The Palestine Chronology

PLO officials led by Faruq al-Qaddumi and Syrian officials led by Faruq al-Shara' meet in Damascus, discuss U.S. election, Israeli-Jordanian draft agenda, upcoming round of negotiations. (RMC 11/7, SARA 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)

PFLP and DFLP (Hawatima wing) issue joint statement rejecting Israeli-Jordanian agenda. (MM 11/9)

Chmn. Arafat issues "strict instructions" forbidding the killing, kidnapping, or threatening of any person in o.t., for whatever reason. (al-Sha'b 11/9 in FBIS 11/10; NYT 11/10)

Knesset subcomm. dealing with o.t. Civil Admin. matters tours Gaza Strip, meets with PLO officials and settlers. Opposition MKs boycott the tour because of its emphasis on meetings with Palestinian inhabitants. (Qol Yisra'el 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)

Israeli warplanes attack Hizballah base in Lebanon, killing 7, prompting Islamic Resistance to fire rockets into "security zone" and northern Israel. (Qol Yisra'el 11/9 in FBIS 11/9; NYT 11/11)

PLO pol. dept head Faruq al-Qaddumi says PLO and Arab states must carefully examine the proposal to hold next round of multilateral refugee talks in Tunis. Israel accepted the Tunisian offer, which he says is a "U.S. demand" (see 10/22). (SANA 10/31 in FBIS 11/2)

IDF kills Hamas mbr. in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip. Demonstrations erupt throughout Strip. (al-Fajr 11/9)

Lebanese PM-designate Rafiq al-Hariri meets with Pres. Asad, other Syrian officials in Damascus, then returns to Beirut to announce new govt. Chamber of Deputies speaker Nabih Birri criticizes the new cabinet, will travel to Damascus for consultations. (Radio Lebanon, VOL 10/31 in FBIS 11/2)

Hizballah mbr. is killed after exploding a roadside bomb near SLA patrol inside "security zone." Israel shells villages north of "security zone." (Qol Yisra'el 10/31, Voice of the Oppressed 11/1 in FBIS 11/3)

In interview with Middle East Insight magazine, Pres. candidate Bill Clinton says Arab states should end boycott against Israel. (WT 11/12)

Bilateral talks in Washington adjourn until 11/9. (Qol Yisra'el 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Two-day multilateral conference on economics opens in Paris, with World Bank suggesting establishment of Middle East reconstruction bank modeled on similar European bank. Dr. Fayiz al-Tarawina, head of the Jordanian delegation, says the Arab states will reject any joint projects with Israel before withdrawal from the o.t. Syria and Lebanon boycott, London-based businessman Zayn Mi'asi heads the Palestinian team, and Bank of Israel gov. Ya'akov Frenkel heads the Israeli delegation. (Qol Yisra'el 10/29 in FBIS 10/29; MM 10/30)

Chmn. Arafat sends Madrid conf. anniversary messages to leaders of U.S., Russia, China, France, Japan, Austria, Great Britain and Sweden urging them to help remove Israeli obstacles to progress in peace talks. (Akhbar al-Usbu' 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Fateh Cent. Comm. mbr. Hani al-Hassan issues statement praising Saudi Arabia's support of the Palestinian cause and the kingdom's treatment of its Palestinian community. (Saudi Arabian TV 10/29 in FBIS 10/30)

King Hassan of Morocco meets with Pres. Asad in Damascus. (MM 10/30)

Israel shells Iqlim al-Tuffah, western Biqa' regions, overflies Sidon and surrounding refugee camps. SLA soldier is wounded in bomb attack north of "security zone," southern Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Arab delegations to peace talks hold coordination meeting at Palestinian HQ in Washington. (JTV 10/22, SARA 10/23 in FBIS 10/23)

Israeli-Jordanian negotiations on agenda for talks hit "serious obstacle" over Jordanian demand to include discussion of Israeli "occupied Jordanian land" - a small tract in the 'Arava region, 30 km south of the Dead Sea, near Israeli town of Hazeva. (Qol Yisra'el 10/23 in FBIS 10/23)

Lebanese billionaire Rafiq al-Hariris appointed PM by Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi, with support from at least 90 of 128 MPs, the opposition composed mostly of new Shiite members. The new PM met with Syrian Pres. Asad in Damascus on 10/21. (VOL, AFP 10/22; WP 10/23)

French FM Roland Dumas meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, then meets separately with PM Rabin and FM Peres in Jerusalem. The U.S. has reportedly sent word to Israel that the Dumas initiatives, centered on arranging a Rabin-Asad summit, do not advance the peace process. Palestinian and Jordanian sources are "suspicious" of Dumas' efforts, as he has made no effort to meet with the PLO, and appears to be working toward only a partial settlement. (Ha'Aretz al-Quds, al-Dustur 10/5 in MM 10/5)

