The Palestine Chronology

10,000 Palestinians greet Arafat as arrives for his 1st visit to Ramallah since the IDF pulled out. Arafat then heads to Tulkarm, Qalqilya to celebrate the IDF's withdrawal there. (NYT, WP, WT 12/31; JP 1/6)

Hamas mbrs. Isma'il Haniyya, Khalid al-Hindi, Sa'id al-Namruti say the will run for seats on the Palestinian Council as independents. (JMCC 12/30 in FBIS 1/2)

In Madrid, PA, Spain sign joint cooperation agmt. (PWR 1/9)

PSF releases al-Quds editor `Alami (arrested 12/27). (QY 12/31 in FBIS 1/2; NYT, WP 1/1; FT 1/3; CSM, WJW 1/4; JP 1/6)

After a Lebanese civilian is killed, 4 others wounded by IDF shelling, Hizballah fires rockets into n. Israel, wounds 2 IDF soldiers in clash in s. Lebanon. Israel blames Syria. (ITV, QY 12/30, QY 12/31, ITV 1/1 in FBIS 1/2; NYT, WT 12/31; MM 1/2; JP 1/6)

PA assumes control of Ramallah, al-Bireh. (WT 12/27; QY, VOP 12/27 in FBIS 12/28; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/28; NYT 12/31; JP 1/6)

After a 6-mo. hiatus, 3 days of initial talks btwn. Syria, Israel open in Maryland. Israeli team is headed by FM Dir. Gen. Uri Savir, incl. Amb. to the U.S. Itamar Rabinovich, head of IDF planning branch Maj. Gen. Uzi Dayan. Syrian team is led by Amb. to the U.S. Walid Mu`allim, FMin. Political Dept. head Juwayjati. (CSM, WP, WT 12/27; HA, MA, QY, SARR, VOL, YA 12/28 in FBIS 12/28; NYT, WJW, WT 12/28)

Israeli cabinet criticizes PM Peres for increasing the number of seats on the Palestinian Council without its approval. (IDF Radio 12/27 in FBIS 12/28) (see 12/25)

PM Peres's coalition government defeats 2 no-confidence motions against returning the Golan Heights to Syria. (CSM 12/28)

Preventive Security Force (PSF) arrests editor Maher al-`Alami after he ignores Arafat's request to run an article on Arafat's mtg. with the Greek Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem on the front page of al-Quds. (NYT, WT 12/28; WT 1/1; MM 1/2; FT 1/3; MM, WJW 1/4)

Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) says Arrow missile project has overrun its budget by millions of dollars because of problems in the early stages of development. IAI may ask project cofunders, the U.S. and Israeli DMin., to cover the unanticipated costs. (HA 12/27 in FBIS 12/27)

By agmt. with Peres, Arafat adds 5 seats to the Palestinian Council, increasing total number fr. 83 to 88, not incl. the extra seat for the pres. (HA 12/26, QY 12/27 in FBIS 12/27; JP 1/6) (see 12/15)

Jordan signs agmt. to buy 3.1 m. tons of oil fr. Iraq to cover its 1996 fuel needs. (AFP 12/15 in FBIS 12/27)

Syrian-Israeli talks end with sides agreeing on general needs but, to the U.S.'s chagrin, not discussing specifics. Pres. Clinton briefly meets with Syrian, Israeli generals at the White House. (WT 6/28; QY 6/29 in FBIS 6/29; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/30; AFP, Davar 6/30, SARR 7/1 in FBIS 7/3; SATN 6/29, AFP 6/30 in FBIS 7/5; MEI 7/7; JP 7/8)

In Cairo, Israeli-PA talks on transfer of authority, elections, redeployment close. In transfer talks, sides agree on principle of giving PA control of all civilian spheres before elections, but talks stick on agriculture, electricity. Elections talks stick on size of council, Jerusalem. (MM 6/29; MENA 6/29 in FBIS 7/3)

A 2d briefing paper prepared by the IDF Planning Branch for the Israeli-Syrian talks is leaked to the press. (ITV 6/29, HA, IDF Radio, ITV 6/30 in FBIS 7/3; SARR 7/5 in FBIS 7/5; Davar 6/29 in FBIS 7/7)

Jerusalem City Council passes Mayor Ehud Olmert's decision to give PLO 2 wks. to request rezoning for Orient House or face legal action for violating the building code by running an office in a building zoned for a hotel. (JP 6/30 in FBIS 7/3)

In Hebron, Israeli border police kill wanted Hamas mbr. Taher Kapisha. IDF then orders neighboring Palestinian families to leave their homes, bulldozes their houses, destroys 100s of trees. (MM 6/29; QY 6/29 in FBIS 6/30; MEI 7/7; JP 7/8; PR 7/9)

Lebanese FM Buwayz sets 3 conditions for resumption of negotiations with Israel: U.S. must send Lebanon a credible Israeli proposal for review; proposal must not contradict Lebanese principles for resuming talks; Israel must 1st withdraw fr. s. Lebanon. (RL 6/22 in FBIS 6/23)

