The Palestine Chronology

UNGA passes resolution drafted by Israel, PLO, and U.S., expressing "full support" for Israel-PLO peace talks. Resolution 1st in 2 decades on Middle East peace not to criticize Israel. 2 other resolutions, calling Israeli rule over Jerusalem and Golan Heights illegal, also pass, 85 countries abstaining on Golan resolution. (MM, NYT, WP 12/15)

Israeli Industry and Trade M. Micha Harish announces Morocco has been removed from list of "hostile" countries barred from trade with Israel. Harish says he expects Tunisia to be taken from list next. (MM 12/15)

PLO Chmn. Arafat begins 1st official visit to Britain, lasting 2 days, with mtgs. with PM Major, frmr. PM Thatcher, Archbishop of Canterbury, MPs, and Foreign Office officials. (MM 12/14; NYT 12/16)

1 Hamas mbr. killed, 2 escape when Israeli border police stop stolen car rigged with explosives in Gaza City. Husam al-Bakri, 20, fatally wounded when IDF opens fire on stone-throwers at Hamas mbr.'s funeral. (MM 12/14; WP, WT 12/15)

PM Rabin heckled by right-wing protesters at dedication of Modi'in, a new planned city. Demonstrators call Rabin "traitor," throw bottles, coffee at him. (WP, WT 12/15)

Conference in Tripoli, Libya grouping Arab radical groups opens. Invited are PFLPGC and FRC ("Abu Nidal" faction). (WT 12/16)

Nayif Hawatmah of DFLP, George Habash of PFLP meet in Tripoli with Libyan leader Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi. Libya and Iraq are only Arab states to explicitly oppose PLO-Israel agreement. (NYT 9/16, 9/17)

U.S. Pres. Clinton, in telephone conversation with Jordan's King Hussein, discloses U.S. will release $30 m. in aid to Amman frozen due to Jordan's position in 1990-91 Gulf crisis. Release is due to signing of Jordan-Israel common agenda. Clinton also calls Syrian Pres. al-Asad, urges him to rein in Damascus-based Palestinian factions opposed to PLO-Israel agreement. (NYT 9/16; CSM, NYT 9/17; NYT 9/18)

U.S. joins with Russia, Egypt, and Israel to eliminate, revise, or defer 32 UNGA resolutions critical of Israel. Resolutions to be changed or discarded include those establishing Comm. on Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, criticizing Israeli human rights practices, examining Israeli-South African relations, and calling on Israel to renounce nuclear weapons. (NYT 9/16)

Libyan pilgrims' spokesman Daw Salim al-Tajuri tells Cairo news conference decision to visit Jerusalem "personal," that delegation "does not represent any official party," and that trip does not constitute recognition of Israel. (MENA 6/3 in FBIS 6/4)

PLO leadership meets in Tunis to discuss 3/29 FMs meeting. (al-Nahar 3/23 in FBIS 3/24)

Hamas mbrs. shoot 2 traffic policemen dead north of Tel Aviv. Israel decides to seal o.t. indefinitely, starting 3/31. (MM 3/30; NYT 3/31, 4/1)

Testifying before Senate appropriations subcomm., Secy. of State Christopher identifies Iran, Iraq, Libya, and Hamas as "sponsors of terrorism." (MM 3/30)

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)

Acting PLO security head Atif Basaysu assassinated by gunmen in Paris. Basaysu assumed security function left by Salah Khalaf (Abu Tyad) following his assassination in January 1991. (WP 6/9)

Two anonymous phone calls - one claiming Kach responsibility, the other claiming Kahana Hay responsibility for the killing - were received at the Paris offices of the Associated Press. Al-Hayat cites French "political sources" to confirm PLO charge of Mossad responsibility; Israel denies charges. (FBIS, MM 6/9)

Belgian MP Michael Maertens and two Israelis are released after being arrested 6/7 in peace march round-up; 112 remaining are expected to be released 6/9. (MM 6/8)

IDF slightly eases entry restrictions on Gaza Strip imposed 5/24; "trickle" of workers allowed to enter Israel. (MM 6/8)

Head of Israeli mil. intelligence Maj.- Gen. Uri Saguy says the 4 infiltrators from Aqaba in 5/30 attack on Eilat beach were Fateh members trained in Libya, not Islamists, as revealed from interrogation of captured infiltrator. (MM 6/11)

