The Palestine Chronology

Syria accuses Turkey of waging a disinformation campaign against Syria, blaming it for supporting the Kurdish opposition. (SANA [Damascus] 5/25 in FBIS 5/29) (see 5/23)

In Washington, France, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the U.S. resume talks on the function of the Israeli-Lebanese cease-fire monitoring group; agree U.S., France will be group's cochairs. (MM 5/20; MM, WT 5/21) (see 5/19)

Cmdr. of the Turkey's navy, Adm. Guven Erkaya, arrives in Israel for an official visit. (MM 5/20, 5/21)

Arafat adviser Faisal Husseini holds talks with Moroccan businessmen. (PR 5/31)

IDF arrests 13 Palestinians nr. Nablus, Tulkarm, Janin in connection with attacks on Israelis. (QY 5/20 in FBIS 5/21)

Turkish PM Mesut Yilmaz accuses Syria of backing the Kurdish Worker's Party. Syrian denounces the accusation. (SARR 5/20, 5/21 in FBIS 5/21; JP 6/1)

UN signs deal with Iraq, allowing Iraq to sell $2 b. of oil over 6 mos.; use money to buy food, medicine. (CSM, MM 5/22; JP 5/22 in FBIS 5/22; JP 6/1)

In Beirut, fmr. Lebanese Forces militia leader Samir Ja`ja` is convicted of murdering Phalange faction rival Ilyas al-Zayik in 1992, is given death sentence commuted to life in prison. (NYT 5/21) (see 6/24/95)

In Bethlehem, 2-day Palestinian Council (PC) mtg. closes. (PBC, VOP 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; PR 5/24)

Israeli television reports that the PA's Yasir Arafat suffered a minor stroke earlier in the wk., while in Cairo. PA says he collapsed fr. a severe case of the flu, exhaustion. (ITV 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; AFP 5/19 in FBIS 5/20; Rose al-Yusuf 5/20 in FBIS 5/30)

Israel asks the PA to extradite 4 Palestinians serving sentences in PA jails for attacks inside Israel. PA says that since the men have been tried, convicted, and are serving time for the crimes under PA custody, the PA has no legal obligation to turn them over to Israel. (QY 5/16)

IDF tightens closure on West Bank, Gaza. Only Palestinians working in the Erez industrial zone may go to their jobs. Goods, produce may go through Qarni, Sufa crossing points. 50 Palestinian reporters will be allowed in to cover the run-up to the 5/29 Israeli elections. (QY 5/16 in FBIS 5/16; MEI 5/24) (see 5/13)

IDF declares Ramallah a closed military zone for Arafat's visit, meaning no Israeli traffic may enter the city. An identical closed military zone order for Nablus is lifted (see 5/15). (IDF Radio 5/16 in FBIS 5/17)

In Washington, France, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the U.S. end a wk. of talks on the Israeli-Lebanese cease-fire monitoring group; agree on draft for monitoring procedures, send it to their respective capitals for approval. (MM 5/16; RL, RMC, SARR 5/16, QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; MM 5/17; WP 5/18; VOL 5/17, RL 5/19 in FBIS 5/20; MEI 5/24) (see 5/15)

In Ankara, Jordanian King Hussein, Turkish Pres. Suleyman Demirel hold 1-day mtg. on bilateral issues, incl. water, Iraq. Demirel assures king that Turkey's military cooperation agmt. with Israel does not harm Jordan's security. King Hussein says talks are positive, sides agree on all issues. (al-Dustur, RJ 5/16 in FBIS 5/16; MM 5/17)

Israeli authorities release information on man involved in the 4/12 East Jerusalem hotel explosion. They say the man, Husayn Maqdad, is a Lebanese Hizballah operative who was plotting a plane hijacking; claim he spent time at the Iranian embassy in Beirut. Hizballah denies having contact with him. (MM 5/16; AFP, QY 5/16 in FBIS 5/16; IDF Radio 5/16, QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/17; PR 5/24; JP 5/25) (see 4/14)

In Nazareth, Israeli PM Shimon Peres meets with Israeli Arab voters to build their support, weakened by the closure of the territories and Israel's 4/96 assault on Lebanon. (NYT 5/18)

Israel launches its 1st commercial satellite, AMOS-I. (MM 5/16; JP 5/25)

