The Palestine Chronology

GCC ends 4-day summit in Doha with statement and communique warning Iraq that war is only alternative unless Saddam withdraws from Kuwait; drops usual reference to PLO as "sole legitimate representative of Palestinians" [NYT, LAT, WP 12/26; CSM 12/27].

In annual Christmas message, Pope John Paul II calls for negotiations to end Gulf crisis, but seems to hint Iraq should leave Kuwait, saying "the inalienable rights of people and nations" must be respected. John Paul also calls for solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one that acknowledges "the legitimate expectations" of each side [LAT 12/25, 12/26; NYT, WT, WP 12/26].

USSR's 1st consul in Israel since 1967 presents his credentials in Jerusalem while Israel's 1st consul does likewise in similar ceremony in Moscow [LAT, WP 12/26; JPI 1/5].

Military panel in Jerusalem rejects appeals of 4 Palestinians slated to be deported for membership in Hamas [LAT, WT 12/26; FJ 12/31].

Spokesman says DFLP is ready to launch attack at Israel in event of U.S. aggression against Iraq [INA 12/25 in FBIS 12/26].

Fateh's Central Committee opens meeting in Tunis under Chrmn. Arafat [DUS 12/25 in FBIS 12/27]. 

Iraq is delaying departure of 2,300 Soviet advisers working at oil and military installation, saying Baghdad will impose economic penalties on Moscow for breaching contracts; high-level Soviet delegation arrives in Baghdad to discuss situation [NYT 12/17; CSM 12/18].

Three DFLP fighters are killed, 3 Israeli soldiers are wounded in gunfight in S. Lebanon [IDF 12/16 in FBIS 12/18; NYT, MEM 12/17].

Sec. Baker says he still hopes Washington and Baghdad could agree on dates for direct talks; reiterates he would go to Iraq anytime between 12/20 and 1/3 [NYT, LAT, WP 12/17].

U.S. agrees to sponsor UN Sec. Council resolution condemning Israel's deportation notices to 4 Palestinians, asking for international protection for Palestinians, and giving qualified support for international peace conference to settle Palestine question [NYT 12/18].

Israeli D.M. Moshe Arens pledges to deport more Palestinians from o.t., renewing policy that draws criticism from U.S. [NYT, WT, WP 12/17].

Hamas issues pamphlet claiming responsibility for 12/14 killings in Jaffa; police arrest at least 300 additional Palestinians [NYT 12/17].

John Major is selected as next prime minister of Britain [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 11/28; CSM 11/29].

Bush admin. announces that Chinese F.M. Qian has been invited to Washington for talks with Sec. Baker, in what appears to be compensation to Beijing for its support for draft UN resolution authorizing force against Iraq [NYT, WT 11/28].

Saddam Hussein tells reporters that Iraq does not have nuclear weapons; International Atomic Energy Agency reports Iraq's small stock of highly enriched reactor fuel has not been diverted to build nuclear weapons [NYT, WT, WP, MEM 11/28].

2 PFLP fighters and 5 Israeli soldiers are killed, 6th is wounded during firefight near Shabaa, S. Lebanon. Hours later, Israeli air force bombs PFLP and DFLP bases east of Sidon, and Israeli long-range artillery hits villages north of "security zone" [AFP, IDF, BDS, JDS 11/27 in FBIS 11/27; MEM 11/27; NYT, LAT. WT, WP 11/28; CSM 11/29; JPI 12/8; MET 12/11].

Rear Adm. Gene La Rocque (Ret.) tells congressional committee that 6-month Gulf war would result in deaths of 10,000 U.S. soldiers, wounding of 35,000 others, and cost $80 billion [LAT 11/28].

In Tunis, Yasir Arafat confers separately with ambassadors of the 5 permanent members of UN Sec. Council, discussing Gulf crisis and situation in o.t.; Arafat tells ambassadors to demand Sec. Council issue same ultimatum to Israel that it intends to address to Iraq [MEM 11/28; MAP 11/28 in FBIS 11/29].

Saudi official says his country's gratitude toward USSR for its support in Gulf crisis has motivated Saudi Arabia to lend Moscow as much as $1 billion as part of GCC "financial cooperation program" [MEM 11/27, 11/29; WP 11/29]. 