Chmn. Arafat appoints new 7-member Fateh command in Lebanon. (Al-Shira' 6/8 in FBIS 6/9)

Iranian FM 'Ali Akbar Velayati meets with Lebanese FM Fans Buwayz in Beirut (first Iranian FM to visit Lebanon since 1979 Iranian revolution); Lebanon seeks Iranian help in restraining Islamic Resistance forces in south, fearing Israeli reprisals. (MM 6/3; AFP 6/4 in FBIS 6/5)

UN Secy. Gen. Butrus Ghali expresses concern about fate of Palestinians in Gaza, which has been closed by IDF since 5/24. Butrus Ghali calls on Israel to "abide scrupulously" by Fourth Geneva Convention. (MM 6/3, 4)

Israel initiates unilateral direct-dial telephone service to Syria, Iraq, Libya. (MM 6/3)

Chmn. Arafat undergoes surgery in Amman to remove blood clot on his brain (a resuilt of 4/27 crash of Arafat's plane in Libya). (WP 6/2)

Lebanese press reports Syria has mobilized reserve troops following increased Israeli military actions in S., E. Lebanon. Syrian planes fly over Ba'labakk, E. Lebanon (Israeli planes bombed targets near Ba'labakk 5/26). (AFP, Al-Shira' 6/1 in FBIS 6/2)

In Jerusalem, 200,000 Israelis celebrate 25th anniversary of "reunificationf Jerusalem" in June 1967 (W. Bank residents were barred from Jerusalem for 24 hours). (NYT, MM 6/1)

PLO Central Council postpones its scheduled meeting in Tunis until such time as Chmn. Arafat is able to attend [Arafat suffered injuries in the 4/7 crash of his plane in Libya]. Arafat is moved to more secure hospital in Tripoli, Libya. (NYT, WP 4/10)

Undercover unit shoots and kills 2 "wanted" Palestinians, one in Tulkarm, W. Bank, and the second in Rafah, Gaza. (MM 4/10)

Chmn. Arafat's plane crashes in a desert sandstorm near al-Sarra in S. Libya. Three crewmen die; Arafat, 9 others survive. International effort to locate the plane begins. (NYT 4/8)

State Dept. officials meet with officials of Israeli for. ministry in Jerusalem to discuss ways of averting threatened Israeli boycott of any sessions of upcoming multilateral peace talks which include Palestinians from outside o.t. [U.S., Russia have agreed to allow diaspora Palestinians to participate in meetings dealing with refugee problems and economic development. Israel insists that original terms set for peace process excludes Palestinians from outside o.t.]. Americans propose allowing such Palestinians to participate as observers; Israel rejects the proposal. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 4/8 in FBIS 4/9)

Addressing the audience as "fellow Zionists," U.S. Vice Pres. Quayle tells annual meeting of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), most important pro-Israel lobbying group in U.S. that Pres. Bush shares their commitment to Israel's security. (WP 4/8)

PLO issues open statement by Chmn. Arafat to the Palestinian people in which he defends peace talks, urges Palestinians to support the peace delegates. (MM 3/11)

Israeli diplomats in Cairo indicate FM Levy recently told Egyptian FM 'Amr Musa that Egypt should either charge 4 Israeli citizens held in Egypt for espionage or release them [3 Arabs of Libyan origin and 1 Jew, were detained in early February. Israel has denied spying on Egypt]. (AFP 3/10 in FBIS 3/11)

Detainee Muhammad 'Abd al-Fattah al-Hawrani, member of the steering committee of the Palestinian delegation to peace talks who was detained in February, is released from Ketziot-Ansar 3 detention camp [see 2/17]. Commander of Ketziot announces 300 prisoners will be released early during coming week to mark Islamic holy month of Ramadan. (MM 3/11; al-Nahar 3/11 in FBIS 3/12)

IDF kills Palestinian in Gaza City after he accidentally ran into army checkpoint. (MM 3/10)

Prime Min. Shamir indicates he will head Israeli delegation to the peace conference, not FM David Levy. Invitations sent to the parties by the U.S., USSR had called for talks at the "ministerial level," a diplomatic phrase usually interpreted to mean participation by officials holding rank of foreign minister or below. (NYT 10/24)

Arab foreign ministers representing Syria, Egypt, Jordan, along with representative of Lebanon's foreign ministry and head of PLO political department meet in Damascus to discuss strategies for peace conference. They were later joined by foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, representing the Gulf states, and Morocco, representing North African states (except Libya). (MEM 10/23)

