, leaving the Erbakan government with 275 seats in the 550-mbr. parliament, 1 short of those needed to win a confidence vote. (2 seats are vacant.) Early elections may be called. (WT 5/31)

In the Golan, 2 Austrian UN soldiers are shot dead most likely, according to the UN, by smugglers traveling btwn. Lebanon, Syria. Syria accuses the Mossad; Israel denies involvement. (Der Standard [Vienna] 6/1 in WNC 6/3; RMC 6/5 in WNC 6/6; Wiener Zeitung [Vienna] 6/10 in WNC 6/11; Kurier [Vienna] 6/19 in WNC 6/23)

IDF soldier is killed in a Hizballah mortar attack in s. Lebanon. (VOL 5/30, 6/1 in WNC 6/3; JP 6/7)

In a 3d incident, 7 Hizballah gunmen halt 2 UNIFIL vehicles in s. Lebanon; disarm, threaten the UN soldiers. (AFP, RL 5/30 in WNC 6/2) (see 5/29)

The Israeli navy removes 2 Lebanese fishermen fr. their boat off the coast of s. Lebanon, interrogates them for several hours before releasing them. (RL 5/30 in WNC 6/2)

PA, Israel continue negotiations on Hebron. PA wants Israel to commit to completing further redeployment by next fall, as set out in the Oslo II agmt. U.S. special envoy Ross meets separately with Arafat, Netanyahu. (NYT, WP, WT 1/1; PR 1/3)

For 2d time in 1 wk., Jewish settlers break into Palestinian market area in Hebron, claim it as Jewish property. Israeli police arrest 15 settlers, eject them fr. the site. (WP, WT 1/1)

Bomb explodes on Damascus bus, killing 11, wounding 44. Citing Lubrani's statements 12/23, Syria accuses Israel of planting the device. U.S. calls charge "wild and irresponsible," demands proof of Israel's complicity. (RMC 1/2 in WNC 1/3; MBC, RJ, SATN 1/2, RMC 1/3 in WNC 1/6; MM, NYT, WT 1/3; ITV, RMC 1/4, al-Dustur 1/5, JT, QPAR, RJ, SATN 1/6 in WNC 1/7; al-Urdun 1/6 in WNC 1/16; MM 1/7; SANA 1/8 in WNC 1/9; MM, WJW 1/9; MEI 1/10; JP 1/11; NYT 1/28) (see 12/19)

The mandate for Operation Provide Comfort, set up by the U.S. and its allies after the Gulf War to protect the Kurds in n. Iraq, expires. Turkish parliament passes an extension of the mandate, though the title "Operation Provide Comfort" will no longer be used in order to stress that the project now is largely American, rather than international. France ceases participation, stating that the UN oil-for-food deal provides adequately for aid distribution in n. Iraq. (MEI 1/10)

Peres, Netanyahu meet for 1st time since elections, discuss security issues, vow to cooperate on transition of power. (MM 6/4; QY 6/4 in FBIS 6/4, 6/5; CSM, WP, WT 6/5)

Israel's dep. chief of staff, Gen. Matan Vilnai, arrives in Turkey for talks on expanding the bilateral military cooperation agmt. (MM 6/5) (see 5/23)

State Dept. issues a travel advisory for Syria, following recent bombings. Syria protests, says U.S. reports of bombings are meant to distract the international community fr. events in Israel. (MM 6/5; SA 6/5 in FBIS 6/5; RMC 6/5, al-Hayat 6/6 in FBIS 6/6; NYT 6/10) (see 5/27)

UN opens its 50th session in New York. On sidelines of the mtgs, FM Peres with local rabbis; discusses settler issue, future amendments to PLO covenant. (QY 10/2 in FBIS 10/4)

Before leaving the U.S., PM Rabin tells reporters American Jews are not giving Israel sufficient financial assistance to help absorb immigrants, criticizes "fringe groups" which lobby Congress against official Israeli policy. (MM 10/3) (see 9/28)

On his return fr. the U.S., PM Rabin meets with Pres. Weizman to discuss presidential pardons for Palestinian women prisoners. (MM 10/3)