Iraqi F.M. Tarik Aziz arrives in Moscow and meets with Pres. Gorbachev and F.M. Shevardnadze; Soviet Union demands that Iraq release more than 3,000 Soviet citizens stranded there, charging for 1st time that Baghdad was preventing them from leaving [FNS, MEM 11/26; TASS 11/26 in FBIS 11/26; PRA 11/27 in FBIS 11/27; NYT, WT, WP 11/27]; Pres. Gorbachev warns Saddam Hussein that "time is running out" and that USSR will agree to tougher UN action if Iraq does not leave Kuwait [LAT 11/27].

Saddam orders release of 3 American hostages; National Assembly votes to free all 58 Swedish hostages [BADS, AFP 11/26 in FBIS 11/27; LAT 11/27; MET 12/4].

U.S. army orders 10,567 more reservists into active duty in Gulf [LAT 11/27].

Israeli police report number and gravity of "terrorist" incidents perpetrated by Negev Bedouin have risen sharply since 10/8 Haram al-Sharif killings [DAV 11/27 in FBIS 11/27].

Police also report the arrest of 3 Meir Kahane followers for attacking Jewish shops that employ Palestinians [WT 11/27; MET 12/4; JPI 12/8].

P.M. Shamir's gov't. survives 2 no-confidence motions in Knesset brought about by Shamir's 11/18 "sea to Jordan" remark [JDS 11/26 in FBIS 11/28; MET 12/4].

22-year-old Egyptian police conscript is arrested in Suez and charged with 11/25 shooting deaths in Israel [MEM 11/27].

Pres. Bush holds meetings and press conference with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, then flies to Geneva for talks with Pres. Asad; in Geneva Bush says Syria "is lined up witlh us . . . standing up against aggression" [MENA 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; CDS, MENA 11/23, PRA 11/25 in FBIS 11/26; NYT, LAT, WP 11/24; MET 12/4].

More than 4,000 Jordanians march through Amman's main marketplace denouncing Pres. Bush's visit to Gulf region [NYT 11/24].

Chinese and Soviet F.M.s meet in Beijing, issue statement on Gulf crisis urging world to seek peaceful solution [NYT 11/24].

Iraq begins calling up battle-experienced reservists in their 30s for deployment in Kuwait [BADS 11/23 in FBIS 11/26; LAT 11/24].

Israeli soldiers shoot dead Druze Arab, capture another trying to cross from Golan Heights into Syria [LAT 11/24; JPI 12/1].

Israeli Chamber of Commerce opens Moscow office [TASS 11/23 in FBIS 11/26].

Sec. Baker arrives in Moscow for talks with Pres. Gorbachev, F.M. Shevardnadze about possible Soviet backing of UN Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq [WP, NYT 11/8].

After meeting with former W. German chancellor Willy Brandt, Saddam orders release of 100 German hostages and 20 more Europeans and Americans [WP 11/8].

Israeli officials says their gov't feels increasingly sure Israel will be drawn into any armed conflict in Gulf and is disturbed because there is no agreement with U.S. about how the 2 nations will coordinate military operations [WP 11/8].

Japanese P.M. Toshiki Kaifu, yielding to deep anti-military feelings in Japan, gives up his effort to pass legislation authorizing dispatch of Japanese troops to Gulf [WP 11/8].

Pres. Mubarak says international coalition allied against Iraq should wait "at least 2 to 3 more months" to determine whether economic sanctions will force Saddam out of Kuwait, and warns Iraqi leader that if he does not remove his troops, war would be inevitable [NYT 11/8].

GCC ministers end 3d extraordinary meeting held in Jeddah; issue statement condemning Iraq's invasion of Kuwait [SPA 11/7 in FBIS 11/8].

Thousands of Israelis turn out for Meir Kahane's funeral in Jerusalem, hundred seek revenge by rampaging through downtown streets breaking shop windows and beating Palestinian bystanders [JDS 11/7 in FBIS 11/8; WP 11/8]. 

Pres. Bush declares he has 'had it" with Iraq's treatment of U.S. hostages and diplomats; Chief of Staff John Sununu says Bush is still committed to avoiding hostilities [NYT, LAT, WP 11/1].