Strike called for 10/22 by three groups in o.t. partially observed in E. Jerusalem, elsewhere in West Bank, but not in Nablus, Jenin. Residents of Gaza city observe strike, but not those in the refugee camps. (MEM 10/25)

Members of the Jewish Ateret Cohanim seminary move into a house in the Muslim quarter of E. Jerusalem. Group claims the house was owned by Jews driven out by Palestinian rioting in 1929. Settlers occupying a building in Silwan seized 10/9 from Palestinian residents petition Israeli high court of justice to allow them to remain. Group also seeks permission to move into four other buildings from which they had been evicted by police. (MEM 10/24)

European Community official announces EC, Israel have reached agreement over long-standing dispute over status, place of residence of EC official who will be sent to monitor EC economic aid to Palestinians in the o.t. EC had sough to post the official in the territories; Israel objected, seeking to place the representativen Tel Aviv instead. The EC has set aside $100 million in aid for Palestinians in the o.t. (MEM 10/24)

Human rights organization Middle East Watch issues report on condition of 18,000-20,000 stateless Palestinians in Kuwait. The Palestinians, who were either born in Gaza during the British Mandate, during the period of Egyptian administration of Gaza (1948-67), or who are descendants of those born there, have lived in Kuwait for decades but do not hold citizenship in any country. They do not carry Israeli Gaza identity cards but merely hold Egyptian travel documents, and are thus unable to legally live anywhere. According to the report, Kuwait intends to expel these persons to Iraq 11/15. (MEM 20/24)

Lebanese general Michel 'Awn leaves Lebanon for France aboard French naval vessel. Two other 'Awn allies, Gen. 'Issam Abu Jamrand Gen. Edgard Ma'luf, also depart French embassy in Beirut, where the three had taken refuge since Oct. 1990. 'Awn departs Lebanon under terms of 8/26 amnesty passed by Lebanese parliament, which prohibits 'Awn from political activities or attempting to return from Lebanon. Amnesty does not include immunity from charges 'Awn embezzled $31 million. (WP 8/30; MEM 8/29)

After meeting in Libya, PLO Chmn. Arafat, Syrian vice pres. 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam, agree to form joint PLO-Syrian coordinating committee to begin meeting in early September. (Radio Monte Carlo 8/30 in FBIS 9/3; AFP 8/30 in FBIS 9/3)

Amal leader Nabih Birri declares Israeli airman captured in Lebanon in 1986 was transferred to Iranian Revolutionary Guards in 1988 for $500,000 and is now being held in Iran. Hizbullah sources claim, however, that the airman is being held by Revolutionary Guards near Ba'lbak, Lebanon. (MEM 8/29)

Chmn. Arafat agrees to Palestinian participation in peace conference if four conditions are met: recognition of Palestinian right to self-determination; PLO must determine Palestinian participation in conference; Palestinians from E. Jerusalem must be allowed to participate and question of Jerusalem must not be deleted from conference agenda; Israeli settlement activity in occupied territories must be halted and international protection extended to Palestinians. Arafat also praises democratic reforms underway in USSR, amidst increasing criticism of Palestinian stance vis-a-vis the Soviet coup. (MEM 8/28)

Arafat meets Pres. Mubarak in Libya for first time since Gulf war. (MEM 8/29)

PFLP denounces U.S.-led peace plan, criticizes PL-0 for conditional agreement. (MEM 8/28)

Israeli press announces Israel recently requested aid from Germany to assist settlement of immigrants inIsrael. Finance ministry requested $5.74 billion in aid during secret negotiations held several weeks ago. (MEM 8/29)

Kuwait announces U.S. will build military base at Sabiyya, 40 km. from Kuwait-Iraq border. (MEM 8/28)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets with Egyptian Prime Min. 'Atif Siddi in Libya, highest level PLO-Egyptian talks since end of Gulf war. Arafat also met Libya Pres. Qaddafi. (MEM 7/8)

Hunger strike among Palestinian prisoners at Nafha prison, begun 6/23, ends. (MEM 7/8)

France issues 6-point 11th-hour initiative calling for Saddam to leave Kuwait; similar appeal is made by Yemen, Algeria, Tunis, and Libya. EC gov'ts., frustrated by seeing diplomatic efforts rebuffed by Baghdad, say they plan no new initiatives before the deadline [TDS, AFP, AES 1/14 in FBIS 1/15; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/15]; touting French plan, Algeria's Pres. Benjedid leaves for Baghdad [AGS 1/14 in FBIS 1/15].