PLO's Faruq Qaddumi arrives in Beirut fr. Damascus, meets with Lebanese FM Buwayz, announces he is making a tour of Arab states (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria) to gain support for a "council to look after Palestinian refugees abroad." (al-Hayat, al-Nahar 3/9 in FBIS 3/12; al-Nahar 3/31 in FBIS 4/3)

Lebanon puts its forces on alert, fearing either Israel will deport Palestinians to its territory or attack s. Lebanon. Israeli puts its forces in s. Lebanon on alert, fearing a Hizballah attack as a demonstration of support for recent bombings. (IDF Radio, RL 3/8 in FBIS 3/8; RL, VOL 3/10 in FBIS 3/11) (see 3/5, 3/7)

PA amb. to Ankara Fu'ad Yasin says 8 Palestinians have disappeared in Turkey, apparently for political reasons, since the recent bombings in Israel; says the PA is following the issue closely with Turkish officials. (MENA 3/8 in FBIS 3/8)

To prevent suspects connected to recent bombings fr. fleeing by sea, Israel bans all fishing off the Gaza coast. PA condemns the action as collective punishment, violation of Oslo accords. (IDF Radio 3/8 in FBIS 3/8; NYT 3/9; WT 3/11)

In Burqa, West Bank, IDF blows up house rented by family of the 3/3 bomber. In Jerusalem, the IDF serves the Conference of Sciences and Islamic Education offices in n. Jerusalem with closure, partial confiscation orders, saying offices are used as a Hamas base. (VOP 3/8 in FBIS 3/11; WT 3/9; MM 3/20)

PA police detain Hamas spokesman Zahhar in Gaza City. (AFP 3/8 in FBIS 3/11)

PSF West Bank head Col. Jibril Rajub is forced to resign after refusing to carry out Arafat's orders to arrest Hamas leaders. Hussayn Shaykh, current head of Ramallah security, is appointed to replace him. (ITV, QY, RMC 3/9, HA 3/11 in FBIS 3/11; WT 3/10; QY 3/10 in FBIS 3/12)

PA temporary election commission begins accepting nominations for president, legislative council. (VOP 12/13, AFP 12/14 in FBIS 12/14; VOP 12/14 in FBIS 12/15; MM 12/15)

In Damascus, U.S. Secy. of State Christopher meets with Pres. Asad. (MM, NYT, WT 12/15; SARR 12/15, 12/17 in FBIS 12/18)

Syria reports it has warned Syrian-based Iraqi opposition leaders against collaborating with Israel after detecting "stepped-up Israeli intelligence activity" in the Kurdish enclave n. of Iraq, receiving information that Israel has set up fixed intelligence-gathering outposts at border crossings with Turkey. (MM 12/14)

In Hebron, Palestinian stabs, wounds 2 Jewish settlers; is shot dead by Israeli border police. IDF places curfew on the city. (MM 12/14)

Israel, PA reach tentative accord on transfer of West Bank agriculture, labor, local administration spheres; agree to table water issues for now. (CSM 7/13)

Israel, PA scrap idea of moving talks fr. Egypt to Italy because of Egypt's protests, Arafat's strong preference to keep negotiations in the region; say talks will resume in Egypt or Israel 7/14. PA Economic M Qurai` thanks Italy for hosting "three sessions of negotiations [that] have taken place in Italy in recent days, far from the media"--leading to speculation secret talks are being held. (QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; AFP, VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; AFP 7/13 in FBIS 7/17; al-Majd 7/17 in FBIS 7/18) (see 7/10, 7/11)

In Damascus, U.S. envoy Ross holds follow-up mtg. with Syrian FM al-Shara`; returns to Israel, briefs PM Rabin; meets with Arafat in Gaza, assures him U.S. attaches importance to the conclusion of an agmt. on the next stage of self rule. (SARR 7/12, QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/13; al-Hayat 7/14 in FBIS 7/17)

Arafat meets with Russian charge d'affaires on Russia's decision to open a liaison mission to the PA; briefs Turkish consul general on current status of talks with Israel. (VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat meets with EU rep. Thomas Dupla about EU supervision of elections; briefs U.S. Consul Gen. Abington on latest events in the peace process. (VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