106 more Palestinian families arrive at detention camps on the Libyan-Egyptian border, joining 300 Palestinians awaiting their deportation. United Nations Human Rights Comm. calls on Libya to halt the expulsions. (MBC, MENA, VOP 10/1, MENA 10/2 in FBIS 10/2)

Likud submits bill calling for territorial continuity in the Jordan Valley fr. Beit She'an to the Dead Sea. (QY 10/1 in FBIS 10/2; MM 10/2)

In Nablus, Palestinian nationalist, Islamist personalities (incl. PA officials) hold conference, ratify a national honor charter to build civil society, avoid militarization of the society and national institutions. (PR 10/13)

100 settlers march across Israeli border into Jordan in protest of Oslo II, ask King Hussein prevent the enlargement of the Jericho enclave, show support for Likud bill submitted 10/1. IDF does not stop them. (QY 10/1, JP, QY 10/2, JT 10/3 in FBIS 10/3; CSM 10/2; WP, WT 10/3; JP 10/7; JP 10/24)

In New York, jury convicts Egyptian cleric Shaykh Omar `Abd al-Rahman, 9 others on 48 of 50 charges of conspiring to carry out a terrorist campaign of bombings, assassinations intended to destroy the , New York landmarks and force the U.S. to abandon its support of Israel, Egypt. (MENA 10/1 in FBIS 10/2; MM, NYT, WT 10/2)

At Israeli-PA economic comm. mtg., PA demands changes in Paris protocol given Israeli separation plan, closure; demands maintenance of free trade with Israel, based on free movement of goods btwn. Israel, self-rule areas without security or technical hindrances, gradual dissolution of united tax system with Israel. (QY 5/21 in FBIS 5/22; PR 5/28; JP 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the PA, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the UAE announce minisummit on Jerusalem to be held in Morocco 5/27. PLO Political Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi heads to Damascus to coordinate position with Syrian FMin. Fatah urges Arafat to suspend talks with Israel in light of veto on UN land confiscation resolution 5/17. (AFP, RMC, SATN 5/21 in FBIS 5/22; CSM, MM, WT 5/22; SARR 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; JP 5/27)

Bashar al-Asad (son of the Syrian pres.), Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Safi (cmdr. of Syrian forces in Lebanon), Brig. Ghazi Kanaan (head of Syrian Intelligence) meet with Lebanese Pres. Hrawi in Beirut. After mtg., Hrawi reappoints Hariri as PM, asks him to form new cabinet. (RL, VOL 5/21 in FBIS 5/22; MM, WT 5/22; MM 5/23, 5/24; MEI 5/26) (see 5/19)

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)

11th round of Israel-PA talks on elections start in Cairo. Both sides suggest bringing international observers into o.t. to help organize elections. (MENA 2/20, MENA 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; MENA, VOP 2/21 in FBIS 2/22; CSM, NYT 2/22; MEI 3/3)

Arafat convenes PLO Executive Comm. in Cairo to reassess peace process, detainees and elections issues, configuration and functioning of PA. 9 mbrs. attend; DFLP, PFLP boycott. Chief PLO spokesman and PA Information M Yasir `Abid Rabbu calls for suspension of talks with Israel. PM Rabin asks PLO not to suspend talks. (AFP, MENA, RMC, VOP 2/20, VOP 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; CSM, MM 2/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/22; MENA 2/21, VOP 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; al-Sharq al-Awsat 2/21, QY 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; JP 3/4)

4-way (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, PA) ministerial mtg. on refugees scheduled for 2/26 is postponed until further notice at Israel's request. (al-Aswaq 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; RJ 2/24 in FBIS 2/24; JT 2/25 in FBIS 2/27)

Arab League condemns Israel for recent attacks on civilians in s. Lebanon, calls on UN to do the same. (RE 2/21 in FBIS 2/21) (see 2/19, 2/20)

PM Rabin gives Shas 2 unassigned portfolios--interior and religious affairs--giving Shas significant influence over ruling coalition of which it is not a part. Meretz M Yossi Sarid threatens to resign. (MM 2/20 QY 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; JP 3/4)