Revolutionary Command Council votes unanimously to follow Saddam Hussein in defying UN resolutions; measure also authorizes Saddam to undertake last-minute political settlement [ADS 1/14 in FBIS 1/14; INA 1/15 in FBIS 1/15; MEM 1/14; NYT, WP 1/15]; Saddam sends "open message" to King Fahd decrying Saudi's Gulf stance [BADS 1/14 in FBIS 1/15].

PLO's second-ranking official, Abu lyad [Salah Khalaf] is assassinated in Tunis; Abu al-Hol [Hayel Abdel Hamid] and aid Fakhri al-Omari are also killed (cf. 1/15) [TDS, AFP, SPA 1/15 in FBIS 1/15; NYT, LAT, WT, WP, MEM 1/15].

UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar arrives back in New York from Baghdad, having failed to secure any concessions from Saddam Hussein [NYT, LAT 1/15].

Kuwaiti Crown Prince and P.M. warns that multinational forces would strike at civilian as well as military targets in Iraq: "If he [Saddam] bombs Kuwait cities, we'll do the same to Iraqi cities" [NYT, WP 1/15].

Allied officials agree that U.S. and British troops will conduct all offensive military operations while French and Arab troops will remain in defensive positions in war [LAT 1/15].

FBI rejects requests to stop interviewing Arab-American leaders about potential terrorist plans, but agrees to discontinue certain political questions such as "How do you feel about the Gulf situation?" and "How do you feel about Saddam Hussein?" [LAT 1/15].

Saddam Hussein orders the phrase "Allahu Akbar" ["God is great"] be added to Iraq flag [INA 1/14 in FBIS 1/14].

Israeli High Court orders defense establishment to distribute gas masks to Palestinians in o.t.; since only limited number are available, Palestinians in Jerusalem area and those closest to Israel will receive masks [JDS, IDF 1/14 in FBIS 1/15; WP, MEM 1/15].

King Hussein and Chrmn. Arafat discuss Gulf crisis at meeting in Amman [ADS 1/15 in FBIS 1/15].

NATO announces that Germany, Belgium, and Italy will send 42 jet fighters with at least 470 support personnel to Turkey to reinforce that nation's border with Iraq [WP, LAT, NYT 1/3].

After meeting with Saddam Hussein, Yasir Arafat indicates in interview that neither he nor Saddam is insisting that Israel withdraw from o.t. as requirement for Iraq to leave Kuwait [BADS 1/2 in FBIS 1/3; NYT 1/3].

Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) releases letter signed by 127 law professors insisting Pres. Bush has constitutional obligation to "obtain prior express congressional authorization" before ordering U.S. troops into war in the Gulf [WP 1/3].

IDF troops shoot dead 30-year-old Palestinian, wound at least 16 others in Gaza clashes arising after curfew is lifted there [MEM 1/2; LAT 1/3].

Kuwaiti embassy in Washington reports about 500 Kuwaiti nationals in U.S. are being drafted by Kuwait's gov't.-in-exile for training as translators to be assigned with U.S. military units in the Gulf [LAT 1/3].

Foreign ministers of Egypt, Syria, and Libya meet in Cairo to discuss Gulf crisis [MENA 1/2 in FBIS 1/2, 1/3; WT 1/3].

Jordan's King Hussein arrives in London for talks with British PM John Major [MEM 1/2; WT 1/3].

Arab League ass't. sec.-gen., Salah al-Mukhtar, resigns in protest of League's move to Cairo; he is replaced by Egyptian Ahamd 'Adil [INA, MENA 1/2 in FBIS 1/3].

Maj. Gen. Antoine Lahad, commander of Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army, reaffirms SLA independence of newly strengthened gov't. of Elias Hrawi until gov't. shows it is free of Syrian control [LAT 1/3]. 

Sec. Baker tells NATO allies he expects Saddam Hussein to take dramatic step, such as partial pullout from Kuwait, just before UN resolution authorizing use of force goes into effect on 1/15. NATO ministers issue statement saying "there can be no partial solutions" [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 12/18; CSM 12/19].