Al-Sharq al-Awsat reports that Chmn. Arafat has solicited the help of Pres. Mubarak in curbing Syrian support of oppositionist Palestinian factions. Ten such orgs. signed a statement attacking the peace process 9/18 in Damascus. Mubarak reportedly promised to speak to Pres. Asad on the matter. (al-Sharq al-Awsat 10/4 in FBIS 10/8)

Hizballah gunmen attack Bayt Yahun crossing point in central "security zone," S. Lebanon, kill SLA security chief Hussein 'Abd al-Nabi, 1 other SLA militiaman. Hizballah loses 2 in the fighting. Israel shells and strafes the area. (Radio Lebanon, AFP 10/4 in FBIS 10/5; al-Nahr 10/5 in MM 10/5

Ten Palestinian factions meet in Damascus, issue statement rejecting the autonomy plan being negotiated by the mainstream PLO and o.t. delegation, calling for confrontation against it. (Voice of the Oppressed 9/18 in FBIS 9/18; MM 9/24)

U.S. Senate foreign operations subcommittee, chaired by Sen. Patrick Leahy (DVT), approves Pres. Bush's loan guarantees legislation. (JP 9/26)

Dahaf poll of 582 Israelis finds that in return for full peace with Syria similar to Egyptian agreement, 50% favor retention of all Golan territory, 34% favor returning small part, 9% favor returning significant part; 65% favor retention of all Golan settlements, 29% favor removing some, and 6% favor removing all Golan settlements. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 9/18 in FBIS 9/18)

PM Rabin implies Israel is willing to return part of the Golan Heights to Syria, expresses tacit acceptance of "land-for-peace" regarding Golan in speech to Knesset. (NYT 9/10)

PFLP, PLF, DFLP (Nayif Hawatima wing), and Palestinian Popular Struggle Front reiterate 9/5 rejection of Palestinian autonomy plan in Damascus. (RMC 9/10 in FBIS 9/10)

Israeli undercover forces open fire on group of Palestinians near Janin, kill masked youth reading nationalist statement over a loudspeaker. (MM 9/9)

Gulf Cooperation Council ends 2-day meeting in Jidda, issues final statement strongly condemning Iranian claim of sovereignty over island of Abu Musa, which is UAE property. Statement also criticizes Iraq, offering tacit support of Western imposed "no-fly zone." The 6 GCC members then meet in Doha, Qatar, with FMs from Egypt and Syria to discuss their March 1991 Damascus Declaration. Egypt is taking the lead in calling for an Arab joint military command and rapid deployment force for the Gulf war coalition members. (MM 9/9; SPA 9/9 in FBIS 9/10)

Palestinian delegation presents Israeli delegation with 10-point framework for Palestinian self-rule, as well as a draft agenda for the talks and a request to immediately form a working group on human rights. (MM 9/2)

Israeli housing min. announces that 2 apartments were sold in the o.t. in August. The "total halt" in sales will soon result in "ghost towns in the territories" according to the ministry. Under a Shamir admin. commitment to many of the construction firms, the govt. must buy each unit (as many as 42,000) for NIS 150,000 if the firms fail to sell them. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 9/2 in FBIS 9/3; NYT 9/4)

138 Palestinian prisoners are released from Ansar III prison. (MM 9/1)

UNLU issues call no. 86 sharply criticizing Rabin proposals, U.S. loan guarantees, U.S.- British-French imposition of "no-fly zone" in Iraq. (Sanaa VOP, Algiers VOP 9/1 in FBIS 9/2; MM 9/3)

200 Druze clerics from Golan Heights travel to Damascus to participate in al-Nabi Sablan festival, hold talks with Pres. Asad. Their 10-day visit was arranged by Israel and Syria through the Red Cross. (Qol Yisra'el 9/1 in FBIS 9/2; MM 9/9)

PM Rabin approves continuing construction on $42-million Gilo-Gush Etzion road linking Jerusalem to W. Bank settlements and bypassing Palestinian villages. (MM 8/21)

Israeli press reports govt. will no longer give loans and grants (usually totalling NIS 50,000) to purchase housing in "political settlements." (Yedi'ot Aharonot, HaAretz, 8/20 in FBIS 8/20; Qol Yisra'el 8/20 in FBIS 8/21)

FMs from Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and the PLO conclude 2-day meeting in Damascus, issue statement reiterating commitments of 7/25 meeting, state their intention to participate in 6th round of talks. (SARR 8/20 in FBIS 8/21; MM 8/20)

FMs of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Palestine (PLO pol. dept. head Faruk Qaddumi) meet in Damascus at invitation of Syrian FM Faruk al-Shara' to coordinate negotiating strategy. Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi and other Palestinian delegation members also attend talks. Egypt and the Palestinians reportedly support the Israeli-American plan for an autonomy agreement by 10/30; Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan oppose this. (Radio Lebanon, SANA 7/24 in FBIS 7/24; MM 7/24)