IDF arrests Hamas political leader Shaykh Jamil Hamami in his home in the West Bank following the "seizure of a very large quantity of inflammatory material . . . that incriminated him" during 1/27 raid on Abu Dis College of Science and Technology. (ITV 2/21 in FBIS 2/22)

Frmr. Nablus mayor Bassam al-Shak`a announces establishment of new group, Palestinian National Grouping (PNG; al-Tajammu` al-Watani al-Filistini), opposed to Oslo Accord, calls on Arafat to resign. Group includes independents, mbrs. of Islamic Jihad, DFLP, PFLP. (QPAR, QY 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; RMC 2/25 in FBIS 2/26; ITV 2/25, QY 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; MA 2/26 in FBIS 2/28; al-Quds, SARR 2/28 in FBIS 3/1)

In response to German reports that Israel, Iran are negotiating release of Israeli airman Ron Arad, PM Rabin admits Germany has been talking to Iran on Israel's behalf but has had no success. (ITV 2/20, QY 2/21, 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; MM, WP 2/21; IDF radio 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; MM, NYT 2/22; WT 2/27; JP 3/4, 3/11; WJW 3/16)

3d Comm. of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passes resolution calling for mbr.-states to "extend their support to the Palestinian people in their quest for self-determination." 124 nations vote for resolution; U.S., Israel vote against; 27 nations, incl. Norway, Russia, abstain. (PR 11/27; Near East Report, 12/12)

U.S. Pres. Clinton sends letter to Lebanese Pres. Ilyas Hrawi stressing U.S. commitment to Lebanon's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity. (RL 11/17 in FBIS 11/17)

Egyptian FM Musa meets with Faisal Husseini, Hannan Ashrawi, Ziyad Abu Zayyad at Orient House in Jerusalem, discusses mtgs. with Israelis. (VOP 9/1 in FBIS 9/2)

Trilateral Jordanian-Israeli-U.S. comm. meets in Washington to discuss trade, tourism issues. (RJ 9/1 in FBIS 9/1)

3-day mtg. of UN nongovernmental organizations (NGO's) on the question of Palestine ends in Geneva. UN Human Rights Comm. passes resolution extending econ. assistance to PNA; rejects resolution condemning Israel for human rights abuses in o.t. for 1st time since 1968. (CSM 8/30; WJW 9/1)

Arafat orders arrest of 27 mbrs. of "presidential guard" for undiscipline for firing guns in air at a Gaza wedding. (MM 9/1)

Germany opens foreign aid office in Jericho. (VOP, QY 8/31 in FBIS 9/1)

Israeli PM Rabin flatly refuses Egyptian FM Musa's request that Israel sign nuclear nonproliferation treaty (NPT). (MM 8/31, 9/1; JP 9/1 in FBIS 9/2)

IDF helicopters (4), IAF fighter-bombers (6) attack Hizballah base at `Ayn Kawkab, nr. Ba`albak, killing at least 26, as many as 45, and wounding 30 (up to 80), most teenagers in their beds.  Hizballah fires 20 katyusha rockets at Israel in retaliation, 7 landing nr. Nahariya.  Lebanon, Syria denounce attack.  UN S.G. Butrus Butrus-Ghali expresses "concern" over attack. (RL 6/2 in FBIS 6/2; MM 6/2, 6/3; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 6/3; JP 6/11)

PLO Chmn. Arafat cancels appointments, reportedly suffering fr. "mild angina."  (MENA, RL, MBC TV 6/2 in FBIS 6/3; NYT, WP 6/3)

Protests continue in Ramallah, 2 Palestinians wounded as Justice M David Liba'i visits.  (JP 6/11)

Mtg. of UNRWA donors grouping 24 countries, European Union (EU) concludes in Amman.  (UNRWA News 6/15)

Israeli FM Peres meets Morocco's King Hassan during stopover in Rabat on return fr. visit to Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.  (MM 6/3)