Iraq asks European Community to go ahead with scheduled high-level meeting on 12/20 in Rome between European leaders and Iraqi F.M. Aziz [NYT, WP 12/18].

Fourteen former senior gov't. officials, including former NSC advisers Richard Allen and Robert McFarlane, urge Bush admin. to use military force shortly after 1/15 deadline if Iraq does not leave Kuwait [NYT 12/18].

After meeting with Algeria's Pres. Benjedid in Cairo on efforts to find Arab solution to Gulf crisis, Pres. Mubarak says "we have not yet found a way for a solution" [CDS 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; NYT 12/18]; Pres. Benjedid then travels to Libya, while Jordanian P.M. Mudar Badran goes to Syria in further diplomatic activity [APS, DDS 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; NYT 12/18].

Ishak Mousa Husseini, noted Palestinian writer and teacher who sought to explain Arab history to the West, dies in Jerusalem at age 86 [NYT 12/23; FJ 12/24].

Shmeul Goren, coordinator of gov't. activities in o.t., tells Knesset committee that Gulf crisis has cut in half annual aid of $140 million from Gulf Palestinians to o.t. Palestinians; that o.t. exports have been cut by 50%; and that citrus exports from Gaza have been reduced by 80% [IDF 12/17 in FBIS 12/20].

Senior Jordanian official says Amman has rejected proposal by Israel for bilateral negotiations on water and other territorial disputes, declaring Jordan would enter talks with Israel only in international peace conference on Middle East [MEM 12/18].

Israeli police bar thousands of Palestinians from entering Jerusalem and send hundreds of officers into the Old City to prevent clashes caused by heightened tensions [NYT, LAT, WT, WP, CSM 12/18; FJ 12/24; MET 12/25].

Jerusalem Post reports that the Jewish Agency about a month ago ordered all Agency and World Zionist Organization institutions to stop employing Palestinians from o.t. for "security considerations" [JPD 12/18 in FBIS 12/18; MEM 12/18]. 

Citing American, British, and Israeli intelligence experts, New York Times reports Iraq has acquired nuclear weapons capacity that could enable it to begin manufacturing and using nuclear weapons within 10 years [NYT 11/18; CSM 11/19].

King Hussein opens Jordanian parliament with bleak assessment of Jordan's prospects in wake of Gulf crisis and attacks "blatant and shameless" hypocrisy of nations involved in military buildup in Saudi Arabia (cf. 11/19) [NYT 11/18].

Through meetings with 3 African F.M.s, Sec. Baker reportedly wins support of Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, and Zaire for UN Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq [NYT, WP 11/18; CSM 11/19].

Quoting Palestinian sources, Tunisian newspaper reports that Libya has recently expelled Abu Nidal [MENA 11/17 in FBIS 11/20].

Curfew imposed on o.t. on 11/15 to prevent demonstrations on 2d anniversary of Palestinian declaration of independence is lifted in West Bank; most of Gaza Strip remains under curfew [JDS 11/17 in FBIS 11/21].

Israeli authorities arrest 3 prominent Palestinian leaders and order them imprisoned without trial; Radwan Abu Ayyash and Ziad Abu Zayyad are ordered held for 6 months in "administrative detention," while Gaza physician Ahmed Yaziji is ordered to serve 1 year in detention [JDS 11/13 in FBIS 11/14; WP, NYT 11/14].

Iraqi envoys visit Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya to discuss Baghdad's conditions on attending possible Arab summit-conditions reportedly include that Baghdad be consulted in advance on agenda, that timing and location be such that Saddam may attend, and that the Gulf crisis be discussed in context of regional "security" issues, including Israel-Palestine conflict [WP, NYT 11/14].

Pres. Mubarak begins 2-day visit to Libya to discuss Gulf crisis with Col. Qaddafi [CDS 11/14 in FBIS 11/14; WP 11/14].

Sec. Baker says Saddam threatens the "economic lifeline" of the West and U.S. military deployment is justified to protect American jobs: "[An] economic recession world- wide, caused by the control of one nation ... of the West's economic lifeline will result in the loss of jobs on the part of American citizens" [WP, NYT 11/14].

U.S. military advisors are helping remnants of Kuwait army regroup and train for possible battle with Iraq [NYT 11/14].

Congressmen from both parties call on Pres. Bush to convene special session of Congress to discuss Gulf crisis; White House says it opposes such a session [NYT 11/14].

