The Palestine Chronology

Conference marking 30th anniversary of PLO held in Jerusalem despite Israeli ban. IDF prohibits mtg. fr. convening at Ambassador Hotel, site of 1964 PLO founding conference. Participants led by Rev. Jesse Jackson march to Orient House to hold session. (NYT, WT 4/10)

Palestinian opposition factions attack 2 SIA posts nr. 'Ali Tahir, southern Lebanon; IDF/SLA kill 3, wound 3. IDF, SLA casualties not reported. (WT 4/10)

Frmr. Melkite (Greek Catholic) Archbishop of Jerusalem Hilarion Capucci, expelled by Israel in 1977 for 1974 arms-smuggling charge, claims Israel offered to allow him to return but he rejected offer because "it was tied to me not saying anything regarding the Palestinian cause or giving my opinion when I return." (NYT 4/10)

Israeli Environment Min. Yossi Sarid is reported to have met with PLO official Nabil Shaath with PM Rabin's knowledge. Rabin's spokesman denies meeting was on behalf of PM. Shaath refuses to confirm or deny meeting, says Palestinians "cannot accept" 6/30 U.S. paper (MBC Television 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; NYT 8/6)

Secy. of State Christopher meets with Jordan's King Hussein in Amman, then again with Palestinian and Israeli representatives in Jerusalem, bringing message from Syrian Pres. al-Asad to Israeli PM Rabin. Christopher states in Amman "there's been absolutely no change in the United States's position" on status of o.t. or Jerusalem (see 7/21). Rabin calls current shuttle diplomacy "a change for the better," says Palestinians "cannot get their act together." Christopher announces he will revisit Syria and assume role of "active intermediary." Palestinian delegation gives Christopher PLO memo on draft "statement of principles," but only after modifying it due to disagreements with Tunis's statements on jurisdiction of self-governing authority and Jerusalem. (JTV 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; Sawt al-Sha'b 8/5 in FBIS 8/5; Qol Yisra'el 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; NYT, WP 8/6)

Hizballah launches rockets into "security zone." IDF and SIA return fire. (WP 8/6)