15 prominent Orthodox rabbis call on IDF soldiers to disobey any orders to redeploy, remove army bases fr. the West Bank. PM Rabin says appeal is a call for "anarchy," asks atty. gen. to see whether rabbis should be prosecuted. (MM 7/12; QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; MM, NYT, WP 7/13; CSM, WT 7/14; CSM 7/17; WJW 7/20; MEI 7/21; JP 7/22)

Shin Bet tells PM Rabin that Hamas has shown no signs of trying to carry out attacks for 3 wks, they suspect the slowdown is a product of Hamas aspirations to take part in elections. (IDF Radio 7/12 in FBIS 7/14)

In keeping with call by settler leaders 7/10, 100s of settlers block West Bank highway, try to move trailers into Hazayit hill to expand Efrat settlement; 42 are arrested by IDF. (MM 7/12; QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; NYT 7/13; JP 7/22)

Turkish PM Tansu Ciller ends 3-day visit to Israel; meets with Arafat in Gaza City, pledges $50 m. to autonomous areas; causes conflict with Israelis by holding mtg. with PLO's Faisal Husseini at Orient House in East Jerusalem. (MM 11/4; WT 11/5, 11/6; QY, RMC, VOP 11/6 in FBIS 11/7; MM 11/7; MM 11/8; JP 11/12)

Syrian Pres. al-Asad, Lebanese Pres. Hrawi meet in Damascus to discuss Israeli PM Rabin's 11/1 remarks on southern Lebanon. (SARR 11/5 in FBIS 11/7; JP 11/12)

Israeli Dep. DM Gur says Israel will consider direct talks with Lebanon on phased pullout fr. southern Lebanon if Lebanese present viable plan ensuring total cessation of violence. (JP 11/12)

PNA announces Egypt will open representative office in Gaza, consulate in Jericho; Arafat names Zuhdi al-Qidrah as PNA representative to Cairo. (MENA 11/5 in FBIS 11/7)

Israeli study shows Fateh has not made any lethal attacks on Israelis since autonomy agmt. was signed in May. (QY 11/6 in FBIS 11/8; WT 11/8)

PM Rabin rejects offer by 2 Hamas leaders, Shaykhs Jamil Hamami and Hussein Abu Kwaik, to open dialogue. Offer is thought to be response to Dep. FM Beilin's statements 10/24. (WT 11/3)

Car bomb kills Hani Abed, leader of Islamic Jihad in Gaza; armed supporters riot, vow reprisals against Israel; no one claims responsibility for attack. (AFP 11/2 in FBIS 11/3; MM 11/3; VOP 11/3 in FBIS 11/4; WT 11/3; JP 11/5)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher announces he will resume trips btwn. Israel, Syria end of Nov. to spur Syrian track. (MM 11/3)

Arafat arrives in Cairo for talks with Pres. Mubarak on peace process, Casablanca; departs. (MENA 11/2 in FBIS 11/3)

In statement to Turkish reporters, PM Rabin suggests piping water fr. Turkey to Israel, Syria, Lebanon once peace agmts. are signed. (TRT Television, Ankara 11/2 in FBIS 11/3)

IDF orders Kiryat Arba settlers to remove stone monument honoring Baruch Goldstein, perpetrator of Hebron massacre. (WT 11/3; JP 11/12)

Israel shells areas of southern Lebanon. (RL 11/1 in FBIS 11/2)

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah says Catholic Church will insist that Israel stop barring Palestinians fr. entering Jerusalem, notes "Jerusalem is still to be discussed" between Vatican, Israel. (NYT 1/1)

Polls show that 1/3 of Israeli settlers in West Bank and Gaza Strip would leave if offered compensation in cash or housing in Israel proper. (NYT 1/1)

Frmr. Israeli negotiator Yossi Olmert says private, unofficial Syrian-Israeli talks were held 5/93-10/93 in Germany, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey under auspices of Initiative for Peace and Cooperation in the Middle East, a branch of Washington, DC-based Search for Common Ground. (WT 1/1; Yediot Aharonot 1/2 in FBIS 1/3; MM 1/4)

Fateh Hawks hold rally in Gaza attended by hundreds. (WP 1/1)

2 Israelis killed in Ramla by Palestinian attackers. (MM 1/4)

Alleged Hamas mbr. Shadi Muslih 'Isa, 18, attacks Israeli police officer, civilian at Erez crossing point, Gaza Strip, and is shot dead. (MM 11/16)