King Hussein meets with Pres. Asad in Damascus. (Syrian Arab Republic Radio 7/24 in FBIS 7/27)

Prominent Palestinian Israelis meet in Tunis with PLO officials. (ITV 7/23 in FBIS 7/24)

PLO Exec. Comm. issues memo rejecting Israel's "theatrical step" of cancelling 6,600 o.t. housing contracts that were only imaginary projects of Shamir and Sharon. (Algiers VOP 7/24 in FBIS 7/27)

At news conference with Saudi FM Prince Saud al-Faisal in Jidda, Secy. of State Baker praises Israel's partial freeze of new settlement construction but says U.S. will need to decide whether the action meets conditions for granting loan guarantees. (NYT 7/25)

Israeli jets raid Hizballah targets in Jabal Safi, Iqlim al-Tuffah regions, S.Lebanon, following up 7/24 attacks. (Qol Yisra'el 7/24 in FBIS 7/24; MM 7/24)

Fateh Revolutionary Council blames Mossad in collaboration with PLO in 7/23 killing of Walid Khalid (Al-Anwar 7/24 in FBIS 7/28)

Lebanese govt. sets dates for first general elections in 20 years, despite Christian opposition to holding the vote before Syrian withdrawal. Regional elections rounds will be held 8/23, 8/30, and 9/6. (WP 7/25)

Secy. of State Baker holds news conference with FM Faruk al-Shara' in Damascus, urges negotiation by Israel and Syria on Golan Heights. Baker then travels by armored motorcade to pay surprise visit on Lebanese Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi at his home in Zahle, where he affirms U.S. support of 10/89 Taef agreement, Syrian withdrawal by end of September in meeting attended also by FM Faris Buwayz and PM Rashid al-Solh. Lebanese leaders had earlier (7/15) stated their refusal to meet with Baker outside of Lebanon. (Radio Lebanon 7/23 in FBIS 7/24; WP 7/'24)

HaAretz details new National Master Plan for construction (NMP 31). Plan sets goal of 140,000 settlers in o.t. by mid-1990s, down from 250,000 of previous govt. For this increase, 10,000 housing units will be required in the o.t. (HaAretz 7/23 in FBIS 7/27)

Janin, other towns, villages, and refugee camps throughout the o.t. stage strike in solidarity with Palestinians in Israeli jails, called for by UNLU. (MM 7/23)

On Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem, an "unlicensed" Greek Orthodox church is demolished. Two Palestinian homes were demolished elsewhere in East Jerusalem on the same grounds. (MM 7/23)

Two Black Panther activists give themselves up to Border Police in the W. Bank, following 7/22 killing of Mahmud Abu Hasan al-Zarini. (MM 7/23)

Fateh Revolutionary Council (Abu Nidal) spokesman Walid Khalid is shot dead in Mar Ilyas camp, Beirut. (NYT 7/24)

Israeli fighter jets raid 13 villages, Hizballah bases in lqlim al-Tuffah, Jabal Safi regions, S. Lebanon, in 18th Israeli air raid this year. (IDF Radio 7/23 in FBIS 7/23; NYT 7/24)

Secy. of State Baker meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, then travels to Damascus to meet with Pres. Asad, FM Faruk al-Shara'. (Syrian Arab Republic Radio 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; WP 7/23)

Peace Now reports there are 10,443 housing units under construction in W. Bank and Gaza Strip, 8,000 of which are in advanced stages. Population of these units could add 50,000 settlers to the current total of about 120,000. (WP 7/23)

Political committees in o.t. headed by Sari Nusseibeh issue statement warning against "excessive optimism" in Palestinian approach to negotiations. (ITV 7/22 in FBIS 7/24)

Mahmud Abu Hasan al-Zarini, "no. 2 fugitive in the o.t." and leader of Fateh-affiliated Black Panthers in Janin, is shot dead by undercover Border Police in Janin. Suspected collaborator and his father are killed in Kafr Ra'i, near Janin, by Palestinian militants. (MM 7/23; Qol Yisra'el 7/23 in FBIS 7/24)

IDF squad breaks into, searches Gaza home of Palestinian delegation mbr. Zakariya al-Agha. IDF later states that his home was not searched, but that the roof was needed as a temporary lookout post. (Al-Agha, who lives on the 2nd floor of a 4-story building, asserted that soldiers entered and remained only in his apartment.) (Qol Yisra'el 7/22 in FBIS 7/23)

IDF upholds restriction of Gazan laborers under the age of 20 from travelling to Israel for work, stating most violence is committed by those under 20. (Ha'Aretz 7/22 in FBIS 7/24)

After meeting with Gaza Strip farmers, Israeli ag. min. upholds ban on marketing Palestinian goods in Israel, but says Israel must better facilitate Gazan exports to EC. (HaAretz 7/23 in FBIS 7/24)