Sec. Baker visits U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia; soldiers say they wanted to get fighting over with so they could go home IWP, NYT, MEM 11/5]; Baker then flies to Manama for 2-day visit [WAKH 11/4 in FBIS 11/5].

After weeks of delay, lead contingent of Syrian armored division, bringing Soviet-built T-62 tanks arrives in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Contingent is 1st of a promised 15,000- man division to take up positions with multinational force in Gulf [WP, NYT 11/5].

Iraqi Defense Ministry calls up retired officers from military reserves [AFP, BADS 11/4 in FBIS 11/6], while Iraqi Information Minister tells reporters that Iraq will not leave Kuwait, even if it leads to war [WP, NYT, MEM 11/5].

In Alexandria, Pres. Mitterrand says UN embargo against Iraq should be given more time to be effective: "The embargo demands patience. Every week we achieve new results ... Saddam Hussein is driving the world into a destructive war, but his destruction will be even worse" [WP 11/5]. Mitterrand meets with Pres. Mubarak [MENA 11/4 in FBIS 11/5].

Israeli gov't dismisses as "one sided" UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar's 11/1 suggestion that Palestinian safety be placed in hands of UN meeting [JDS 11/4 in FBIS 11/5; WP, NYT, MEM 11/5].

Clashes between IDF and Palestinians in Gaza continue for 2d day; at least 86 Palestinians are wounded [JDS 11/4 in FBIS 11/6].

Abul Abbas, Palestine Liberation Front leader, confirms rumors that Libya has expelled 145 PLF members and closed down 4 training camps [WP 11/5].

After 2 days of talks in Iran, Iraqi delegation under F.M. Aziz (1st high-level visit since 1979 revolution) announces it will restore full diplomatic ties [NYT, LAT 9/11].

Sec. Baker calls on NATO members to send ground-based forces to join U.S. units in Saudi Arabia; announces he will visit Syria [LAT, NYT, WT, WP 9/11].

General Federation of Trade Unions in O.T. estimate 56,675 Palestinians have been deported from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region since Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, but urge them to try to return to their jobs as little work is available in O.T. [LAT, MEM 9/11; FJ 9/17].

In gesture to break embargo, Saddam Hussein offers free oil to developing nations that defy armada of international warships in the region [NYT, WT, MEM, WP 9/11; MET 9/18].

After much debate, foreign ministers of 12 of 21 Arab League members agree to move Arab League's headquarters to Cairo from Tunis (Iraq, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Jordan, Yemen, and PLO boycott meeting); 5-member committee supervising relocation given 60 days to complete move [MENA 9/9 in FBIS 9/11; WT, MEM 9/11; CSM 9/12; FJ 9/17; MET 9/18]. 

Military sources report Syrian air force has issued orders to allow NATO spy planes leaving British bases in Cyprus to overfly Syria as they monitor Iraqi troop positions [AVP 9/10 in FBIS 9/11].

3-day meeting of International Islamic Conference opens in Mecca; King Fahd sends message to conference stating foreign troops will be asked to leave Saudi Arabia after the crisis has ended (cf. 9/12) [RTS 9/11, SPA 9/13 in FBIS 9/13].

Trial of former IDF reservist Ami Popper, accused of murdering 8 Palestinians in Gaza on 5/20, opens in Tel Aviv [MET 9/18].

Arab foreign ministers and representatives open 2-day meeting in Cairo; in attendance are Egypt, Morocco, Syria, Lebanon, Djibouti, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Bahrian, Oman, and Libya (cf. 9/1) [MENA 8/30 in FBIS 8/31; NYT 8/31; MET 9/11].

Claiming "shape of post-cold-war world" is at issue, Pres. Bush says he will send Sec. Baker, Sec. Brady overseas to ask other nations to help pay multibillion-dollar cost of military operations and sanctions in Middle East [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 8/31].

Iraq moves some women and children hostages who had been placed at strategic locations in outlying areas as potential shields to Baghdad in preparation for being allowed to leave Iraq [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 8/31; MET 9/11].

In 1st criticism of U.S. military forces in Gulf, Soviet Union asks whether U.S. presence might be intended as permanent foothold in region [NYT, LAT 8/31].

U.S. officials report the CIA is training Kuwaiti resistance fighters at bases in Saudi Arabia [LAT, WP 8/31].