16-yr.-old Palestinian student Rami Ghazzawi killed when IDF fires on youths stoning settler cars in al-Birah. 3 other students wounded. (MM 11/16)

Settlers in Hebron riot, overturning stalls at fruit and vegetable market and attacking Palestinian cars. (MM 11/16)

Israeli Justice M. David Libai, at Maale Ephraim settlement, warns settlers that no one could "take the law into his own hands," says govt. "will have to subdue any attempt to have influence by illegal means." IDF states it will act "firmly and aggressively" to stop settler assaults, will use "reasonable force." (MM 11/16; NYT 11/17)

PM Rabin tells Secy. of State Christopher 12/13 deadline for implementation of DoP may not be met. (MM 11/16, 11/17)

Israeli-Palestinian talks on implementation of Gaza-Jericho provisions of DoP resume in Cairo. Israeli delegation led by IDF Dep. Chief of Staff Amnon Shahak, Palestinian by PLO official Nabil Shaath. (Cairo TV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Israel-PLO economic talks in Paris chaired by Fin. M. Avraham Shohat and PEDRA DG Ahmad Qurai' establish 3 subcomms. on trade and labor, taxation and banking, and currency. Subcomms. are to meet 11/23-25 in Paris, heads of delegations on 11/25. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Gov. Muhammad al-Nabulsi says agreement reached with Palestinians to retain Jordanian dinar as o.t. currency, have CBJ supervise and monitor banking. (JTV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Multilateral talks on Middle East environment end in Cairo with Israeli-Arab agreement on Gulf of Aqaba oil spills, dispute on Israeli nuclear waste, Jordan Valley land reclamation. Delegates fr. 40 countries, in 4th mtg., agree on 20 environmental projects. (MENA 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Palestinian leaders in o.t., Jordan, "and elsewhere" submit memorandum to PLO Chmn. Arafat criticizing PLO performance, demanding reforms. (MM 11/17, al-Ray 11/18 in FBIS 11/18)

Knesset Golan caucus considers bill fr. Likud and NRP mbrs. to amend law annexing Golan to require majority of 80 MKs for any change in law. Labor mbrs. of caucus express sympathy with bill, which given current Knesset divisions would effectively bar negotiations with Syria. (MM 11/17)

Syrian VP Khaddam tells foreign correspondents PLO Chmn. Arafat "fell into a big trap" in signing DoP, notes "There are 4 million Palestinian refugees living outside the territories covered by the 'Gaza-Jericho First' agreement." Khaddam claims Arafat "abandoned coordination with the Arab parties," states "I believe the majority of the Palestinian people do not support the agreement." (MM 11/16; SARR 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Hizballah offensive on IDF and SLA; Katyusha barrages fired in "security zone," assaults on 2 IDF, 6 SLA posts. 12 SLA mbrs. taken prisoner, at least 2 IDF soldiers and 2 SLA mbrs. wounded. 1 Hizballah mbr. killed in attack. IAF bombs 3 Hizballah bases nr. Ba'labakk, knocks out radio antenna. "Black September 13 Brigades," Fateh group opposed to DoP, claims responsibility for katyusha barrage on Qiryat Shemona. (MM 11/16, 11/17; IDF Radio, AFP 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Turkish FM Hikmet Cetin, in interview with JP, says Syria behind Kurdish attacks in Turkey, Israel and Turkey should cooperate on counter-terrorism. (MM 11/16)

Israel Archaeologists Society calls for end to govt. Antiquities Authority search for scrolls in West Bank ("Operation Scroll"), saying search aims at denying Palestinian scholars access to materials and will complicate future Israeli cooperation with Palestinians and Jordan. (WT 11/17)

19-year-old alleged Hamas mbr. killed in abortive car-bomb attack in Gaza Strip. (NYT, WT 9/27)

PLO Chmn. Arafat concludes 2-day visit to Turkey, appealing for Ankara's continued support of Palestinians. (MM 9/27)

Jordanian King Hussein affirms that Palestinians holding Jordanian citizenship will lose political rights in Jordan if they vote in elections for Palestinian autonomous authority in o.t., but will retain civil rights as Jordanian citizens if they remain in the country. Jordanian Info. Min. Ma'an Abu Nuwar adds that Jordan will not accept Palestinian refugees who might be expelled fr. Syria and Lebanon, saying "our land and our economy cannot take it anymore." (NYT 9/27; CSM 9/28)

