The Palestine Chronology

Palestinian delegation to peace talks announces security forces have detained Muhammad 'Abd al-Fattah al-Hawrani and Jamal al-Shawbaki. The two were associated with the delegation, al-Shawbaki as delegate and al-Hawrani as a member of delegation's steering committee. (AFP 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

Syria, Lebanon agree to attend fourth round of bilateral talks scheduled 2/24 in Washington. (MM 2/17)

Hasan Nasrallah elected new Hizballah gen. secy. Hizballah-led Islamic Resistance Movement fires 65 rockets into N. Israel and Israeli "security zone." IDF, SIA artillery bombard suspected Hizballah targets in S. Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el 2/17, Voice of the Oppressed 2/18 in FBIS 2/18; WP 2/19)

Delegates from the eight signatories tothe March 1991 "Damascus Declaration" meet in Riyadh to discuss implementation of the declaration. (MM 2/18)

In first visit of Jewish group to Saudi Arabia, 7 American Jewish leaders meet with Saudi FM Prince Sa'ud bin Faisal in Riyadh. Talks centered on peace process, with Sa'ud reportedly stating Saudi Arabia recognizes Israel's right to exist. (NYT 1/22)

IDF announces 20% increase in troops deployed in W. Bank and replacement of reservists by regular forces. IDF also indicates increase in activities of undercover forces in the area. (MM 1/22)