United Torah Jewry submits motion of no-confidence in Rabin govt. to protest appointment of Shulamit Aloni as education min. (Qol Yisra'el 7/22 in FBIS 7/22)

General Electric Co. pleads guilty to charges of fraud and corrupt business practices in connection with its sale of military jet engines to Israel in the 1980s, agreeing to pay nearly $70 million in fines. A GE manager had conspired with Israeli Gen. Rami Dotan to divert $27 million in U.S. military aid with fraudulent vouchers. Dotan is now serving 13 years in Israel, which refuses to hand him over to U.S. investigators. (WP 7/23)

Israeli govt. declares 1-week freeze on signing contracts for govt.-subsidized housing, including those affecting construction i the o.t. Freeze also is called on planning and early proceedings of new roads in o.t. About 3,000 units in early stages in o.t. are affected by the freeze, and govt. is still unsure about what to do with 4,000 completed units unattached to infrastructure, 12,000 in various stages of construction, and about 500 completed units that have been populated in the o.t. About 60% of these 16,500 scheduled units are in "political settlements." Financial incentives encouraging settlement will be ended. (Qol Yisra'el, HaAretz 7/16 in FBIS 7/16; MM, NYT, WP 7/17)

The Jerusalem Report states that 100 of the 142 settlements in the o.t. are "political settlements" according to PM Rabin, and can therefore expect significant cuts in govt. aid. These include all 16 settlements inthe Gaza Strip, as well as large W. Bank settlements of Qedumim, Elqana, and possibly Ariel. (Likud MK and Ariel mayor Ron Nahman claims freeze will have "opposite result" in his settlement, plans to increase its pop. from 11,000 to 20,000 in a year.) (Al Hamishmar 7/16 in FBIS 7/16; HaAretz 7/17 in MM 7/17)

Fateh gunman shoots, wounds 3 unarmed Hamas supporters in Rafah, Gaza. Hamas gunmen shoot, wound 1 unarmed Fateh supporter. Some 1,000 Fateh supporters then raid mosque in Yibna camp, Hamas gunmen inside open fire, wound 8. IDF troops impose curfew on Yibna. Two-week total for Fateh-Hamas violence is 1 dead, about 150 wounded. (MM, WP 7/17)

Palestinians throughout o.t. stage commercial strike called for by PLO-backed UNLU to protest seige at al-Najah University. Palestinian-Israeli leaders including all 6 MKs meet to discuss strategy, form delegation to meet with PM Rabin concerning al-Najah. Some 250 prominent Palestinians begin hunger strike in Nablus to protest siege. (MM 7/16, 17; Qol Yisra'el 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

U.S. State Dept. calls for "restraint" from Israel in its handling of situation at al-Najah University, Nablus. IDF soldiers continue to surround campus, searching all students who leave; students refuse to leave until army withdraws. (WP 7/17)

Faisal Husseini announces Israeli defense establishment proposal to deport wanted men in al-Najah University for 3 years as step to lifting siege; Palestinians are drafting counter-proposal, and have sent a letter to PM Rabin to lift siege and curfew of Nablus. (Qol Yisra'el 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

PLO representative calls on UN Secy. Gen. Butrus Ghali to provide int'l. protection for Palestinians in o.t., implementation of res. 681 to deal with siege at al-Najah University. (Radio Algiers Network 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

PM Rabin agrees to meet with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo after U.S. Secy. of State Baker's upcoming visit; meeting would be first such visit since 1986. (WP 7/17)

Palestinian "rejectionist" groups - Hamas and the Palestine National Salvation Front (PFLP-GC, Fateh Uprising, Communist Revolutionary Party, and Sa'iqa) - meet in Damascus to discuss strategy of blocking the peace process and escalating the intifada. (MM 7/16)

King Hussein arrives in Damascus for visit with Pres. Asad. (Syrian Arab Republic Radio 7/16 in FBIS 7/16)

Islamic Resistance attacks Israeli, SLA roadblock in Kafr Huna, S. Lebanon. Israel overflies Arqub region, strengthens positions in al-Qantara, al-Tayyiba with armored vehicles. (Radio Lebanon 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

Syrian VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam says Syria will not withdraw to eastern Lebanon in September, states that Taef accord requires withdrawal within 2 years of constitutional adoption of political reforms. (VOL 7/16 in FBIS 7/16)

PM Rabin addresses new Knesset, offering to travel to Arab capitals, inviting Palestinian delegation and Arab country leaders to Jerusalem, and calling for Palestinian acceptance of autonomy. Yitzhak Shamir addresses Knesset, offers praise for old admin., warnings and criticism for the new. Knesset approves new cabinet by a vote of 67 to 53, 17 new cabinet mbrs. sworn in. Pres. Bush congratulates Rabin, invites him to Kennebunkport, Maine, announces Secy. of State. Baker will travel to the region to meet with Rabin, Arab leaders. (ITV 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; NYT, WP 7/14)