Saddam Hussein announces through spokesperson that relatives of foreigners it is holding as "guests" may visit their loved ones in Iraq during the holiday season [NYT 11/1].

Returning to Moscow after meeting with Saddam, Soviet envoy Primakov says while his mission had not been a total success, he believes Iraq is becoming more open to political solution to Gulf crisis [NYT, WP 11/1].

Pres. Mubarak rebuffs Soviet suggestion that Arab leaders convene to solve Gulf crisis, saying Arab leaders did meet in August and solved nothing, and that leaders are still working on a solution to the crisis [LAT 11/1].

Foreign ministers of Saudia Arabia, Syria, and Egypt meet in Jeddah to discuss "latest developments in the Gulf" [NYT 11/1].

Algeria decides to send milk and flour to Iraq and Kuwait, specifically for children [AGS 10/31 in FBIS 11/1].

Swedish parliamentary delegation leaves Iraq after several-day visit; Saddam allows at least 6 Swedish nationals to leave Iraq [INA 10/31 in FBIS 11/1].

After year-long trial, 1 of 4 Givati Brigade soldiers receives 2-month prison sentence, and 3 others receive suspended sentences in the beating death of Palestinian back in February 1988 [NYT, MEM 11/1]. 

UN Sec. Council votes 13-0, with 2 abstentions (Yemen and Cuba) for resolution declaring Iraq responsible for all damage and personal injuries resulting from occupation of Kuwait; laying the groundwork for seizure of impounded Iraqi assets; and warning that if Iraq continues to ignore its resolutions, UN would take "further measures under the Charter" [NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 10/30].

In separate but coordinated speeches, Pres. Bush and Sec. Baker warn Saddam the U.S. would not shrink from "use of force" if Iraq continued to occupy Kuwait. In contrast, Pres. Gorbachev says after meeting with Pres. Mitterrand that Iraq may be softening its stand and that "it's unacceptable to have a military solution to this question" [NYT, LAT, WP 10/30].

Los Angeles Times reports Bush admin. will meet next week to discuss timetable for possible use of force against Iraq at talks with U.S. allies in Europe and Gulf [LAT 10/30].

In Paris for meetings with French P.M. Rocard, Israeli F.M. Levy asks for financial aic in settling Soviet Jewish immigrants in Israel [MEM 10/30].

U.S.-based Union of Councils for Soviet Jews, together with leading Soviet Jews, opens Bureau of Exit, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law - a bureau officially sanctioned by Moscow to help people who want to leave USSR for Israel and elsewhere [LAT 10/30].

Speaking in hour-long interview taped for CNN news, Saddam says Iraq would no sooner leave Kuwait than the U.S. would leave Hawaii, but holds out that diplomatic solution is still possible [LAT, WP 10/30; INA 10/31 in FBIS 11/1].

Pres. Bush meets with House and Senate leaders to discuss Gulf crisis, but says he would have "no hesitancy" about ordering an attack on Iraq without congressional approval [LAT 10/30].

King Fahd meets in Riyadh with Soviet envoy Primakov to discuss Gulf crisis [SPA 10/29 in FBIS 10/30].

UNLU issues call no. 63 - "call of the second anniversary of independence" [AVP 10/30 in FBIS 10/31; MEM 10/30].

Israel reacts angrily to effort in UN Sec. Council to seek resolution condemning Israel for Haram al-Sharif shootings and to U.S. role; maintains it is the victim of Arab plot [NYT, LAT, WP 10/13].

Nonetheless, voting late, Sec. Council unanimously condemns Israel for shootings and calls for UN team to investigate incident, but contains no reference to need to protect Palestinians in O.T. (cf. 10/13) [WP 10/13; NYT 10/14; MEM 10/15].

Iraq warns USSR it could delay the departure of some of the 5,000 Soviet citizens still in Iraq if Moscow supplies Washington with information about Iraq's Soviet-supplied weapons and defense capabilities [NYT 10/131.

Morocco's King Hassan asserts there is a "moral linkage" between Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the Arab-Israeli issues, and urges Iraq to leave Kuwait having made this linkage apparent [NYT 10/14].

Israel uses water cannons, curfews and roadblocks to keep thousands of Palestinians from attending prayer services on Haram al-Sharif [LAT 10/13].