Israeli cabinet orders some settlers disarmed, 1,000 Palestinian prisoners released in response to Hebron massacre, establishes commission of inquiry to investigate massacre. Govt. orders administrative detention of 5 Kach mbrs., but apprehends only 1 as well as 2 low-level activists. PLO Chmn. Arafat calls Israeli moves "hollow and superficial," reiterates demand for international protection of Palestinians ino.t. Settlers' council "rejects out of hand the proposals ... to confiscatehe weapons of Jews." (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Rioting against Hebron massacre continues in o.t., Israel, spreading to Negev. 3 Palestinians killed in demonstrations, including 1 Israeli Arab, bringing casualty totals to 65 dead, 360 wounded since 2/25. (WP, WT 2/28; CSM, NYT 3/1)

PLO Chmn. Arafat charges that "some elements of the Israeli army" assisted Baruch Goldstein in Hebron massacre. IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Dani Yatom counters that soldiers fired into air, all 111 cartridge cases recovered at crime scene fired fr. Goldstein's rifle. (NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Funeral of Hebron attacker Baruch Gold.. stein draws 300 mourners for procession fr. Jerusalem to Qiryat Arba. Mourners denounce journalists covering event as "Nazis"; Rabbi Yaacov Perrin, giving eulogy, proclaims "1 m. Arabs are not worth a Jewish fingernail." (NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria withdraw negotiators fr. Washington talks with Israel in solidarity with PLO. (RMC 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

UN Sec. Gen. Butrus Butrus-Ghali suggests sending international monitors to protect Palestinians in o.t. U.S. mission to UN calls offer not "particularly helpful or useful." Statement notes DoP provides for "temporary" international presence, but says UN should not "prejudge" Israel-PLO discussions. Russia supports Butrus-Ghali's position. (NYT 2/28)

Bomb made of 2 82mm mortar shells explodes in Sayyidal-Naja Maronite Church in Zuq Mika'il, nr. Juniya, Lebanon, killing 9 and wounding 60. PM Hariri calls bombing "a plot ordered fr. abroad." Info M Michel Samaha, Damascus Radio, and Maronite Bishop Bishara Rai blame Israel. (RL 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; SARR 2/27 in FBIS 3/1; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

PLO Exec. Comm. releases official statement approving DoP. (Algiers VOP 9/12 in FBIS 9/13)

PLO Chmn. Arafat arrives in Washington for signing of PLO-Israel Declaration of Principles, 1st visit to U.S. since address to UN in New York in 1974. Arafat is greeted by Asst. Secy. of State Edward Djerejian on behalf of U.S. govt. (NYT, WP 9/13)

Islamic Jihad claims fatal attack on 3 IDF soldiers in Gaza, Israeli bus driver in Israel. Other sources place responsibility on Hamas. Attacks also mounted on Israeli bus in West Bank. Pres. Clinton calls upon PLO Chmn. Arafat to condemn attacks. 3 Palestinians die in other incidents. (RMC 9/12 in FBIS 9/13; MM, NYT, WP 9/13; CSM 9/14)

EC FMs meeting in Belgium approve 5- year, $604 m. Palestinian aid package. (NYT 9/13)

Israel releases list of 101 deported Palestinians who may return immediately to the o.t. Deportees refuse to accept the list and pledge that none will return until all are allowed back. (Qol Yisra'el 2/5 in FBIS 2/5; Radio Lebanon 2/5 in FBIS 2/8; NYT 2/6)

Palestinian UN rep. Nasir al-Kidwa meets with UN Secy.-Gen. Butrus-Ghali, informs him of the PLO's decision not to participate in any peace talks until UNSCR 799 is implemented. (Sanaa VOP 2/5 in FBIS 2/8)

Chmn. Arafat meets with King Hussein in Amman, then flies to Cairo for 3-day visit. Talks with Pres. Mubarak focus on the deportees and peace talks, as well as arranging a Secy. of State Christopher-Arafat visit when the former visits the region beginning 2/17. (MENA, RJN, RMC 2/5 in FBIS 2/8)