Multilateral Working Group on Water closes session in Amman. Parties propose joint projects totalling $50 m. (IGPO 6/23 in FBIS 6/28)

FM Peres, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meet in Amman, discuss water, technical, scientific cooperation. (MM 6/22; QY 6/22 in FBIS 6/22; RJ 6/22 in FBIS 6/23)

Arafat holds mtgs with Israeli Knesset Dep. Speaker Rafael Edri on implementation of 2d stage of self-rule; with UN coordinator Terje Larsen on UN activities in the o.t.; with World Bank rep. Kem Chin on donor states' assistance. (VOP 6/23 in FBIS 6/23)

Mahmud al-Khawaja, top leader of Islamic Jihad, is killed in a drive-by shooting in Gaza. Islamic Jihad blames Israeli security services, vows retaliation. Israel neither confirms, denies the accusation. (AFP 6/22 in FBIS 6/22; AFP 6/22, SA 6/23 in FBIS 6/23; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 6/23; PR 7/2)

In Hebron, IDF shuts 4th mosque in 2 wks. after security forces find alleged Hamas material during raid. (PR 6/18; QY 6/22 in FBIS 6/23) (see 6/15)

In Ramallah, IDF shoots, wounds 4 Palestinians during demonstration by 100s of Palestinians in support of prisoners' hunger strike. (HA 6/23 in FBIS 6/23) (see 6/17)

IDF shells Hizballah positions in s. Lebanon, killing 1 child. (QY 6/23 in FBIS 6/23; WP 6/24)

To date, 55 senators have signed onto Sen. Robert Dole's bill that would move the U.S. embassy in Israel fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (see 5/9). Secy. of State Christopher warns senators Clinton will veto. (JP 6/22 in FBIS 6/22)

Following reports that he has been seeking a deal for Syria, Israeli Dep. FM Beilin admits he has informally discussed economic aid, debt rescheduling for Syria with EU nations (incl. Austria, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, Sweden); suggested they draw up plans (preferably to be presented at EU business conference in Barcelona 11/95) to be implemented after an agmt. that would encourage Syria to negotiate seriously. (MM 6/21; IDF Radio, JP 6/21 in FBIS 6/21; MM 6/22)

FM Peres, Justice M Liba'i, DMin. officials hold mtg. on easing restrictions, facilitating process for Jordanians' entry into Israel. (QY 6/21 in FBIS 6/22)

FM Peres, Dep. FM Beilin say scope, pace of pullout fr. West Bank will be set by speed of building bypass roads. PM Rabin complains that high cost of protecting West Bank settlements needlessly directs money away fr. other important government projects, investments; building bypass roads could cost $250,000 per family. (MM 6/21; IDF Radio, QY 6/21 in FBIS 6/21; ITV 6/21 in FBIS 6/22; MM, NYT, WT 6/22)

Georgian Pres. Eduard Shevardnaze meet with Pres. Weizman, PM Rabin, says Georgia will open embassy in Jerusalem before end of the yr. (QY 6/18, 6/19 in FBIS 6/19)

Russian Dep. FM Posuvalyuk meets with King Hussein in Amman, discusses peace process. (RJ 6/18 in FBIS 6/19)

FM Peres, DM Mordechi Gur brief Irish FM Spring on status of Jerusalem, Israeli relations with Lebanon, Syria; try to dissuade him fr. visiting Palestinian officials at Orient House. Spring then meets with Arafat in Gaza. (ITV, QY 6/18, HA 6/19 in FBIS 6/19; MM 6/19; IGPO 6/19 in FBIS 6/20)

David Levy, who quit Likud on 6/6, announces he will run for PM as head of his own party, tentatively called New Way. Party should have strong pull with pro-Likud North African, Arab Jews. (MM, NYT 6/19; QY 6/18, MA 6/19 in FBIS 6/19; MM 6/20; CSM 6/27)

IDF stops settlers fr. building road nr. Hashmona'im settlement. (IDF Radio 6/18 in FBIS 6/20)

Hizballah ambushes IDF patrol in s. Lebanon, killing 3 soldiers, wounding 7, losing 2 of their own. IDF shells Nabatiyya area in response, killing 1 Lebanese civilian. (QY 6/18, HA 6/19 in FBIS 6/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/19; BT 6/29; JP 6/24)

PA rejects an Israeli redeployment deal that would divide West Bank into 3 zones: Zone A (Palestinian cities), Zone C (Israeli settlements, military installations), and Zone B (btwn. A and C, incl. Palestinian villages, camps). Israel would redeploy fr. Zone A only, be responsible for security in Zones B and C. PA would be left with control over 15% of West Bank. (JP 6/17; MENA 6/22 in FBIS 6/23; JT 6/28 in FBIS 6/28)