Faisal Husseini, not considered part of the Palestinian negotiating team by PM Rabin because he is from Jerusalem, and therefore not among Rabin's 7/13 "invitees," offers counter-invitation fr Rabin to call him at home in Jerusalem. Husseini's position is seen as direct challenge to Syria, which sees Rabin as "carbon copy" of Shamir. (MM 7/14)

Fateh and Hamas sign new, more elaborate agreement to end violence in Gaza Strip as a result of NRC mediation (see 7/8, 10). Eightteen committees have been set up to enforce the agreement. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/14)

Israeli undercover unit disguised as Arabs infiltrate, join 20 Hamas marchers in Gaza city. Hamas activist attacks 1 soldier, IDF opens fire; in ensuing confusion, 1 Hamas activist dies (from IDF bullets) as Hamas reportedly believes undercover IDF are Fateh activists. (Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; MM 7/22)

Pres. Asad meets with Lebanese Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi, joined later by VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam and FM Faruk al-Shara' in Damascus. (Syrian Arab TV 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

SLA commander Antun Lahd categorically rejects Lebanese elections given current circumstances. (MM 7/14)

Israel, SLA shells Hizballah target, UNIFIL village of Yatar killing 1 civilian, in response to Islamic Resistance mortaring of "security zone" village of Bayt Lif. (MM 7/13; Radio Lebanon 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; WP 7/14)

PM-designate Rabin appoints Shimon Peres as for. min., but reserves the right to "lead" negotiations on Palestinian autonomy. Rafael Eytan announces he and Tsomet's MKs will not join the governing coalition. (WP 7/12)

Clashes continue between Fateh and Hamas, injuring dozens, in Gaza Strip as Hamas rejects 7/10 "agreement." Opposing rallies are held in camps. Meanwhile, Hamas reps. in Amman praise agreement. Palestinian delegation from W. Bank led by Faisal Husseini arrives in Gaza City to help mediate the conflict. (MM 7/10; ITV 7/11 in FBIS 7/13; Jordan Times 7/12 in FBIS 7/14)

Pres. Mubarak meets with Syrian FM Faruk al-Shara' in Cairo. (MENA 7/11 in FBIS 7/13)

Syrian VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam, PM Mahmud al-Zubi' meet separately with Lebanese PM Rashid al-Solh in Damascus, discuss S. Lebanon, bilateral relations, national accord implementation. (Syrian Arab Republic Radio 7/11 in FBIS 7/13)

State Dept. announces Secy. of State Baker has sent letters to Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinians inviting them to resume fifth round of peace talks 4/27 in Washington and to make a commitment to moving the negotiations to a venue closer to Middle East. (WP 3/31)

Israel's Palestinian citizens mark annual commemoration of Land Day with a "national holiday" instead of the traditional protests and strikes. Rally is staged in Ramiya, a village which the government does not officially recognize and whose inhabitants face eviction [see 3/22]. Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) organizes Land Day strikes in Gaza, but security forces curfew most areas. (MM 3/30)

EC "troika" arrives in Amman for discussions with Jordanian, PLO officials on peace talks, upcoming multilateral economic talks. (Radio Jordan 3/31 in FBIS 4/1)

PFLP, DFLP-Hawatima faction, Palestine Liberation Front, and Palestinian Popular Struggle Front issue statement in Damascus confirming their support for 1988 Palestine National Council decision calling for confederation between Jordan and an independent Palestinian state. (Radio Monte Carlo 3/30 in FBIS 3/31)

Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan is released from prison [see 3/291. (MM 3/31)

Israeli helicopters attack convoy carrying Hizballah Gen. Secy. 'Abbas Musawi near Tyre, S. Lebanon, killing him, his wife and child, and 5 bodyguards. (NYT, WP, MM 2/17)

Syria and Lebanon announce they will attend upcoming round of bilateral peace talks scheduled for 2/24 in Washington following meetings between Pres. Asad, Pres. alHirawin Damascus. (MM 2/17)

Faisal Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi hold meeting at Islamic College of Hebron to explain what transpired at Madrid. Fights break out between supporters, opponents of peace process. (Qol Yisra'el 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

Additional members of the political committees resign (See 11/12) (Qol Yisra'el 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

In Washington, West Bank academic Sari Nusseibeh, the driving force behind creation of the political committees, meets with State Department officials, requests U.S. intervention with Israel to assure Palestinians in o.t. be given freedom to express themselves politically, an essential step if the committees and other forms of political expression are to succeed. (MEM 11/14)

In Damascus, Fateh Central Comm. mbr. 'Abbas Zaki states that Fateh, Syria have agreed to normalize relations. Fateh-Syrian discussions have been ongoing since a Fateh delegation's arrival in Damascus 11/8. (AFP 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

PLO Executive Committee begins meeting in Tunis to discuss the venue for second phase of peace talks. (MEM 11/14) 