Two polls find 61% and 54% of Israeli Jews are against the U.S.-Israeli package deal to allow 100 deportees back. (MaAriv, Yedi'ot Aharonot 2/5 in MM 2/5)

IDF shoots 3 armed Palestinians dead in a car in the Gaza Strip. IDF shoots 2 dead, wounds 30 more Palestinians in ensuing demonstrations. (NYT 2/6; MM 2/8)

Israeli High Court annuls overall expulsion decree, but upholds each individual expulsion order, and orders govt. to hear individual appeals. Deportees reject the call for individual appeals. (WP 1/29; MM 1/28)

PLO condemns the High Court rulings, calling for "urgent UNSC meeting" to impose sanctions on Israel. (AFP 1/28 in FBIS 1/28)

PM Rabin says any "operative steps" the UN takes against Israel would "wipe out the chances for peace in the Middle East." (NYT 1/30)

PM Rabin meets with UN special envoy James Jonah, calls on a third country to accept the deportees for the 2-year term of their exile. (Qol Yisra'el 12/30 in FBIS 12/30; WP 12/31)

UN Secy.-Gen. Butrus-Ghali meets with Chmr. Arafat in Geneva, says Israel should place the 415 deportees in internment camps, and prosecute suspected offenders in Israeli courts. French FM Roland Dumas meets with Butrus-Ghali and Arafat, proposes that UNIFIL take care of the deportees until a settlement is found. (NYT 12/31)

IDF clamps curfew on entire Gaza Strip until 1/3 to prevent clashes on Fateh Day, 1/1. (Qol Yisra'el 12/30 in FBIS 12/31)

Palestinian deportees issue statement to UN Secy.-Gen. Butrus-Ghali, vowing that they will stay in no man's land between Israeli and Lebanese-controlled territory in southern Lebanon until UN "forces Israel" to take them back. (NYT 12/30)

Lebanese PM Rafiq al-Hariri meets with UN special envoy James Jonah in Beirut, rejects Israeli offer to allow Red Cross to provide aid to the 12/17 Palestinian deportees. (NYT 12/30)

Gaza Strip civil admin. closes Islamic and al-Azhar Universities indefinitely. (ITV 12/29 in FBIS 12/30

Israel announces that 10 of the 415 Palestinians were mistakenly expelled and may return to Israel for possible trial. (Qol Yisra'el 12/29 in FBIS 12/30; WP 12/29)

UN special envoy James Jonah meets with Palestinian delegation mbrs., rejection front and Hamas reps. in East Jerusalem. (IDF Radio 12/28 in FBIS 12/29)

Lebanon bars UN special envoy James Jonah from passing through its territory to visit the Palestinian deportees. (WP 12/29)

Survey finds 46 MKs favor direct talks with PLO, 67 are against, with 2 abstaining. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 12/28 in FBIS 12/29)

FMs of Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, PLO, conclude meeting in Cairo, issue statement urging UN to give Israel a deadline to repatriate 12/17 Palestinian deportees, imply peace talks in jeopardy. (NYT 12/25)

Chmn. Arafat says "I would have caught the murderer of the soldier [kidnapped 10/13 by Hamas and found dead 10/15] and killed him!" in interview on deportations, peace talks. (Davar 12/27 in FBIS 12/28)

Palestinian-Israeli delegation including MKs and local council heads, makes deportees-solidarity visit to Red Cross HQ in Gaza, which turns into large demonstration. (ITV 12/24 in FBIS 12/30)

Israel announces formula worked out by Israel, the U.S., and the UN that will allow UN participation in 5 multilateral committees. UNRWA reps. will attend refugee talks in Ottawa. (Davar 10/20 in FBIS 10/20)

Fateh mbr. Hussein 'Udaymi is assassinated in Tripoli, Lebanon. (VOL 10/20 in FBIS 10/20)

State Dept. indicates all parties to peace negotiations have agreed to resume talks 4/27 in Washington and have given the U.S. lists of proposed sites for the sixth round of talks. (WP 4/3)