Palestinians in O.T. stage general strike to protest U.S. military presence in Gulf [MET 9/11].

Reacting to planned U.S. sale of $2.2 billion in military hardware to Saudi Arabia, Israeli Foreign Ministry demands that U.S. ensure Israel remains the dominant power in Middle East by providing additional military aid [WT, WP 8/31; MET 9/11].

Senior U.S. naval officer says U.S. warships are interrogating daily up to 75 commercial shipping vessels in Gulf; shipping has declined "dramatically" since sanctions were announced [WP 8/31].

White House formally announces sale of 24 jet fighters, 150 tanks, other hardware worth $2.2 billion to Saudi Arabia; sale causes concern among pro-Israel lobby and its congressional allies [MEM 8/29; LAT, CSM 8/30; WT 8/31; MET 9/11].

On tour of Gulf states, British defense secretary Tom King says he's sending 4 additional warships - 3 mine-hunters and 1 destroyer - to the Gulf [LAT 8/30].

U.S. C-5 military transport aircraft carrying supplies to Gulf troops crashes shortly after takeoff in W. Germany, killing 12 soldiers [MEM 8/29; NYT, LAT, WT, CSM, WP 8/30].

10 of 13 OPEC nations, meeting in Vienna, endorse temporary production increase to make up for supplies lost because of Gulf crisis; Iran opposes agreement, Libya and Iraq are absent [AFP 8/29 in FBIS 8/29; NYT, WP 8/30; CSM 8/31].

21-member World Islamic Council denounces Saudi Arabia for inviting "anti-Islamic U.S. troops" into Middle East [INRA 8/29 in FBIS 8/30].

Speech read on behalf of Yasir Arafat to meeting of UN nongovernmental organizations in Geneva says PLO does not take sides in Gulf crisis, links Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait to other "occupied" lands-Lebanon, Golan, and Palestine [AVP 8/29 in FBIS 8/30].

Qatar has expelled 20 PLO officials since beginning of Gulf crisis, according to Yasir Abd Rabbo [AFP 8/29 in FBIS 8/30]; Abd Rabbo also states that breaking the economic blockade against Iraq is an Arab responsibility [RAY 8/30 in FBIS 8/31].

Hamas distributes leaflet in O.T. calling for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait and Kuwaiti self-determination; UNLU also issues leaflet continuing its demand for withdrawal of foreign troops from Saudi Arabia and calls for strike on 9/26 "in solidarity with the Iraqi people" [JPD 8/30 in FBIS 8/30].

Japan unveils aid package to help finance international effort against Iraq, but package  draws criticism from U.S. because of absence of tangible aid to military buildup. Japanese program offers loans to Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan; sending 100 doctors, refrigeration equipment, and water to region (cf. 8/31) [MEM 8/29; NYT, WT 8/30].

Bethlehem Mayor Elias Freij says he supports UN formula for unconditional Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait, believing it to be the only way to head off a new disaster for Palestinians [WP 8/301.

Pres. Mubarak meets with U.S. Senate delegation headed by Robert Dole (R-KS) and including Nunn (D-GA), Warner (R-VA), Garn (R-UT), D'Amato (R-NY), Nickles (R- OK), Symms (R-ID), and Mack (R-FL)
[MENA 8/28 in FBIS 8/28]; Sen. Nunn calls for more Arab military involvement in Gulf [WP 8/28].

Saddam meets with Arafat at Arafat's residence in Baghdad to discuss Gulf crisis [BADS 8/27 in FBIS 8/28]; PLO reports Arafat and Saddam have agreed on plan to solve Gulf crisis within Arab framework [MET 9/4].

Sources says P.M. Shamir is "concerned" and "astonished" over Washington's refusal as of yet to give Israel $400 million in loan guarantees for housing Soviet immigrants. U.S. wants assurances that no immigrants will be settled beyond the green line [HAM 8/27 in FBIS 8/28].

Jerusalem Post reports Gaza lawyers are informed by Civil Admin. that all prisoners under age 16 will be released from detention centers [JPD 8/28 in FBIS 8/30].

Bush admin. expels 36 of Iraq's 55 embassy staffers in Washington, urges 34 other nations with embassies in Kuwait to take similar steps [LAT, WT, WP 8/28; MEM 8/29; MET 9/11].