Speaker of Egypt's Parliament and second-ranking official, Rifaat al-Mahgoub, is assassinated (cf. 10/27) [MENA 10/12 in FBIS 10/12; MEM 10/12, 10/13; NYT, LAT, WP 10/13].

UN Sec. Council votes 14-1 to impose embargo on air traffic to and from Iraq and Kuwait. The sole "nay" vote is cast by Cuba [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 9/26; MET 10/9]; in hard-hitting speech at Gen. Assembly, Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze suggests Moscow would support military operation against Iraq if sanctions fail, and warns war may be imminent if Saddam does not leave Kuwait [WP 9/26; NYT 9/26, 9/27; MEM 9/26; CSM 9/27].

In 75-min. speech broadcast in its entirety on CNN (excerpts on major networks), Saddam tells American television audience that Iraq is the victim of conspiracies [INA 9/26 in FBIS 9/26; NYT, WP, WT, MEM 9/26].

U.S. House Appropriations Committee shelves Pres. Bush's request to cancel Egypt's military debt to U.S. after being told it faced certain defeat (cf. 9/30) [MEM 9/26].

After 4 days of talks in Teheran, Pres. Asad and Pres. Rafsanjani declare "full agreement" on opposition to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait [MEM 9/25; NYT 9/26].

Asad is credited with bringing Iran into anti-Iraq camp, persuading Iranian leadership to recast call to jihad against West as measure to be taken only if West stays on after Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait [NYT 10/11].

Saudi Arabia expels 12 more diplomats from Jordanian consulate and embassy; Jordan recalls its ambassador in protest [NYT 9/26].

Israel's Supreme Court rules army can raze Palestinian houses and shops around area where IDF soldier was killed on 9/20. Court says demolitions are urgent military need, and can proceed if homeowners are given compensation [WP, LAT, WT 9/26; FJ 10/6; MET 10/9].

After visit to Bureij refugee camp, UNRWA commissioner general expresses concern about demolition of houses and shops, says there is a disproportion between the 9/20 killing and Israel's response [JDS 9/26 in FBIS 9/27].

Israeli think tank Jafee Center issues annual report "Intemnational Terrorism 1989" attributing to Middle East groups only 8.9% of 406 incidents recorded; report states Fateh helped Western security agencies curb terror and that Palestinian attacks outside Israel declined sharply [MEM 9/26].

Def. Sec. Cheney fires Air Force chief of staff Gen. Dugan for remarks made 9/15. Dismissal is approved by Pres. Bush [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 9/18; CSM 9/19; FJ 9/24].

Saudi Arabia and Soviet Union sign agreement in Moscow restoring diplomatic relations after 52-year hiatus; agreement signed by Saudi F.M. Saud al-Faisal [MEM 9/17; NYT, WP, LAT, WT 9/18; MET 9/25].

Foreign ministers of the 12 EC nations agree to expel military personnel from Iraqi embassies in their capitals and to limit travel of other Iraqi diplomats in Europe [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 9/18; CSM 9/19].

Israeli D.M. Moshe Arens, in Washington for 2d visit in 2 months, meets with U.S. officials, expresses concern about expected $20 billion in U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia and asks for additional $1 billion military aid to Israel [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 9/18].

Conference of Arab Popular Movements in Amman ends; issues statement denouncing military buildup in Gulf, demanding Arab solution for crisis, and calling for linkage with settlement of Arab-Israeli conflict [MEM 9/17; NYT, LAT, WP 9/18; RAY 9/18 in FBIS 9/18].

Israeli gov't decides not to seek injunction against sales of Ostrovsky and Hoy's book By Way of Deception. A Devastating Insider's Portrait of the Mossad [LAT 9/18].

Simcha Dinitz, chrmn. of Jewish Agency, says up to 2 million Soviet immigrants could arrive in Israel by end of 1995, raising current 4.5 million population by nearly 45% [WT 9/18].

Palestinians throughout O.T. observe general strike to mark 8th anniversary of Sabra and Shatila massacre [FJ 9/24; MET 9/25].

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].