Official Syrian media, responding to call by Israeli FM Peres for Arabs to lift boycott of Israel, urge Arab states to maintain, tighten boycott. Damascus Radio says Peres's statements mean "Israel wants everything in return for nothing," while govt. newspaper Tishrin carries same message. (WT 9/27)

19-year-old alleged Hamas mbr. killed in abortive car-bomb attack in Gaza Strip. (NYT, WT 9/27)

PLO Chmn. Arafat concludes 2-day visit to Turkey, appealing for Ankara's continued support of Palestinians. (MM 9/27)

Jordanian King Hussein affirms that Palestinians holding Jordanian citizenship will lose political rights in Jordan if they vote in elections for Palestinian autonomous authority in o.t., but will retain civil rights as Jordanian citizens if they remain in the country. Jordanian Info. Min. Ma'an Abu Nuwar adds that Jordan will not accept Palestinian refugees who might be expelled fr. Syria and Lebanon, saying "our land and our economy cannot take it anymore." (NYT 9/27; CSM 9/28)

Official Syrian media, responding to call by Israeli FM Peres for Arabs to lift boycott of Israel, urge Arab states to maintain, tighten boycott. Damascus Radio says Peres's statements mean "Israel wants everything in return for nothing," while govt. newspaper Tishrin carries same message. (WT 9/27)

Israeli assault on Lebanon continues. Refugee flow from southern Lebanon reaches over 100,000. Casualties reach 55 dead and 280 wounded since 7/25, including 4 Nepalese UNIFIL soldiers wounded. PM Rabin tells Knesset committee that "Israel aims to cause a mass flight of residents" from area, and that "We expect the Lebanese government, and those backing it, to control the rockets fired by Hizballah." Secy. of State Christopher cuts short visit to Singapore to address crisis, telephones Rabin, Syrian FM al-Shara', and Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri to urge restraint. Pres. Clinton praises Syria's "commendable restraint," accuses Hizballah of attempting to "derail" peace talks. White House says "Iran and Hizballah are responsible" for the fighting. (White House daily briefing, MM 7/27; NYT, WP 7/28)

Turkish FM Hikmet Cetin postpones visit to Israel due to continued fighting in Lebanon. (MM 7/28)

IDF opens "Operation Settling Accounts," using airpower, artillery, and gunboats to bombard towns and villages in southern Lebanon and the Biqa' allegedly used as bases by Hizballah and PFLP-GC. Attacks kill 3 Syrian soldiers, 1 Palestinian, and 10 Lebanese. Hizballah responds with katyusha attack on Israel, killing 2 Israelis in Qiryat Shemona. PM Rabin announces, "If there will be no quiet for the northern settlements, there will be no quiet and safety for south Lebanon residents north of the security zone." Secy. of State Christopher calls the violence "counterproductive," reaffirms urgency of peace process. Lebanese cabinet meets, decides to complain to UN Security Council over "Israeli aggression." (MM, NYT, WP 7/26)

Turkish FM Hikmet Cetin arrives in Amman on first visit to Jordan by Turkish FM in 13 years. Tour is to include visit to Israel, first ever by senior Turkish official. (MM 7/26)

Fateh delegation led by 'Abbas Zaki meets with 7 Palestinian factions opposed to peace process in Damascus. Organizations represented are PPSF, PLF, PFLP, DFLP, PFLPGC, al-Sa'iqah, and Islamic Jihad. Delegation is to proceed to Amman for meeting with Hamas. (Algiers VOP, al-Rayv 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

FM Peres proposes opening negotiations on final status based on Palestinian-Jordanian confederation in meeting with U.S. envoy Ross. (Ha Aretz 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

U.S. delegation holds 2d meeting with Israeli leadership. Official statements are terse, but it is speculated discussions included tensions between Israel and Syria following escalation of violence in southern Lebanon. (MM 7/13)

2d U.S.-Palestinian meeting held at U.S. consulate in Jerusalem. (Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Israeli rights group B'Tselem says 232 Palestinians under 17 killed by IDF since start of intifada, 38 in last 6 months. IDF calls such deaths "unavoidable," claims intifada casualties have declined, saying 166 Israelis, 1,859 Palestinians killed since outbreak of uprising. Report also states 100,000 Palestinians detained, 60,000 incarcerated over same period. (MM 7/13; Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/15; WT 7/14)