State Dep't white paper supports Israeli charges that Libya gave "crucial support" to PLF attempted raid on 5/30, but concludes the operation was directed primarily at Tel Aviv beaches and not at military targets, as Israel had claimed [LAT 8/28].

At emergency Arab summit in Cairo, Arab leaders adopt resolution sending Arab troops to Saudi Arabia to protect it from "foreign aggression" - 12 countries vote in favor; Tunisia is absent; Iraq, Libya, and PLO vote against resolution; Algeria and Yemen abstain; Jordan, Sudan, and Mauritania "express reservations" [MENA 8/10 in FBIS 8/13; NYT, LAT, WP 8/11; MEM 8/13].

Arab League foreign ministers, holding emergency meeting in Cairo, issue statement "condemn[ing] Iraqi aggression against Kuwait. . .reject[ing] any consequences resulting from such aggression," 7 League members-Jordan, PLO, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, and Djiboutido not endorse statement; Gulf Cooperation Council statement condemns invasion, and Egyptian foreign ministry calls for withdrawal of Iraqi troops [MENA 8/3 in FBIS 8/6; MEM 8/6].

UNLU allegedly sends cable of support to Iraqi Pres. Saddam Hussein: "You [Saddam] have taken the first step toward the liberation of Palestine" [INA 8/3 in FBIS 8/6; MEM 8/6].

Ethiopia has reportedly stopped issuing exit visas for Jews in attempt to compel Israel to send Ethiopian gov't. more weapons. Israeli advisors, weapons, and surveillance equipment are being used by gov't. against rebel guerrilla armies [WJW, WT 7/12; NYT 7/13, 7/14]; Washington Jewish Week says classified congressional memorandum confirms that Israel has supplied Ethiopia with cluster bombs, military trainers, etc. as part of deal [MEM 7/13; JDS 7/13 in FBIS 7/13].

Israeli Labor party's 150-member leadership bureau abandons its 7/5 position of not taking sides in party leadership struggle, backs Yitzhak Rabin over Shimon Peres on major issues; Labor's 1,400-member central committee will reach final decisions at 7/22 meeting [JDS 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; NYT, WP, WT 7/13].

West Bank settlers have set up "foreign office," called Foreign Relations Forum of the Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, whose task is to explain to foreign and domestic gov't. and media personalities the "needs and rights" of settlers [JPD 7/12 in FBIS 7/12].

Chrmn. of U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Colin Powell, arrives in Israel, meets with D.M. Moshe Arens [JDS 7/ 12 in FBIS 7/13].

In Moscow, Soviet-Arab dialogue continues as Soviet officials host delegation from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Palestine, Syria and Tunisia [IZV 7/14]. 

Egypt's Pres. Hosni Mubarak meets with U.S. Sec. of State James Baker in Egypt's embassy in Moscow to discuss Middle East events [CDS 5/16 in FBIS 5/ 17; MEM 5/17].

Palestinian leaders from O.T. present Israel with list of 17 demands aimed at creating atmosphere conducive to negotiations [YA 5/17 in FBIS 5/18].

Israeli peace activist Abbie Nathan, returning to Israel after meeting with Yasir Arafat in Tunis, is arrested for violating law prohibiting meeting PLO members. Nathan was released from jail last February after serving 6 months for previous meeting with Arafat (cf. 5/17) [MEM 5/16, 5/18].

Asharq al-Awsat, citing Palestinian sources, reports PLO has begun regrouping its military forces. Last week, 1,600- 1,800 fighters began move from Jordan to Iraq, while some units in Algeria and Sudan will move to Libya and North Yemen [MEM 5/16].

Israel Central Bureau of Statistics reports economic slowdown for 1st quarter of 1990; cites more unemployment, fewer exports, increased imports, and growing consumption as reasons UPD 5/17 in FBIS 5/17].

New York Times reports Shimon Peres has made no visible progress toward securing majority of Knesset votes needed to form gov't. [NYT 3/25].

Faisal Husayni says positive Israeli response to Baker proposals would lead to change in intifada methods used by Palestinians [JDS 3/25 in FBIS 3/26].

Pres. Asad and Pres. Mubarak meet in Libya; first meeting since their countries restored diplomatic ties in December [WP 3/25; DDS 2/25 in FBIS 4/3].

China and Israel have exchanged unofficial liaison offices to coordinate growing contacts, but diplomats says it is very unlikely China would recognize Israel soon [NYT 3/25].