Knesset passes resolution declaring Israeli control of Golan is not negotiable. The resolution was supported by a broad coalition which included members from Likud, Labor parties. Prime Min. Shamir states current borders and ceasefire lines (including 1967 occupied territories) are "an essential minimum of territory." (MEM 11/12)

Syrian vice pres. 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam meets with Fateh delegation which has been in Damascus during the week. (MEM 11/13)

Nayif Hawatma, leader of one wing of the DFLP, meets with King Hussein, Jordanian prime min. Tahir al-Masri in Amman. (MEM 11/12)

Foreign ministers of the "Damascus Declaration" nations (Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman) begin meeting in Cairo, the fifth time the countries have met. Meeting expressed satisfaction atrecent Madrid peace conference. (MENA 11/11 in FBIS 11/12)

Israeli army kills four persons in the western Negev desert who infiltrated into Israeli territory from Egypt. (IDF Radio 11/11 in FBIS 11/12)

Chmn. Arafat arrives in Damascus at head of four-person delegation, holds talks with Syrian vice pres. 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam. Arafat later meets with Pres. al-Asad in Ladhaqiyya. (MEM 11/7)

At Damascus press conference, PFLP Gen. Secy. George Habash states PFLP has suspended its membership in PLO executive committee due to its opposition to peace conference. Habash notes PFLP will reserve final decision on whether to stay in committee. (Radio Monte Carlo 11/6 in FBIS 11/6; MEM 11/7)

Hizbullah-led Islamic Resistance movement detonates another roadside bomb in Israel's "security zone" near village of Rashaf; casualty reports vary. (MEM 11/6)

Washington Post reports that Pres. Bush waived sanctions against Israel, called for under U.S. law seeking to stop international transfers of ballistic technology, after U.S. intelligence determined that Israel exported missile components to South Africa. Bush reportedly took into account the fact that Israel recently agreed to adhere to the 1987 Convention for the Limitation of the Spread of Missile Technology when deciding not to punish Israel. Administration officials also stated that Bush did not wish to hurt Israel's position at upcoming peace conference by publicly punishing Israel at this time. (WP 10/27)

Six-member GCC announces willingness to participate in multilateral talks on regional issues, the third stage of the peace process. GCC earlier [10/19] stated it would attend opening ceremonies. (MEM 10/28)

Egypt announces delegation to peace talks. (MEM 10/28)

After meeting with Syrian FM al-Sharaa, Egyptian pres. Mubarak states multilateral discussions on regional issues, the proposed third stage of peace talks, should not begin before significant progress has been made during bilateral negotiations between Israel, Arabs. Syria has been pushing for delaying the third stage talks until Israel displays willingness to evacuate from the occupied territories. But Mubarak notes that no agreement on this point has yet been made among the Arabs despite the agreement to "coordinate" policies made at recent Arab foreign ministers meeting in Damascus [see 10/23, 10/24]. PLO Pol. Dept. Head Faruq al-Qaddumi, however, states that the foreign ministers did agree to link attendance at the multilateral discussions with Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories. Both statements come in wake of behind the-scenes struggle between Egypt and Gulf states on one hand, Syria on the other, over whether to proceed with multilateral talks before Arab-Israeli agreement isreached in bilateral talks. (MEM 10/28)

Israeli soldier seriously injured in Nablus when he is struck by a concrete block thrown from a roof. Another man on the roof is shot and wounded by Israeli troops. Security forces clamp a curfew on Nablus. (MEM 10/28)

The door of the American Cultural Center in Jerusalem burned by unknown persons, but a slogan painted nearby stating "America is the enemy-Kach" seems to implicate the ultra-nationalist Kach movement. (MEM 10/28)

U.S., Bahrain sign defense cooperation agreement. (MEM 10/28)

In Damascus, Arab foreign ministers agree to coordinate stands during peace conference, not to strike separate deals with Israel. Syria failed to garner support for proposal that none of the delegations would attend the third-stage talks on regional issues until Israel returned occupied Arab territories. (MEM 10/24; NYT 10/25)

In another move toward Saudi-PLO reconciliation, PLO Pol. Dept. Head Faruq al-Qaddumi meets with Saudi FM Prince Sa'ud al-Faysal while both attend Damascus foreign ministers meeting. The meeting, brokered by Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak, was their first since the Gulf war, and reportedly led to Sa'ud pledging to restore Saudi ties with PLO. (MEM 10/25)

Palestinian delegate Sa'ib 'Urayqat creates an uproar in Israel by declaring to the press that "we are the PLO delegation." Palestinian negotiator Faisal Husseini later states that 'Urayqat was speaking for himself. (NYT 10/2)