Israeli police arrest 4 teenage members of "Kahane Lives" for the 11/92 grenade murder of a Palestinian in Jerusalem. (NYT 7/14)

Palestinian motorist shot dead by Border Police, second wounded in Hebron. (ITV 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

PLO reconciliation meeting held in Damascus grouping representatives of Fateh, PFLP, and DFLP (Hawatmah faction). (al-Dustur 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

PLO joins with Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Tunisia, and Turkey in offer to send peacekeepers to Bosnia. (WP 7/14)

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)

Secy. of State Baker and Russian FM Andrei Kozyrev open third stage, multilateral peace talks at the FM level in Moscow. Attendees include representatives from Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania, Turkey, China, Japan, Canada, EC, European Free Trade Association. Saudi Arabia has provided funding for the meeting given dire economic situation facing Russia. Syria, Lebanon boycott conference, citing lack of progress in bilateral talks with Israel. Palestinians also stay away after U.S., Russia refuse to allow delegates from Jerusalem, exile to participate. Algeria, Yemen decide not to participate in wake of Palestinian decision. Secy. of State Baker expresses "disappointment" at Palestinian decision, but expresses support for including Palestinians from outside o.t. at a later date in talks on issues such as refugees that affect them. (MM 1/28; NYT 1/29, 1/30)

IDF signs order establishing Jewish "civil guard" in W. Bank [see 12/25, 1/1]. (HaAretz 1/29 in FBIS 1/29)

Israeli supreme court orders IDF to lift nighttime curfew imposed 12/15 on Ramallah area by 2/11/92 in response to plea made by residents. (NYT 1/29)

IDF sends reinforcements into "security zone" in wake of attacks by Islamic Resistance Movement. (NYT 1/29)

After several days of talks with Syrian, Lebanese delegations but stand-off with Palestinian, Jordanian delegates, Israeli negotiators end current round of talks and leave Washington. New round scheduled for January. (MM 12/19)

As friction between IDF, settlers escalates over how to respond to Palestinian attacks on settlers, DM Arens meets with settlement leaders in Jerusalem, calls for halt to violent responses to such attacks. In a separate incident, representatives from settlements meet and decide to defy IDF roadblocks recently established to forestall intercommunal violence. Meeting also decided to establish "security patrols" to guard settlers. (Qol Yisra'el, HaAretz 12/18 in FBIS 12/18)

IDF troops encounter masked suspect amid large gathering of demonstrators in Gaza. Ensuing chase leaves one IDF officer, at least 10 Palestinians wounded. (NYT 12/19)

Turkey announces intent to improve diplomatic relations with Israel by replacing its charge d'affaires with an ambassador. Turkey also states intent to exchange ambassadors with Palestine. (MM 12/19)

Special meeting of Palestinians from o.t., the U.S., and PLO Exec. Comm. begins deliberations in London to decide what assurances U.S. should give Palestinians as condition for Palestinian participation in peace conference. Meeting was directed by Chmn. Arafat. Among those attending were Faisal Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi, Zakariya al-Agha (who have been meeting with Secy. of State Baker), Basil 'Aql, Edward W. Said, Ibrahim Abu-Lughod, Walid Khalidi, Musa Mazzawi, Zuhayra Kamal, and three PLO officials. (al-Quds al- Arabi [London], 8/19 in FBIS 8/23; MEM 8/19; al-Hayat [London] 9/4 in FBIS 9/9)

Turkish prime min. Turgut Ozal sends letter to U.S. Pres. Bush indicating that Syria strongly objects to a private U.S. foundation's plans to invite Israel to participate in conference on regional water issues to be held in November in Turkey, will boycott meeting along with other Arab states. U.S. indicates exclusion of Israel may result in U.S. boycott. (WP 8/29)

Under intense pressure to help Kurdish refugees fleeing Iraqi anny, Pres. Bush orders Air Force transports to begin, on 4/7, dropping food, blankets, and clothing to refugee stations along northern border. Bush says he expects Iraq to "permit this effort to be carried out without interference." Other aid is promised by Bush to Turkey and Iran (cf. 4/7) [NYT, WP, LAT 4/6].

Iraq offers 1 week of amnesty for Kurds and army deserters (cf. 4/11) [MEM 4/5; NYT, WP 4/6; MET 4/16].