Irish FM Dick Spring arrives in Israel on 1st official visit by Irish FM. (QY 6/18 in FBIS 6/19)

6,000 Palestinian prisoners begin hunger strike for their release fr. Israeli jails. Arafat takes part. (WT 6/18; VOP 6/17, AFP, QY, VOP 6/18 in FBIS 6/19; MM, NYT 6/19; CSM 6/21; MEI 6/23; MEI 7/21)

PM Rabin, FM Peres brief Norwegian FM Godal on redeployment, transfer of authority talks with PA, negotiations with Syria. (IDF Radio, QY 6/14 in FBIS 6/14)

U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau arrives in Lebanon to discuss bilateral relations, assure Pres. Hrawi that the U.S. has not forgotten the Lebanese track of the peace process even though Christopher did not visit Beirut on his recent tour. (MM 6/13, 6/14; RL 6/14 in FBIS 6/14; MM 6/15; RL, VOL 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

Nr. Rafah in Gaza, Israeli border guards shoot, kill 3 Palestinians (1 Fatah Hawk, 2 fr. Force 17--Arafat's "presidential guard") in border crossing incident. Arafat says he will investigate. (WP 6/14; QY, VOP 6/14 in FBIS 6/14; IDF Radio, VOP 6/14 in FBIS 6/15; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 6/15; PR 6/18; WJW 6/22; JP 6/24; MEI 7/21)

Israeli FMin. says DMin. routinely detains mail fr. self-rule areas, o.t., Israel Arabs to assess attitudes toward Israel, PA; says it is entitled to do this "by virtue of its responsibility for the PA's external security and foreign relations." Both international, intercity mail are effected. (HA 6/14 in FBIS 6/16)

Israeli police arrest 5 yeshiva students in connection with 6/13 attack on Faisal Husseini's house. (JP 6/14 in FBIS 6/14)

Secy. of State Christopher holds "very productive" mtg. with Pres. Asad in Damascus; returns to Israel to brief PM Rabin on talks. (NYT, WT 6/11; MM 6/12; JP 6/17)

Secy. of State Christopher meets with Pres. Mubarak, PM Rabin in Cairo to try to ease tensions btwn. Egypt, Israel. Trio discusses peace process, regional cooperation, weapons of mass destruction. (MM 6/8; CSM, MM 6/9; MENA, QY 6/9 in FBIS 6/9; NYT, WP, WT 6/10; WJW 6/15; JP 6/17)

10,000 supporters of Israel's Islamic Movement hold rally in Kafr Kassim, calling for East Jerusalem as capital of a Palestinian state. (JP 6/17)

Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Jerusalem on 1st leg of Middle East tour focused on advancing the Syrian-Israeli track, setting agenda for upcoming Washington talks; meets with PM Rabin. (WP 6/7; MM, WT 6/8; QY 6/8 in FBIS 6/9; MEI 7/21)

Arafat meets with U.S. special envoy Ross in Jericho to discuss peace process, industrial zones, Christopher visit. (MM 6/8; VOP 6/8 in FBIS 6/8)

Jordanian parliament opens extraordinary session to address lifting Israeli boycott. (WP 7/14)

Frmr. PLO negotiator Haidar `Abd al-Shafi announces establishment of new Movement for Democratic Construction. Group calls for democratic elections that "produce legitimate representatives of the Palestinians people."(al-Manar 6/12 in FBIS 6/15; JP 6/17; PR 6/25)

House approves foreign affairs bill (222-192) that would cut aid by $1 b. next yr. and $500 m. in 1997; preserve $3 b. for Israel, $2.1 b. for Egypt; bring USAID, USIA, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency under State Dept. The House Appropriations Subcomm. sets allocations for 1996 (incl., $3 b. for Israel, $80 m. for refugee resettlement in Israel). (WP 6/8; WT 6/9; Near East Report 6/19)

In Cairo, Israel, PA close 2-day round of talks on expanding self-rule, reach draft agmt. on transferring responsibilities for labor to PA. (MENA 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; CSM 6/9)

IDF dismantles a military base in `Illar nr. Tulkarm. (CSM 6/9)

Multilateral Working Group on Economic Development meets in Amman. (JTV 6/7 in FBIS 6/8)

Quadripartite (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, PA) technical comm. on refugees convenes for 1st time in Beersheba. (IGPO 6/6; VOP 6/7 in FBIS 6/7) (see 3/7)

In Damascus, U.S. envoy Ross, Pres. Asad discuss agenda for Syrian-Israeli talks to be held in Washington 6/27. After mtg. Ross heads to Cairo to meet with FM Musa, stops on way to brief PM Rabin on talks with Syrians. (MM 6/7; RE, SATN 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; MM, WT 6/8)

German Chancellor Kohl meets with Arafat in Jericho, pledges additional $7 m. to the PA, says Germany will consider investing in industrial parks. (VOP 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; CSM 6/8; VOP 6/10 in FBIS 6/12; MM 6/13; BT 6/22)