State Dept. also announces 17-member U.S. inspection team that traveled to Israel found no evidence that Israel improperly transferred technology relating to U.S.-built Patriot missiles to China. Dept. indicates inspectors found all missiles supplied to Israel intact, but had no way of determining if photos or other information had been supplied to China. (WP 4/3)

Israel denies 4/1 State Dept. report suggesting it improperly transferred U.S. military technology to third countries. (MM 4/2)

Hundreds of Palestinians clash with security forces in Jabaliya, Burayj refugee camps in Gaza as protests over 4/1 killings in Gaza break out. At least 35 Palestinians are injured by security forces' gunfire. Rafah and nearby camps are curfewed. PLO announces it has requested the UN Sec. Council meet to discuss ways of protecting o.t. residents and that it has called on UN Secy. Gen. Ghali to dispatch observers to the o.t. (AFP, MM 4/2; MM 4/3)

Unified National Command of the Intifada issues proclamation no. 81 urging unity of Palestinian ranks and calling for a "revival" of the Old City of E. Jerusalem. (Voice of Palestine 4/2 in FBIS 4/3, 4/7)

16 IDF troops from a special unit established to combat the intifada desert their post in Rafah, Gaza, to protest conditions. (NYT 4/2; MM 4/3)

IDF reopens Gaza after forbidding Palestinians in Gaza from traveling to Israel 3/20. (MM 3/23)

Leaders of the Palestinian community in Israel decide to send a delegation to the UN to seek international support for residents of Ramiya, near Umm al-Fahm, after supreme court refused to rescind eviction orders facing the villagers [Jewish town of Karmi'el intends to evict the residents and build homes on the land, which was confiscated by Israeli authorities in 1976]. Leaders also called for Palestinians in Israel to strike on 3/30 in commemoration of Land Day. (MM 3/23)

Israeli undercover forces shoot and kill a Palestinian wanted by security forces as he played soccer near Tulkarm. (MM 3/23, 4/16)

Multilateral talks end in Moscow. Participants establish five working groups to discuss various topics in April and May in several venues. Groups and venues are: economic development, in Belgium; environment, in Japan; arms control and security, in Washington; refugees, in Canada; water resources, in either Turkey or Austria. Palestinian delegates send request to U.S., Russia, to create additional working groups on Jerusalem and human rights. (MM 1/29)

Secy. of State Baker meets with Faisal Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi, tells them U.S. and Russia will support expanded Palestinian participation in working groups in which Palestinians have a clear and important interest. (WP 1/30)

India, Israel announce establishment of diplomatic relations. (NYT 1/30)

Amnesty International issues report documenting Israeli torture practices in o.t. to UN Commission of Human Rights in Geneva. (MM 1/30)

Labor, Likud negotiators agree to hold elections 6/23; decision is subject to final approval but appears certain. Decision comes after three parties recently resigned from government, depriving it of a parliamentary majority. (IDF Radio 1/29 in FBIS 1/30)

Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek suggests Jerusalem could be divided into boroughs to accommodate Palestinian desire for increased self-rule. However, Kollek stresses that such a plan would not provide for full autonomy. (MM 1/30)

German navy intercepts German ship transporting 16 Czech-made, Soviet-designed T-72 tanks to Syria near Strait of Gibraltar, forces it to return to Germany, where investigation will be launched to determine whether or not German laws governing shipment of military materiel were violated. Syria and Czechoslovakia finalized deal involving 320 tanks in September 1991; U.S. and Israel later pressured Czechoslovakia to cancel the deal, but it refused. (WP, MM 1/31)

New York judge sentences Egyptian-born al-Sayyid Nusayr to 7 1/2 to 22 years in prison. Nusayr was acquitted 12/21 of murdering Rabbi Meir Kahane in New York, but convicted of several lesser charges. (WP 1/30)

PM Shamir chairs ministerial meeting to discuss formation of Jewish "civil guard" in o.t. (ITV 12/25 in FBIS 12/26)

Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek leads demonstration against settlers who moved into contested homes in Silwan. (MM 1/2)