Faisal Husseini announces seven Palestinians will form an advisory committee to work with the steering committee attached to the Palestinian delegation to the peace conference. They are: Radwan Abu 'Ayyash, Ziyad Abu Zayyad, Ahmad al-Yazji, Jamil Tarifi, Radi Jara'i, Salih Abu Laban, 'Abd al-Hadi Abu Khawsh. (MEM 10/25; Voice of Palestine 10/26 in FBIS 10/28)

Some 300 Palestinian fighters opposed participation in the peace talks occupy the offices of Fateh in the 'Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp near Sidon, S. Lebanon, and overrun much of the rest of the camp. Action was reportedly led by Maj. Munir Makda, commander of Force 17, Fateh's security force. (NYT 10/25)

Ten Palestinian groups which had been attending Tehran-based conference on Palestine sign 13-point statement denouncing Madrid peace conference, calling for escalation of intifada. Among signatories were PFLP, DFLP [Hawatma faction], Palestinian Popular Struggle Front, al-Sa'iqa. (Radio Monte Carlo 10/24 in FBIS 10/25)

Israel re-opens its embassy in Moscow, closed since the USSR broke diplomatic relations with Israel in 1967. (NYT 10/25)

Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi states Ta'if accord calls for "redeployment-not a withdrawal-of Syrian forces," but suggests that if Israel withdrew from S. Lebanon, Syria would withdraw its forces from Lebanon. (MEM 10/24)

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)

Chmn. Arafat meets Pres. al-Asad in Damascus, the first time the two bitter rivals have met since 1983. The two reportedly agree that the multilateral Arab-Israeli talks on regional cooperation, envisaged as the third-stage of the peace process, would be futile unless Israel agrees to withdraw from the o.t. (MEM 10/21)

Asad had earlier met with Soviet FM Pankin, while FM al-Sharaa received the U.S., Soviet ambassadors who issued invitation to attend the peace conference. Syria indicated it would formally respond to the invitation in a few days' time. (WP 10/20)

Palestinian negotiator Faisal Husseini submits list of 14 Palestinian delegates to peace conference to U.S. consul in Jerusalem. (WP 10/20)

Jordan formally accepts the U.S.-Soviet invitation to attend peace conference. (WP 10/20)

Gulf Cooperation Council Secy. Gen. 'Abdullah Bishara indicates he will head GCC delegation to peace conference. (AFP 10/19 in FBIS 10/21)

Israel reports it has received positive information that one of its five missing soldiers in Lebanon, Yossi Fink, is dead, in a move which may expedite the ongoing comprehensive prisoner-hostage exchange negotiations. (WP 10/20)

"International Conference in Support of the Islamic Revolution in Palestine" opens in Tehran with 800 delegates from 60 countries in attendance. PNC Speaker 'Abd al-Hamid Sa'ih, delegates from the main constituent PLO groups attend, as do representatives of Hamas, Islamic Jihad of Palestine [Fathi Shaqaqi], and groups within the Palestinian National Salvation Front. Iranian pres. Hashimi Rafasanjani declares Iran is willing to send troops to help establish a Palestinian state. (WP 10/20; MEM 10/21, 10/23)

PLO Central Comm. approves formation of joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation. (Radio Monte Carlo, Tunisian Republic Radio 10/18 in FBIS 10/18)

Soviet FM Boris Pankin arrives in Israel for talks with Israeli leadership, Palestinian negotiators, Secy. of State Baker. Visit is first visit by Soviet foreign ministry since USSR broke diplomatic relations with Israel in 1967. (WP 10/19)

Iranian Pres. Ayatollah 'Ali Khamane'i denounces peace conference, calls upon Muslims to participate in jihad to liberate Palestine. (MEM 10/23)

In Damascus, Presidents al-Asad, al-Hirawi co-chair first meeting of Syrian-Lebanese Supreme Council, set up by the May 1991 Syrian-Lebanese Treaty of Brotherhood, Cooperation and Coordination to coordinate affairs of the two countries. (Syrian Arab Republic Radio 10/17 in FBIS 10/21)

U.S. administration denies Secy. of State Baker linked future U.S. decision to grant Israel loan guarantees with freeze of Israel settlement building, stating reporters erred when reporting on Baker's 9/17 meeting with PM Shamir, but denial does little to assuage Israeli leaders, who were angered by the comment. (WP 9/19)

After arriving in Damascus, Baker is warned by Syrian FM al-Sharaa that U.S. loan guarantees to Israel would affect Arabs' attitude toward peace process. Baker also delivers draft U.S. assurances on the peace conference, including pledge to Syria that U.S. considers UN resolutions calling for Israeli withdrawal from the o.t. applied to "all fronts," including the Golan Heights. (WP, MEM 9/19)

Informed sources indicate secret U.S.- PLO talks carried out in Amman by PLO Exec. Comm. Mbr. Mahmud Abbas (Abu Mazin) and three officials from U.S. state department. Talks reportedly centered on Palestinian participation in peace talks. Americans reportedly tell Abbas that U.S. hopes PNC meeting in Algiers will allow Chmn. Arafat to authorize such participation and that Palestinians' only chance for representations as part of a joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation. (MEM 9/23)