In Geneva, PA Labor M Samir Ghawshah represents PA at International Labor Org. (ILO) mtg., blocks U.S., Israeli motion to delete topic of Palestinian workers' conditions fr. the agenda. (PWR 6/95)

Israeli parliament approves $70 m. for army to begin "Rainbow II"--a plan calling for months of construction of new bypass roads for settlers in and a slowly phased withdrawal fr. West Bank. (WP 6/8)

Natan Sharansky announces formation of new Movement for Israel and Immigration to aid immigrants economically, socially politically; says he may turn it into a party aimed at coalescing Russian immigrants into voting bloc for Israel's 1996 elections. (JP 6/8 in FBIS 6/9; JP 6/17; NYT 6/20; JP 6/24; CSM 6/27)

Israeli State Atty. rules that Shin Bet interrogator who caused death of Palestinian detainee 4/25 "could not and should not have expected a fatal result of his actions," will not be criminally prosecuted. (NYT 6/8) (see 4/28)

Senate passes Pres. Clinton's antiterrorism bill 91-8. Bill expands government use of wiretaps, gives FBI greater access to phone and credit card reports, expands authority to deport or refuse entry to immigrants, bans fundraising for foreign organizations designated as terrorist by State Dept., allows U.S. citizens to sue terrorist groups for personal injuries sustained in attacks. (NYT, WP, WT 6/8; WJW 7/27) (see 6/20)

In talks on self-rule in Cairo, Israel accepts PA demand to transfer remaining 32 West Bank civil administration spheres at once. (MENA 6/6, 6/7 in FBIS 6/7; WP 6/8; JP 6/17; SA 6/18 in FBIS 6/20; JP 6/24) (see 5/29)

U.S. envoy Ross meets with Pres. Asad, military expert Lt. Gen. Hikmat Shihabi in Damascus. (SARR 6/6 in FBIS 6/7; WT 6/7)

Chancellor Kohl begins official tour of Israel. High-level delegation fr. German FMin. visits Orient House in East Jerusalem to discuss status of Jerusalem, reiterates German position that Jerusalem is occupied territory. (MM 6/5; al-Nahar 6/7 in FBIS 6/9)

Arafat makes unscheduled visit to Cairo to discuss status of peace talks with Pres. Mubarak. (MENA 6/5 in FBIS 6/5; VOP 6/5 in FBIS 6/6)

IDF uncovers "wide-scale Hamas network" in East Jerusalem, arrests 45 alleged mbrs., accuses them of planning series of anti-Israeli attacks. (JP, QY 6/5 in FBIS 6/5; CSM, NYT, WT 6/6; WJW 6/8; JP 6/17; MEI 7/21) 

IDF sets 11/1 date for starting withdrawal fr. West Bank, clashing with PA plans to hold elections by late 9/95. PA rejects Israeli proposal to pull troops out of only six West Bank towns (Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Qalqiliyya, Ramallah, Tulkarm). (MM 6/1; CSM 6/3) (see 3/28, 5/6)

State Dept. issues semiannual compliance report evaluating PA performance as required by the Middle East Peace Facilitation Act (MEPFA). (WJW 6/8; JP 6/10; WP 6/14)

In Tunis, Fatah Central Comm., chaired by Arafat, approves continued PA negotiations with Israel in light of 7/1 deadline. Arafat then briefs PLO Exec. Comm. on talks, economy, relations among Palestinian factions. PPP boycotts. (al-Quds 5/31, ITV, VOP 6/1 in FBIS 6/2; MENA, QY 6/2 in FBIS 6/5; WT 6/3)

In Cairo, PA-Israeli talks on expanding self-rule close. Sides form permanent comms. to discuss labor, communications; agree on 95% of articles for communications accord but reach no final agmts. (MENA 5/30 in FBIS 5/31; MM 5/31; MENA 5/31 in FBIS 6/1; CSM 6/1; PR 6/4)

In Cairo, talks on elections and redeployment close. PA, Israel agree East Jerusalem Palestinians can vote, but Israel says voting stations must be outside of Jerusalem. Talks continue on size of elected council. (MM 5/31; QY 5/31 in FBIS 6/1)

At close of 2-day visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss Jerusalem land issue, Arafat says King Fahd has promised the PA $21 m. in aid. (MM 5/31; VOP 5/31 in FBIS 5/31; NYT 6/1; PR 6/4)

Israeli undercover unit kills 2 Palestinians (a "wanted" man and his companion) north of Jerusalem. (Birzeit Human Rights Record 3/95)

Shin Bet say it has detained 30 Hamas mbrs. in Bethlehem in recent days under suspicion of plotting anti-Israeli attacks. (ITV 5/31 in FBIS 6/1; NYT 6/6; JP 6/10)