Shiite cleric Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah addresses Beirut conference on intifada. Representatives from Fateh-Revolutionary Council [Abu Nidal], PFLP, Iranian Revolutionary Guards also speak. (Voice of Oppressed 12/26 in FBIS 12/27)

GCC ends summit, reaffirms commitment to "Damascus Declaration." Meeting also issues "Kuwait Declaration" supporting peace talks based on UN Sec. Council resolutions 242, 338, 425, affirming GCC support of multilateral talks with Israel. (MM 1/2)

Israel, Zambia renew diplomatic ties broken since 1973. (Qol Yisra'el 12/25 in FBIS 12/31)

UN Gen. Assembly votes to repeal resolution 3379, passed in 1975, which characterized Zionism as a "form of racism and racial discrimination." Vote was 111 in favor, 25 against, 13 abstentions (six Arab countries-Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Tunisia, Oman, Bahrain-did not vote). (NYT, WP 12/17)

Stand-off between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators continues in Washington. (MM 12/17)

Israeli court allows Palestinian family to move back into Silwan shortly before a second court ruling overturns the decision and orders the family re-evicted. Police, however, decide to allow family to stay pending clarification. Courts are currently hearing five cases involving title to homes in Silwan. (MM 12/17)

U.S. State Dept. urges Israel to halt provocative actions by settlers [see 12/15]. (MM 12/17)

Knesset mbr. Yossi Sand presents reply by state attorney's office to high court of justice which implies that legal status of settlements is temporary. Court had requested state's opinion in response to appeal on settlements question lodged before court by Peace Now movement. (Qol Yisra'el 12/16 in FBIS 12/17)

Israel, EC sign agreement by which Israel will receive 7-year, $205 mill. loan. Israel will receive a further $36 mill. in interest subsidies. (Davar 12/18 in FBIS 12/18)

Israeli authorities claim two infiltrators were found drowned off the Gaza coast. (NYT 12/18)

Kuwaiti immigration dept. announces that Palestinian, Jordanian residents can renew their residency permits if they prove they did not collaborate with Iraqi forces during occupation of Kuwait. (MM 12/16)

Israeli state attorney recommends that Israel take no action against Hanan Ashrawi for her alleged contacts with PLO officials, as had been recommended by Israeli police. Israeli attorney general must now decide Ashrawi's fate. (MM 11/19)

Jerusalem chief of police apologizes for 11/18 raid on Islamic court offices in E. Jerusalem (but does not return documents) as some 100 Palestinians, including members of the Islamic Higher Council, demonstrate against the raid in E. Jerusalem. Merchants in Hebron joined with those in the old city in strike to protest the raid. (MM 11/19)

E. Jerusalem, Hebron merchants strike ends. Nablus merchants strike 11/18 death of imam shot by IDF. (MM 11/19)

Labor party opens national convention in Jerusalem, struggles to develop a new election program to attract voters. (MM 11/19, 11/20)

European Commission announces EC will donate $61 million in aid to Palestinians in o.t. to help overcome economic effects of Gulf war. Grant is first expenditure from a $280- million assistance package established by EC in March 1991. (MM 11/19)

PM Shamir declares Israel will not release more Lebanese prisoners until it receives its missing servicemen. FM Levy calls on UN, Western countries to avoid "discrimination" during prisoner-hostage release negotiations, a reference to increased Israeli concern that such talks are focusing solely on Western hostages and ignoring Israeli demands for information on its servicemen missing in Lebanon. Israeli negotiator Uri Lubrani travels to New York for talks with UN Secy. Gen. Perez de Cuellar to push for progress on releasing airman Ron Arad, only Israeli hostage believed to be alive. Reversing earlier UN policy seeking a multilateral release, Perez de Cuellar states that he now accepts separating question of Western hostages from that of Israeli captives. (Qol Yisra'el 11/19 in FBIS 11/19; WP 11/21)

Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi states that as long as Israel refuses to implement UN Sec. Council Resolution 425, calling for Israeli withdrawal from S. Lebanon, he cannot stop attacks by anti-Israeli resistance forces. (MM 11/19)

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].