Iraqi soldiers storm the French, Canadian, and Belgian diplomatic quarters in Kuwait, briefly detaining U.S. consul and other diplomats; Pres. Bush declares action "outrageous," hints at possible U.S. response [LAT, NYT, WP 9/15; LAT 9/16; MET 9/25].

In what would be the largest military sale in U.S. history (previous largest: 1981 $9 billion AWACS deal), officials report Bush admin. is planning to sell Saudi Arabia about $20 billion in sophisticated weaponry to help bolster that nation against future Gulf unrest [LAT, NYT, WP 9/15; MEM 9/17; JPI 9/22].

In sharp departure after weeks of Iraqi cooperation, Iraqi tanker in Gulf of Oman ignores U.S. demands to stop and submit to search; U.S. and Australian ships fire across taker's bow, forcibly board it, then allow it to continue after search [LAT, NYT, WP 9/15].

In 4-hour Damascus meeting, Sec. Baker and Pres. Asad discuss Gulf situation, future regional security structure, terrorism; agree that Arab world must take the lead in confronting Iraq's occupation of Kuwait, and that American troops must be withdrawn from the region as soon as crisis ends [DDS 9/14 in FBIS 9/14; MEM 9/14, 9/17; NYT, LAT, WP 9/15].

Signaling shift in Soviet policy, Pres. Gorbachev meets 2 senior Israeli cabinet members in Moscow in first such meeting since 1967 [LAT 9/15; JPI 9/22; MET 9/25].

Bonn, Tokyo, and London announce details of each nation's further contributions to multinational force in Middle East [WP 9/14; NYT 9/15].

Israeli cabinet unanimously approves new tax package designed to raise $450 million to pay for absorption of Soviet Jewish immigrants [NYT, MEM 9/14].

Meanwhile Ariel Sharon ends week-long visit to Moscow to discuss arrangements with Soviet firm to build pre-fabricated housing in Israel [MEM 9/14].

Greek ambassador to Israel presents credentials; Greece is last member of the EC to establish full diplomatic ties with Israel [MEM 9/14].

Western diplomats in Damascus say Syria has agreed to send 10,000 additional troops and 300 tanks to Saudi Arabia [NYT 9/14].

PLO Chrmn. Arafat arrives unexpectedly in Baghdad, meets with F.M. Tarik Aziz [WT 9/14; MET 9/25].

UN Sec. Council approves shipment of food through UN blockade of Iraq and Kuwait in humanitarian cases provided food is distributed through UN and similar bodies (13 members for, Cuba and Yemen against) [MEM 9/14; MET 9/25]. 

Speaking before Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sec. Baker tones down 9/4 suggestion of NATO-style security arrangement, which had touched off controversy, by saying "any such arrangement would have to fit regional realities. We have no particular model, such as NATO, in mind" [WP 9/6; FJ 9/10].

Britain agrees to contribute to U.S.-sponsored fund to aid Middle East countries hurt by the trade embargo against Iraq [LAT 9/6], while West German gov't decides not to supply funds for multinational force in Gulf, but will offer use of planes and ships to transport troops to the region [WP 9/5].

Iraqi F.M. Aziz meets with Pres. Gorbachev in Moscow over Gulf crisis amid signs Moscow is losing patience over Iraq's refusal to leave Kuwait [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 9/6; MET 9/18].

State Dep't reports U.S. citizen is shot and wounded trying to evade capture by Iraqi troops in Kuwait City [LAT, WT, WP 9/6; MET 9/18].

Bush admin. offers to mount international effort to provide economic aid to USSR in return for Moscow's pulling its military advisers out of Iraq and agreeing to join multinational force in Middle East [LAT 9/6].

Israeli and American sources report F.M. David Levy, visiting Washington for talks with Sec. Baker, asks Bush admin. to forgive Israel's $4.5 billion military debt and dramatically increase military aid [WT 9/6; JDS 9/6 in FBIS 9/6; JPI 9/15; MET 9/18]; Baker and Levy say U.S. and Israel will work to establish "credible" Arab-Israeli peace process to demonstrate alternative to Saddam Hussein [NYT 9/6].

King Hussein meets with British for. sec. Hurd in Amman [JTE 9/6 in FBIS 9/6], then flies to Baghdad to discuss Gulf crisis with Saddam [BADS 9/5 in FBIS 9/6; CSM 9/7].