Taking up issue of rebels in Iraq, UN Sec. Council votes 10-3, with 2 abstentions to condemn Saddam Hussein's oppression of Kurds and other civilians, and to ask Sec.- Gen. to investigate their plight. Cuba, Zimbabwe, and Yemen vote against resolution, while China and India abstain [NYT, WP, LAT 4/6].

GCC nations, laying groundwork for aid program for Egypt and Syria that will tie the countries economically, allocates $5 billion as initial installment; GCC officials say as much as $15 billion could be spent [WP 4/6].

IDF shoots dead Nablus youth during stone throwing clash; 3 Gazans are wounded in separate clash [LAT 4/6; MEM, FJ 4/8].

American troops move up to 30 miles further into Iraq. Marine Gen. Richard Neil says "the purpose is to maintain a presence until the cease-fire is agreed to." Move also appears to be part of Bush admin. effort to pressure Saddam Hussein not to use helicopters or chemical weapons against Kurdish rebels [LAT 3/15; NYT 3/16].

Pres. Asad tells Sec. Baker that Syria is "committed to a genuine peace" with Israel, according to U.S. officials, who interpret Asad's remark as fundamental change in Syrian policy. Sec. Baker flies to Moscow [LAT, NYT, WP 3/15; SANA 3/14 in FBIS 3/15].

Pres. Bush and Pres. Mitterrand meet in Martinique to discuss prospects for peace in Middle East and afterwards express optimism but give no specifics [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 3/15; AVP 3/15 in FBIS 3/18].

Emir of Kuwait returns to his country for 1st time since invasion [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/15; KUNA 3/14 in FBIS 3/15; MET 3/26].

U.S. Senate declares Saddam Hussein should be tried for war crimes, and bars use of any U.S. funds for rebuilding Iraq while Saddam remains in power. Senate Appropriations Committee approves $200 million to help Turkey cover its war costs as part of $15.8 billion-package that has already cleared House [LAT, WP 3/15].

Jerusalem city authorities plan to build, with approval of Religious Affairs Ministry and Israeli gov't., a Jewish cemetery outside of Jerusalem in the West Bank. Opponents say cemetery violates international rules governing use of occupied territory, and reflects attempt to make irreversible Israel's hold on o.t. [LAT 3/15].

Israel reimposes ban on Palestinians' entry into Jerusalem, decides to keep ban until beginning of next week (cf. 3/17) [JDS 3/14 in FBIS 3/14; MET 3/26].

Allied forces seize more than 500 Iraqi prisoners in 2 days of clashes near the Saudi town of Khafji; allies continue to bomb Iraqi positions along Saudi-Kuwaiti border [LAT, NYT, WT, WP, MEM 2/2].

Marines report that some of 12 U.S. casu- alties of 1/31 fighting may have been killed by friendly fire [LAT, NYT, MEM, WP 2/2].

IDF artillery again shells PLO targets north of S. Lebanese "security zone" [IDF 2/1 in FBIS 2/1; MEM 2/1; NYT, WP 2/2].

UNLU issues intifada call no. 67, "The Call of Steadfastness and Defiance" [AVP 2/2 in FBIS 2/4].

Iraqi F.M. Aziz sends letter to UN Sec.- Gen. Perez de Cuellar decrying allied bomb- ing of civilian targets; Aziz complains that previous letter of 1/24 was ignored [BADS 2/4 in FBIS 2/4; NYT 2/5].

P.M. Shamir signs coalition agreement with Moledet faction, terms of which provide for Rehavam Zeevi, who has openly called for "transfer" of Arabs out of Israel and the o.t. to be named minister without portfolio (cf. 2/3) [NYT 2/2; JTS 2/1 in FBIS 2/4].

State Dep't.'s annual report on human rights says Iraq's "abysmal record" of violations worsened during 1990; report also criticizes Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and Kuwait. State Dep't. also "remains concerned about continuing violence, death and injuries on both sides" of Israeli-Palestinian conflict [MEM 2/1; NYT, WP 2/2]. 

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]. 

In his new autobiography An American Life, published today, Ronald Reagan says Israel was the instigator and prime mover in Iran-contra affair; that then-P.M. Shimon Peres "was behind the proposal" [WP 11/5].

Sec. Baker and King Fahd agree to framework for command and control over American and Saudi military forces in event of war [WP 11/5, 11/6; NYT 11/5; SPA 11/5 in FBIS 11/6].