Following PA protests against Hamas activity in Amman, Jordan ordered 2 Hamas leaders, Musa Abu Marzuq and `Imad al-`Alami, to leave the kingdom by 6/1; their families must leave by end of the scholastic yr. (ITV, RMC 5/31 in FBIS 6/1; MM 6/2; al-Ra`y 6/3 in FBIS 6/5)

After Syria eases its demands for "equality" (see 4/3), Israel, Syria come to agmt. on "guidelines" for a security arrangement for Golan that would follow Israeli withdrawal. Details are to be worked out by military experts in late June. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/25; SARR 5/25 in FBIS 5/25; CSM, MM 5/26; JP 6/3; SARR 6/8 in FBIS 6/9)

In Damascus, PNG's Shak`a holds conference with 10 Damascus-based Palestinian factions opposed to Oslo Accord to discuss PNG's political program, need for alliance btwn. internal, external groups. Hamas refuses to attend. (al-Hayat, Voice of Iran 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; al-Safir 6/15 in FBIS 6/23) (see 2/21)

Housing M Binyamin Ben-Eliezer says Israel will continue building housing in East Jerusalem despite suspension of 4/27 confiscation, plans for 6,500 new units on 620 acres of Palestinian land at Har Homa settlement in East Jerusalem will be ready soon. (QY 5/23, AFP 5/24 in FBIS 5/24; NYT, WT 5/24; JP 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; PR 5/28, 6/4; WSJ 6/6)

In Gaza, FM Peres, Arafat discuss industrial parks. In a gesture of goodwill in light of land conflict, Peres increases number of Palestinians allowed to work in Israel to 35,000, says PA will be allowed to take over 8 more spheres (5 agreed upon 5/16 plus agriculture, census and statistics, local administration) before 7/1. (MM 5/22; IDF Radio, QY, VOP 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; NYT 5/23; PR 5/28)

PM Rabin suspends confiscation of 134 acres of land in Jerusalem, killing no-confidence vote brought by Arab and rightist MKs that could have collapsed the government (see 5/17). Arab nations postpone minisummit on Jerusalem (see 5/21). (MM 5/22; ESC Television, IDF Radio, MENA, QY, VOP 5/22, MA, MENA, QY, VOP 5/23 in FBIS 5/23; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/23; CSM, MM 5/24; WJW 5/25; MEI 5/26; PR 6/28; JP 6/3; WSJ 6/6; MEI 6/9)

FM Peres tells Arafat that Israel will loan the PA $125 m.--the sum Israel should hand over for tax collection on behalf of PA but cannot due to delays in Knesset legislation. (QY 5/22 in FBIS 5/23)

PLO's Qaddumi meets with heads of Palestinian opposition groups in Damascus, incl. DFLP's Nayif Hawatmeh, Islamic Jihad's Fathi Shiqaqi, Palestinian National Grouping's (PNG) Bassam al-Shak'a, a Hamas rep. (RMC 5/23 in FBIS 5/24)

UNRWA Commissioner Gen. Ilter Türkman meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss UN activities in Gaza, Jericho. (UNRWA News 6/2)

IDF soldier opens fire on, throws grenades into Jaffa church, causing extensive damage but no casualties. 11 Palestinians are injured when clashes erupt outside church btwn. Palestinians, Israeli police. (ITV, QY 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; WT 5/23; MM, WT 5/24)

At Israeli-PA economic comm. mtg., PA demands changes in Paris protocol given Israeli separation plan, closure; demands maintenance of free trade with Israel, based on free movement of goods btwn. Israel, self-rule areas without security or technical hindrances, gradual dissolution of united tax system with Israel. (QY 5/21 in FBIS 5/22; PR 5/28; JP 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the PA, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the UAE announce minisummit on Jerusalem to be held in Morocco 5/27. PLO Political Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi heads to Damascus to coordinate position with Syrian FMin. Fatah urges Arafat to suspend talks with Israel in light of veto on UN land confiscation resolution 5/17. (AFP, RMC, SATN 5/21 in FBIS 5/22; CSM, MM, WT 5/22; SARR 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; JP 5/27)

Bashar al-Asad (son of the Syrian pres.), Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Safi (cmdr. of Syrian forces in Lebanon), Brig. Ghazi Kanaan (head of Syrian Intelligence) meet with Lebanese Pres. Hrawi in Beirut. After mtg., Hrawi reappoints Hariri as PM, asks him to form new cabinet. (RL, VOL 5/21 in FBIS 5/22; MM, WT 5/22; MM 5/23, 5/24; MEI 5/26) (see 5/19)

3-days of elections talks close in Cairo. Sides agree PA will be in charge of maintaining security during elections, joint patrols will be used. PM Rabin says Palestinians fr. Jerusalem will not be allowed to run; Israel, not the PA, will carry out population census using 5,000 Palestinian teachers (see 4/28). A tripartite (EU, Israel, PA) comm. will be set up to discuss international monitors during elections. (AFP, IDF Radio, MENA, VOP 5/16, MENA 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; AFP, MENA, QY, VOP 5/17 in FBIS 5/18; PR 5/21)