Jerusalem Post reports 195,000 elementary school children begin year's studies in West Bank. Intermediate and high schools will open in stages over next 2 weeks [JPD 9/6 in FBIS 9/7]. 

On 4-day visit to N. Africa, King Hussein meets Qaddafi in Tripoli to discuss Gulf crisis [ADS, AFP 8/26 in FBIS 8/27; LAT 8/27; MET 9/4].

Iraq permit. 2 women and children from U.S. embassy in Kuwait to leave the country; 3 are turned back at Turkish border; Saddam meets with Austrian Pres. Kurt Waldheim and frees 96 Austrians [WT, LAT 8/27].

Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze demonstrates Moscow's continued reluctance to take military role in Gulf crisis, saying USSR would leave it up to other countries to enforce naval blockade of Iraq [LAT, WT, WP, NYT 8/27].

Israeli military says it will begin blocking exports of Palestinian-produced fruits, vegetables, and other products shipped through Jordan to Iraq [NYT 8/27]. 

Pres. Bush declares 2,000 Americans detained in Iraq and Kuwait "hostages" and holds Iraqi gov't responsible for their safety. Iraq begins moving Americans and other foreigners to military and industrial installations as shields to prevent U.S. attack [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 8/21].

Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze meets with Iraqi deputy P.M. Saddun Hammadi in Moscow to discuss Gulf crisis [NYT 8/22].

Iraq informs accredited diplomatic missions in Kuwait to close by 8/24 [INA 8/20 in FBIS 8/20; WP 8/21].

In Abu Dhabi, Defense Sec. Richard Cheney announces agreement that will allow U.S. forces to operate from UAE military bases; U.S. troops have been in UAE for nearly a week [WP, CSM 8/21].

Senior Saudi official says his gov't plans to spend at least $8-$11 billion to cover expenses arising from Gulf crisis: mostly housing or transportation for refugees, military preparations, and assistance to multinational force in Gulf [WP 8/21]. Israeli moderates are sharply divided over whether to negotiate with Palestinian leaders in peace process; some say it is more important than ever to push dialogue with Palestinians, others oppose because of Palestinian support for Iraq [LAT, WT 8/21].

Israeli police evict 100 homeless people from tent camp in Jerusalem resulting from housing shortage caused by increased immigration [LAT 8/21].

Israeli Supreme Court issues temporary injunction against construction of VOA transmitter in Negev until environmental impact study is concluded [NYT, WP 8/21].

Citing state security, Israel bans foreign travel for Faisal Husayni and trade rep. Zuhira Kamal and for PFLP-supporter Ata Khalil Muhammad Qaimari for 6 months [MEM 8/21; IDF 8/20 in FBIS 8/21; MET 8/28].

Islamic world leaders from more than 30 nations, joined by Iran for first time in years, meet in Cairo. They call for Muslim unity against Soviet Jewish emigration to O.T. [LAT 8/1].

UNLU issues call no. 60, concerns growing factional strife in O.T., attacks Egypt as a U.S. puppet (cf. 8/2) [MEM 8/1; JPD 8/1 in FBIS 8/3].

Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze invites Israeli counterpart David Levy to meet with him in Sept. either during UN Gen. Assembly session in New York or in Moscow [JDS 8/1 in FBIS 8/1; MEM, WT 8/1].

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]. 

Responding to Gorbachev's 6/3 statement, Yitzhak Shamir defends right of Soviet Jews to live in O.T., saying democracy cannot limit where people live [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 6/5]; Palestinians and other Arab officials welcome Gorbachev's statement [KUNA 6/4 in FBIS 6/6; NYT 6/5].

U.S. officials say they would like U.S.-PLO dialogue to remain open, but would suspend it if Arafat does not discipline Abul Abbas or condemn 5/30 attempted attack on Israel, U.S. also threatens to veto Arab calls to move UN Gen.Assembly to Geneva to hear Arafat speak; at the same time, U.S. decides to give Arafat more time to acquiesce [NYT, WP, WT 6/5]. Threat of loss of U.S.-PLO dialogue is causing little distress among Palestinian leaders [CSM 6/5].