In Amman, PNC Speaker Shaykh 'Abd al-Hamid al-Sa'ih states Israel has rejected a UN request  to allow PNC delegates living in o.t. permission to travel to Algiers to attend PNC meeting. PLO had earlier requested UN assistance in arranging Israeli permission. (Radio Jordan 9/18 in FBIS 9/18)

Al-Sa'ih also announces that PNC members Edward W. Said and Ibrahim Abu-Lughod, both professors at American universities, have resigned from PNC for personal reasons. (Radio Monte Carlo 9/18 in FBIS 9/19)

U.S. Defense Secy. Richard Cheney signs 10-year U.S.-Kuwaiti defense agreement with Kuwaiti Def. Min. Shaykh 'Ali al-Sabah in Washington. (MEM 9/20)

Syrian Pres. al-Asad, Lebanese Pres. Hirawi meet in Damascus, agree to call for implementation of U.N. Security Council resolution 425 at peace conference, which calls for Israeli withdrawal from S. Lebanon, independently of linkage with other issues relating to Arab-Israeli conflict. (MEM 7/29)

Jordanian parliament issues statement condemning U.S.-led peace efforts, rejecting end to Arab boycott of Israel in return for halt to Israeli settlement-building. Condemnation came day after King Hussein announced Jordan would attend peace conference. (NYT 7/23)

High-level PLO delegation [same membership as 5/28 delegation] arrives in Damascus for further discussions with Syrian officials, members of the Palestinian National Salvation Front. Delegation invites all PNSF groups to attend PLO-PNSF reconciliation meeting to be held later, after PNSF boycotted 7/15 PLO meeting in Tunis because PLO failed to invite all PNSF members. (MEM 7/19, 7/23, 7/24)

Beginning fifth trip to region since March, Secy. of State Baker meets with Pres. al-Asad in Damascus. Asad reiterates willingness to attend peace conference with Israel without preconditions, breaking with decades of Syrian policy regarding negotiations with Israel. (MEM 7/18; WP 7/19)

Brief gun battle breaks out between Lebanese army, PLO forces in al-Bass, Burj al-Shamali refugee camps in Tyre. Army still blockading camps over charges that PLO has refused to hand over heavy and medium weapons, a charge denied by PLO. (MEM 7/19)

Israeli judge Ezra Kama issues report stating Israeli police provoked Oct. 1990 violence at E. Jerusalem's Haram al-Sharif which left at least 17 Palestinians dead, over 100 wounded, as well as 28 policemen injured. Ruling contradicts police's own Oct. 1990 investigation which exonerated policemen of blame in incident and which claimed Palestinians provoked violence by throwing rocks at Jews worshiping at nearby Western Wall. Kama determined that rock-throwing came after shooting had begun and most Jewish worshippers had fled. New report stated no charges could be brought in case, however, since it remains unclear which policemen shot at whom. Israeli Police Min. Ronnie Milo admits police made mistakes but asserts Palestinians were nonetheless responsible for incident. (MEM 7/18; NYT, WP 7/19)

Top-level PLO delegation, comprising Pol. Dept. Head Faruq al-Qaddumi, Information Dept. Head Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh, Exec. Comm. members Mustafa al-Zibri (Abu 'Ali Mustafa), Sulayman al-Najab, meets with Pres. al-Asad in Damascus, Meeting seen as part of recent efforts to improve PLO-Syrian relations in wake of diplomatic setback faced by PLO after Gulf war. (NYT 5/29)

Delegation also meets with officials of dissident Palestinian National Salvation Front in Damascus. Meeting centers on reconciliation between PLO and PNSF. At PLO insistence, Col. Sa'id Musa Muragha's (Abu Musa) Fateh-Uprising group not represented. Reconciliation efforts come during increased PLO-Syrian dialogue. (MEM 5/17; NYT, MEM 5/29; CSM 5/30)

Hizballah leader 'Abbas al-Musawi claims his group holds two Israeli prisoners, but Israel has failed to meet conditions for their release. States Israel willing to release Lebanese prisoners it held only; Hizballah demanded release of Palestinian prisoners as well. Israeli Def. Min. Arens expressed optimism over prospects for possible prisoner exchange. (WP 5/28)

Israel convicts Palestinian Fu'ad Hasan al-Shar' of participating in 1983 attempt to blow up airliner belonging to Israeli state airline El Al. Al-Shari' sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. (WP 5/28)

Greek appeals committee upheld Italy's request to extradite 'Abd al-Rahim Khalid, Palestinian sentenced in abstentia to life imprisonment in 1987 by court in Genoa for alleged role in October 1985 hijacking of Italian ship Achille Lauro. Khalid, arrested 5/5 in Athens, faces two more avenues of appeal before extradition can proceed. (NYT 5/29)