2-day multilateral steering comm. mtgs on peace process open in Montreux, Switzerland. Syria, Lebanon boycott. Working groups on water, arms control, refugees, economic development, environment meet. (HA, QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/18)

For 1st time since 1990, U.S. vetoes UN resolution criticizing Israel. U.S. Amb. Madeline Albright calls veto "a matter of principle." Last-minute Russian proposal for UNSC presidential letter reproving Israel is rejected by U.S. as too strong, by PLO as too weak. Resolution would have invalidated Israel's 4/27 seizure of 134 acres of Arab-owed land in East Jerusalem. (MENA, VOP 5/17, MENA, QY, VOP 5/18 in FBIS 5/18; MM, NYT, WT 5/18; AFP, ITV, MENA, RE, RMC, VOP 5/18, MENA, VOP 5/19 in FBIS 5/19; MM, WT 5/19; MEI 6/9, 6/26) (see Doc. D7 in JPS 96)

PM Rabin says Israel would not object to having Syria deploy an early warning station on Israeli territory if Israel can maintain an equivalent system on Syrian soil. (MM 5/17)

60 of 80 mbrs. of the Jordanian parliament, incl. deputies who had approved the Jordan-Israel treaty, ask the government to freeze or cancel the treaty, recall Jordan's amb. to Israel, expel the Israeli amb. in protest over Israel's land confiscations. (MM 5/18; QY, RJ, SARR 5/18 in FBIS 5/18; SA 5/19 in FBIS 5/23; JP 5/27)

In Rabat, Arab League Secy. Gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid talks with King Hassan on holding summit to discuss Israeli confiscations of Palestinian land in Jerusalem, leaves for Cairo to confer with Pres. Husni Mubarak. Mubarak, Syria's Pres. Hafiz al-Asad discuss plans by phone. (MKR, RE 5/18, RE 5/19 in FBIS 5/19; RMC 5/19, AFP, RMC 5/21 in FBIS 5/22)

PA police raid 5 Gaza mosques in search of "inflammatory material," tear pro-Hamas placards off walls; issue order banning "provocative actions in mosques." (QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17)

MK `Abd al-Wahhab Darawshah, head of Israel's Arab Democratic Party (ADP), says Arafat has urged him to withdraw ADP's no confidence motion over the Jerusalem land confiscation. Arafat's office denies it, saying PA does not interfere in Israeli domestic affairs. (QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/18) (see 5/15)

1 IDF soldier, 1 Hizballah mbr. are killed, 7 Hizballah mbrs, 3 IDF soldiers, 1 SLA mbr. are wounded in 2 clashes in s. Lebanon. (MM 5/17; CSM, MM 5/18; JP 5/27; MEI 6/9)

Monthly 2-day mtg. of the  task force of the Multilateral Working Group on Economic Development opens in Cairo. (al-Hayat, MM 5/16; al-Sha`b 5/19 in FBIS 5/23)

In Tel Aviv, PA, Israel hold 1st talks on expanding self-rule, marking 1st time talks have been held inside Israel. Sides agree to transfer 5 more spheres (energy, insurance, labor, postal services, trade and industry) by 7/1. (AFP, MENA, VOP 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; JP 5/27)

In Washington, Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara`, Amb. to U.S. Walid Mu`allim meet with special Middle East envoy Dennis Ross, National Security Council (NSC) adviser Mark Parris; discuss peace process. (RMC, SARR 5/16 in FBIS 5/17)

In continuing crackdown, PA arrests 10 Hamas mbrs., bringing total detained in past 48 hrs. to 20. (AFP 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; MM 5/17)

Steve Abrams, frmr. dep. council for the House Comm. on International Relations, becomes AIPAC's senior lobbyist on economic and trade issues. "For me," he says, "this is coming home." (JP 7/27)

Israeli cabinet upholds confiscation of 134 acres announced 4/27. PM Rabin refuses to block decision, promises Israel will not confiscate any more Arab land in Jerusalem for housing purposes without Palestinian consent. Arab League calls promise "worthless." (QY 5/14, 5/15 in FBIS 5/15; CSM, WT 5/15; QY 5/14, ITV 5/15 in FBIS 5/16; JP 5/20)

Palestinian-Israeli Jerusalem Comm. opens 2-days of talks. (VOP 5/14 in FBIS 5/15)

In Cairo, Arab League Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid meets with Pres. Mubarak regarding convening summit on Jerusalem expropriations. (MENA 5/14 in FBIS 5/15)

PA military court convicts, sentences Sayyid Abu Musamih, Hamas official and editor of al-Watan arrested 5/13, to 2 yrs in jail for writing "seditious" articles, increasing tensions btwn. Hamas, PA. Al-Watan is ordered to close for 3 mos. (AFP 5/14 in FBIS 5/15; WT 5/15; AFP, QY 5/15 in FBIS 5/16; NYT 5/21)