Explaining recent PLO shift in diplomatic focus from Egypt to Iraq, PLO Exec. Committee member Abdullah Jourani says "maybe [then] the Americans will try to understand us better. Maybe they will try to understand we are not ready to surrender" [WP 6/5].

PLO receives from Iraq $25 million in urgent aid to support intifada over and above regular monthly aid from Iraq [WAKH 6/3 in FBIS 6/4].

April 1988 survey by Israeli sociologist Sammy Smooha, released today, finds that majority of Jews in Israel "regard the Israeli Arabs as a hostile minority...and their attitudes and behaviors not as a legitimate dissent but rather as subversion"; 57% of respondents favored denying Israeli Arabs right to vote in national elections [FJ 6/11].

Third Soviet-Arab dialogue conference opens in Moscow; discussions involve Soviet Jewish emigration [TASS 6/ 4]. 

Appearing on Israeli television, Shamir says that if UN votes to send observer force to O.T., it should know that "this decision would not be implemented, as many other UN decisions against Israel [have not been]" [WP 5/25]; Yitzhak Rabin believes Israel must oppose idea of UN observers, says "It is inconceivable that we, who observe international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention. . should accept the supervision of an element which. . .has participated in almost no peaceful process" [JDS 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MET 6/5].

Bush admin., in effort to avoid confrontation with Israel, says it will discuss possibility of UN observer force in O.T., but objects to any permanent UN presence [LAT 5/25].

Members of House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Europe and the Middle East blast State Dept's. 3/19 report saying PLO has honored its commitment to renounce terrorism, call report a "whitewash and a pack of lies"; ass't.sec. of state John Kelly defends report [WP 5/25J.

PLO Exec. Committee member Mahmud Abbas meets in Moscow with Soviet F.M. Eduard Shevardnadze to discuss past week's violence in O.T. [TASS 5/24; KUNA 5/25 in FBIS 5/25].

Head of Israeli Army's Central Command, Maj. Gen. Yitzhak Mordekhay, meets with 24 W. Bank Palestinians to explain Army curfews and actions following 5/20 killings. Palestinians are top officials in education and commerce [JDS 5/25 in FBIS 5/25].

5-member Soviet delegation arrives in Israel to investigate violence in O.T.; head of group, Mikhail Kapitsa, accuses Israel of acting like "an elephant in a china shop" [MEM 5/25; MET 6/5]; Bernard Kouchner, French minister of state for humanitarian aid, also arrives for fact-finding tour, says he is "deeply depressed" by conditions in Gaza [MEM 5/25; FJ 5/28]. 

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].

Gen. sec. Gorbachev and Hosni Mubarak sign declaration in Moscow condemning settlement of Soviet Jewish emigrants in O.T. [NYT, WT 5/16].

Rabbi Moshe Levinger is sentenced to 5 months in prison for shooting death of Arab merchant, is lauded as hero by supporters who carry him to prison on their shoulders [WT 5/15].

Israeli authoritiesays they are considering reopening colleges and universities in O.T. that have been closed for over 2 years [NYT 5/15].

Thousands of Jordanians and Palestinians march near Jordan's border with W. Bank to show support for intifada. Police fire tear gas to keep crowd from converging on border; at least 53 are injured [NYT, WP 5/15].

Pres. Mubarak arrives in Moscow for meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev, first visit to USSR by Egyptian leader in 18 years [WT 5/15].

Pleasure cruise in Gulf of Aqaba by Jordan's King Hussein is interrupted as Israeli naval patrol fires shots nearby. Israelis say they were clearing guns in routine weapons check, king's yacht flees into Saudi coastal waters, no injuries are reported [LAT 5/5].

Washington Post reports trust and goodwill between Washington and Jerusalem is eroding; U.S.-Israeli relations are at lowest since early 1980s [WP 4/28].

Mikhail Gorbachev receives Pres. Hafiz Asad in Moscow to discuss Soviet-Syrian relations and Middle East peace [PRAVDA 4/29].

Interim P.M. Shamir accepts Pres. Herzog's mandate to try to form new Israeli gov't., quickly dismisses Labor suggestion that short-term "national unity" gov't. be formed to revise Israel's electoral system [JDS 4/27 in FBIS 4/27; NYT, LAT 4/28].