Returning to Paris from Egypt, Pres. Mitterrand meets King Hussein to discuss Gulf crisis [JTE 11/6 in FBIS 11/6].

Rabbi Meir Kahane, controversial founder of militant Jewish Defense League and Kach party, is assassinated by Egyptian-American after delivering lecture in New York City (cf. 11/6, 11/7) [WP 11/6, 11/7, 11/8; NYT 11/6].

Former W. German chancellor Willy Brandt flies to Baghdad with $4 million worth of baby food and medicine on hostage "rescue" mission that embarrasses German gov't and draws objections from European officials worried about growing number of special envoys visiting Iraq [INA 11/5 in FBIS 11/6; WP, NYT, MEM 11/6].

Twenty-four of world's wealthiest nations, joined together since September as Gulf Crisis Financial Coordination Group, pledge to give $13 billion in special aid to nations hurt worst by economic sanctions against Iraq. Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan are to receive $10.5 billion by end of 1991. Group mem-bers include U.S., Japan, and EC nations (cf. 11/9) [MEM, NYT 11/6].

P.M. Shamir's gov't survives vote of con- fidence, 57-50; vote called for by Labor and leftist parties [JDS 11/5 in FBIS 11/6; MEM 11/6].

Amal and Hizballah sign peace accord in Damascus under supervision of top Syrian and Iranian officials. Agreement apparently will end battle for supremacy in S. Lebanon [INRA, DST 11/5 in FBIS 11/6; MEM 11/6; NYT, WP 11/7].

Responding to 9/14 Iraqi move against French embassy in Kuwait, Pres. Mitterrand orders additional 4,000 soldiers and dozens of helicopters and tanks to Saudi Arabia [NYT, WP 9/16; CMS 9/17].

Pres. Gorbachev tells Italian F.M. De Michelis that Moscow would be willing to discuss Iraqi grievances against Kuwait, but only after Saddam withdraws [WP 9/16].

American officials say U.S. will postpone plans to seek repeal of UN resolution equat- ing Zionism with racism at this year's Gen. Assembly so as not to imperil Arab support for embargo against Iraq and U.S. military presence in Saudi Arabia [NYT 9/16].

Three-day "Conference on Arab Popular Movements" opens in Amman; attended by about 3,000 including 120 representatives of political organizations from 9 Arab countries (Egyptian and Syrian delegations reportedly prevented by their gov'ts from attending) (cf. 9/16, 9/17, 9/18) [MEM 9/13, 9/17; JTE 9/15 in FBIS 9/17, 9/18; CSM 9/17].

Meanwhile 5-day conference ends in Amman of Islamist leaders from Jordan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Tunisia, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Algeria, and Turkey; Egypt reportedly prevented 7 top-level Islamist leaders from attending. Conference decides to send mediation team to Saudi Arabia and Iraq [MEM 9/17].

W. German Chancellor Helmut Kohl announces $2 billion aid package to support multinational forces in Gulf; says German constitution prevents him from sending troops [WP 9/16].

U.S. Air Force chief of staff Gen. Michael Dugan says in event of hostilities, American forces would employ massive bombing raids against Baghdad that specifically target Saddam Hussein and family, military centers, and power systems (cf. 9/17) [WP 9/16; FJ 9/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hanna Siniora, editor of al-Fajr, is charged with violating censorship laws related to a 1985 television interview and the 1986 al-Fajr diary [FJ 11/21].

Other Countries: W. German government states it will not break diplomatic relations with Syria despite evidence that Syria was involved in terrorist activity in Germany [WP 11/20]. U.S. Congress begins inquiries into the arms sales to Iran [BS 11/20]. U.S. Pres. Reagan says U.S. never condoned Israeli arms shipments to Iran but later states a third country was involved in the "secret project" [WP, NYT 11/20]. The Washington Post reports Israeli arms dealer Ya'acov Nimrodi arranged the U.S.-Iran arms sale [WP 11/19]. Turkey allows Syrian intelligence agent implicated in assassination of a Jordanian diplomat in Ankara to leave the country quietly [IN 11/22].

Military Action

Arab World: Rival PLO factions unite to defend the Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp against Shi'i forces. Eight are killed, 38 wounded in the fighting near Beirut. The Lebanese pound hits a record low against foreign currencies [WT, NYT 11/20].