IDF detains, questions, photographs PA policemen, min. officials at checkpoint as they return to self-rule areas. PA protests. (VOP 5/15 in FBIS 5/16)

Permanent extension of NPT is passed by consensus, without vote. Nations making critical speeches incl. Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria. (MM, NYT, WP 5/12; MENA 5/12, 5/13, 5/14, RE 5/14, MENA 5/15 in FBIS 5/15)

To date, 20 Republicans, 2 Democrats have signed on to Dole bill on move embassy to Jerusalem. Administration presses Democrats to reject bill. (MM 5/11)

PA says 500 guns have been registered since 5/11 deadline was declared 4/12. (JP 5/20, NYT 5/21)

PA, Israel reach agmt. that prevents disconnection of phone service to o.t. Israel will deduct communications debt. fr. aid it is donating to PA. (QY 5/12 in FBIS 5/12) (see 4/24)

PA receives 2 helicopters fr. Egypt for flying PA mbrs. btwn. Gaza, Jericho. Flights must have Israeli approval. (VOP 5/11 in FBIS 5/15; MENA 5/11 in FBIS 5/16)

Pres. Clinton picks Jay Footlik as his "special liaison" to the Jewish community. Footlik's job is to "monitor issues of concern to American Jews, ensuring Jewish access to the president and arranging for Clinton to attend relevant Jewish community events." (WJW 5/11)

White House sends warning to 3 Democratic senators (Daniel Inouye, cosponsor of Dole bill, D. Patrick Moynihan, Joseph Lieberman) that moving U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem  would have "a devastating impact on the peace process." (WT 5/15)

Frmr. Secy. of State James Baker calls on Clinton administration to take "more assertive role" in peace process to break impasses, says U.S. should commit now to stationing troops in Golan, opposes moving embassy to Jerusalem. (MM 5/11)

Jerusalem's Waqf authorities say site leased by U.S. as possible embassy location has been Waqf land for 200 yrs. U.S. officials say they doubt documentation supporting claim exists. (NYT 5/11; JP 5/20)

Final vote on NPT is postponed hours before it is to be held because of proposal submitted by Egypt, Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen to single out Israel's undeclared nuclear program for mention. U.S. counters by threatening to call open vote on Egyptian proposal which would surely be defeated. Egypt, U.S. reach agmt. to include general appeal to all nations with undeclared nuclear programs to adhere to NPT. (MM 5/10; NYT, WP, WT 5/11)

Israeli gunboat fires at, detains, searches Lebanese civilian cargo ship of coast of Tyre, s. Lebanon, as naval blockade continues. (RL 5/10 in FBIS 5/10)

IDF soldier is killed by friendly fire during night operation in s. Lebanon. (QY 5/11 in FBIS 5/12)

Housing M Ben-Eliezer says Israel will go ahead with confiscations of Arab-owned lands despite growing outcry; land will be expropriated as part of 5-yr. plan to build 30,000 new apartments in Jerusalem. FM Peres says confiscations are necessary to accommodate "natural growth" of Jerusalem's Jewish population. (MA 5/9 in FBIS 5/9; WT 5/10)

As way of solving current dispute over expropriations, FM Peres suggests confiscating land in Jerusalem for Arab housing. Palestinians across political spectrum denounce idea. (QY, VOP 5/9, QY, RE 5/10 in FBIS 5/10)

PA postpones 1st mtg. of new Palestinian-Israeli Jerusalem Comm. on land expropriations until 5/14 because Israel will not set agenda for discussions. Comm. is headed by Arafat advisor Husseini, Israeli Police M Shahal. (VOP 5/10 in FBIS 5/11; VOP 5/14 in FBIS 5/15) (see 5/8)

U.S. Amb. to the UN Albright criticizes Arab League call for UN to debate Israeli land confiscations, says it is not the proper forum, threatens to veto any resolution or statement on the issue. (MM 5/11; al-Hayat 5/12 in FBIS 5/15; JP 5/13; CSM 5/15)

Sen. Dole, Rep. Gingrich submit identical bills to Congress that would force Clinton to begin ground-breaking on new embassy site in Jerusalem before end of 1996, to open embassy by 5/31/99, under penalty of cutting in half total State Dept. construction funds for FY 1997, FY 1999. Secy. of State Christopher calls legislation "ill-advised and damaging" to peace process. Arafat, Arab League Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid urge against move. (MM 5/9; al-Hayat 5/9 in FBIS 5/10; NYT, WP, WT 5/10; NYT, WP, WT 5/11; NYT 5/18) (see Doc. D8)

American Jewish Congress issues letter to Congress in support of Dole initiative on U.S. embassy. Americans for Peace Now sends letter to Congress urging them to not support bill. (MM 5/10)

Arafat releases 2 Hamas mbrs., 21 other Palestinian prisoners arrested following bombings in April to mark Id al-Adha; promises more releases soon. (WT 5/10)