Church of the Holy Sepulcher locks its doors for first time in 800 years, all other Christian shrines in Holy Land also close in protest over presence of Jewish settlers in St. John's Hospice [NYT, LAT 4/28].

General strike called for by UNLU is observed in W. Bank [JDS 4/27 in FBIS 4/27].

Syria's Pres. Asad arrives in Moscow for talks with Mikhail Gorbachev (cf. 4/ 28) [TASS 4/27; MET 5/8-14].

Several Katyusha rockets are fired into Israel's "security zone" in S. Lebanon; no injuries [MET 5/8-14].

Robert Dole tells his Senate colleagues they made "dangerous" mistake in passing resolution recognizing undivided Jerusalem as capital of Israel [LAT 4/20]; key House Republicans, including Minority Whip Newt Gingrich, criticize Dole for straying from the party's "unwavering commitment to Israel" [NYT, WT 4/20].

Former nat. sec. advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski endorses notion of cutting foreign aid to Israel and other top recipients, saying "It is simply an absurd situation in which one single country has come to view American aid for itself to be a permanent entitlement" [WT 4/20].

PLO officials, Soviet Jewish organizations, and members of Jewish intelligentsia meet in Moscow to discuss settling of Soviet Jews in O.T. [MTS 4/19 in FBIS 4/23].

Tear gas canister is thrown into Agudat Israel party meeting near Tel Aviv [LAT 4/20; JDS 4/19 in FBIS 4/20; WP 4/23].

Rabbi Avraham Verdiger, 1 of 2 party members who withdrew support for Shimon Peres at vote on 4/11, reverses his position, says he will support Peres in future vote [NYT, LAT, WT 4/20].

Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine stalls release of American hostage, apparently due to U.S. refusal to send high-ranking diplomat to Syria to work out unspecified details [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 4/20].

Arafat arrives in Baghdad on state visit [BVP 4/19 in FBIS 4/20].

Israeli air force bombs PFLP-GC bases in S. Lebanon [jDS 4/19 in FBIS 4/19]. 

Jerusalem District Court overturns lower court ruling, allows eviction of Jewish nationalists from Hospice of St. John (cf. 4/10) [WP, LAT, WT 4/18; NYT 4/ 19; JDS 4/17 in FBIS 4/18].

In Moscow, Faisal Husayni meets with Soviet F.M. officials to discuss Jewish emigration [YA 4/17 in FBIS 4/18].

Arafat arrives in Amman for official state visit [ADS 4/17 in FBIS 4/17].

Palestinians commemorate 2d anniversary of assassination Abu Jihad [Kahlil al-Wazir]; at least 30 Gazans are injured in marches [jDS 4/17 in FBIS 4/18].

Pres. Saddam Hussein says Iraqi military commanders have standing orders to attack Israel with chemical weapons in event Israel uses nuclear weapons against Iraq [LAT 4/18].

Faisal Husayni arrives "unexpectedly" in Moscow to attend symposium on Soviet Jewish emigration [TASS 4/ 17].

Skirmishes between Israeli and Egyptian forces occur after Israeli patrol crosses border claiming to pursue infiltrators; Egypt sends strongly-worded protest to Israel [jDS, RMC 4/18 in FBIS 4/19].

Le Monde reports 3hostages freed on 4/10 by Fateh Revolutionary Council were originally kidnapped by Libyan navy in 1986, not by Abu Nidal's group in 1987 [WT 4/17].

In Washington, Soviet F.M. Eduard Shevardnadze says USSR is prepared to operate direct flights from Moscow to Tel Aviv if Israel will "give us assurances that people will not settle in occupied territories." White House spokesperson Marlin Fitzwater agrees Israel should give such assurances, adding "We oppose settlements in the occupied territories" [LAT 4/7].

Responding to appeal by Libyan leader Qadhafi, spokesperson for Abu Nidal's Revolutionary Council says the group will release 3 European hostages in next few days (cf. 4/7, 4/10) [NYT, LAT 4/7].

After Vatican meeting with Pope John Paul II, Arafat tells reporters that D.M. Rabin and P.M. Shamir have sent emissaries with messages to Pope [NYT, LAT 4/7].