PA-Israeli Joint Liaison Comm. meets for 2d day in Cairo. FM Peres offers PA Planning M Shaath sudden concessions to Palestinians at negotiating table in light of Jerusalem issue). Sides agree to set up unofficial Jerusalem Comm. to address expropriation issue. Israel offers to broaden PA autonomy in West Bank, Gaza but dispute over land confiscation in Jerusalem prevents agmt. (MENA 5/7, QY, RE 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; MENA, VOP 5/8 in FBIS 5/9; WT 5/9; MEI, WP 5/12)

At AIPAC conference, Sen. Dole announces he will submit legislation to force U.S. to move embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel reacts coolly. Jordan, Morocco, UAE criticize  initiative, urge UNSC action. (ITV 5/8, QY 5/9 in FBIS 5/9; CSM, MM, WP 5/10; NYT, WT 5/11; MEI, WP 5/12)

Syria refuses Jordan's request to name amb. to Jordan, host visit of Jordanian FM Kabariti to Damascus to try to improve bilateral relations. (MM 5/9; al-Bilad 5/10 in FBIS 5/9 [dates as printed]; al-Quds 5/9 in FBIS 5/12) (see 12/14/94)

Rabin meets with mbrs. of Congress; presses them not to reduce foreign aid, aid to Israel, Arab partners in peace effort; discusses Iranian threat, talks with  Syria, PA about efforts to end attacks against Israeli targets; backs away fr. supporting Dole initiative to move embassy to Jerusalem. (NYT, WT 5/9)

In Amman, Jordan, Israel initial draft agmts. on regulating agriculture, energy, environmental cooperation; postpone initialing draft trade accord that will give Israel preferential tariffs for Jordanian goods. The accord would be 1st by Arab country to give preferential treatment to Israel. (WT 5/9)

Jordan's amb. to Israel Muasher warns Dep. FM Beilin that Jordan will chill relations with Israel if it does not reverse land confiscations in Jerusalem. (WP 5/12, CSM 5/15)

Jordan reportedly gives 2 Hamas mbrs. residing in Amman 1-mo. notice to leave country. (MM 5/9) (see 4/13)

IDF closes al-Quds office in Nablus, claiming it materials there linking the paper to Hamas. (HA, JP 5/10 in FBIS 5/11) (see 1/16)

Israel releases 250 pro-Fatah Palestinian prisoners, lifts curfew on Hebron (see 4/19) as goodwill gesture for Id al-Adha. (QY 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; NYT 5/9; CSM 5/10)

PLO Tokyo mission closes due to lack of funds. (al-Manar 5/8 in FBIS 5/11)

Arab League FMs' mtg. unanimously condemns Israeli confiscation of Arab lands in East Jerusalem, calls on UNSC to do same; discusses possibility of U.S. moving Israeli embassy to Jerusalem. Arafat calls for a suspension of normalization with Israel but Arab states refuse to take decision. (MENA, RE 5/6 in FBIS 5/8; WP, WT 5/7; MM 5/9; WJW 5/11; MEI 5/12; JP 5/13)

Israel lifts closure on o.t. begun 5/2. (QY 4/30 in FBIS 5/1)

PM Rabin arrives in U.S., meets with Defense Secy. Perry to discuss military cooperation, meets with Secy. of State Christopher, addresses the American Jewish Committee. (MM, WT 5/5; QY 5/5 in FBIS 5/5)

Russia says it will open representation office in self-rule areas. (VOP 5/5 in FBIS 5/8)

Hizballah fires 5 rockets into northern Israel, wounding 4 Israelis. (QY, RL 5/5 in FBIS 5/5; WT 5/6; VOL, MBC 5/5 FBIS 5/8; JP 5/13)

PA, Jordan sign 1st comprehensive trade accord, defining terms for shipments across Jordan river, preferential tariff system, free trade btwn. autonomous areas, Jordan. (RJ 5/4 in FBIS 5/4; JP 5/13)

Israeli embassy in Amman holds independence day celebration but few invited Jordanian officials attend. (SARR 5/4 in FBIS 5/5; JP 5/13; WT 5/17)

Arafat approves creation of Palestine Telecommunications Co., plans to have 600,000 phone lines, 200,000 mobile phones in use within 10 yrs. (VOP 5/4 in FBIS 5/5)

PA military court sentences 4 Palestinians to 6 mos. in jail for burning Israeli fields nr. Erez. (QY 5/4 in FBIS 5/5)

3 Israeli policemen, 1 Palestinian are hurt when Jewish extremists try to force their way in to al-Aqsa compound to pray. (CSM 5/5)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah shells IDF tank wounding 1 soldier, fires mortars at SLA position. IDF returns fire, killing 2 Lebanese civilians. (QY, VOL 5/4 in FBIS 5/4; RL 5/4, 5/5 in FBIS 5/5; WT 5/6)