The Palestine Chronology

Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Syria; discusses details of security arrangements for Golan with Pres. al-Asad; notes progress toward resumption of talks with Israel, incl. participation of military advisors, switching focus to post-withdrawal security arrangements rather than extent of withdrawal; says U.S. will "put forward options" for talks. Then flies to Jordan, meets with King Hussein to discuss debt issue (see 3/3); returns to Israel. (MM, WP 3/13; RMC, SARR 3/13 in FBIS 3/13; JTV, RJ, SARR, SATN 3/13 in FBIS 3/14; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/14; WJW 3/16; MEI 3/17 JP 3/18; JP 3/25; MEI 3/31; WT 4/19)

Jordanian-Israeli Follow-up Comm. meets in Dayr `Alla, reviews progress of subcomms., focuses on trade, transportation. Joint water comm. also meets in Dayr `Alla, finalizes discussions on line that will convey water fr. Lake Tiberias to King Abdullah Canal. (JTV 3/13 in FBIS 3/17)

Palestinian Arab League representative Muhammad Subayh says league mbrs. have passed PA proposal submitted to Jerusalem Comm. of the Arab League to build 10,000 housing units in East Jerusalem, with financing fr. Arab states. (al-Yawm 3/13 in FBIS 3/15)

The Netherlands opens representative office in Jericho. (VOP 3/13 in FBIS 3/14)

IDF raids Jenin Awqaf dept., confiscate files, documents on zakat funds. (VOP 3/13 in FBIS 3/14)

Israeli FM Peres, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, FM Amr Musa meet in Cairo, discuss NPT dispute, fail to reach compromise. Both say disagreement will not harm overall political, economic relations. Rabin turns down Musa's request to tour Dimona. (MM 2/23; IDF Radio, MENA, QY 2/23 in FBIS 2/23; ITV, MENA, QY 2/23 in FBIS 2/24; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 2/24; JP 2/25, 3/4)

PM Rabin, 13 MKs, top military commanders tour Israel's self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon. Rabin says peace deal could be cut with Lebanon in 9 mos. Syria accuses Israel of trying to drag Lebanon into separate peace. Lebanese Pres. Ilyas Hrawi reiterates importance of Syria-Lebanon alliance. (MM 2/24, 3/1)

Reports say Syria, Lebanon held detailed discussions about amending Lebanese constitution to renew Pres. Hrawi term in office or extend it for 3-4 yrs when it runs out 11/95. (MM 2/23)

PA begins using Palestinian postage stamp. Arab states permit its use; other states will follow once 2/3 of Universal Postal Union approve it. Mail fr. self-rule areas to Arab states will go through Egypt. (VOP 2/23 in FBIS 2/24)

Israel extends naval blockade of s. Lebanon fr. Tyre to Sidon, fires warning shots at Lebanese fishermen. Move raises Lebanese fears that Israel may carry out large-scale operation in the area. (VOL 2/23 in FBIS 2/23; MM 2/24; RL 2/25, IDF Radio 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; ITV 2/25 in FBIS 2/28; MM 3/1) (see 2/14)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli water comm. meets in Tiberias, continues discussion of implementation of treaty, dam project. (RJ 1/11 in FBIS 1/12)

Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, discusses settlements, peace talks; publicly appeals to U.S. to pressure Israel on settlements. FM Musa says Israel is jeopardizing peace by stalling on implementation of DOP, refusing to sign NPT. (MM 1/10; MENA 1/10 in FBIS 1/10; WT 1/11; MENA 1/10, MENA, JP 1/11 in FBIS 1/11)

PM Rabin says government will go on building in East Jerusalem; adds Israel must hold on to parts of West Bank to secure border with Jordan. (MM 1/11; HA 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; MEI 1/20)

Labor, Meretz MKs meet with PA representatives led by Culture M `Abid Rabbu in East Jerusalem to discuss obstacles to peace. (QY 1/10 in FBIS 1/12)

FM Peres leaves on 6-day trip to France, Latin America to boost peace process. Arrives in France for talks with Pres. Mitterrand on economic ties btwn. Israel, EU, Arab states. Reportedly discusses methods of advancing peace process with Syrian business executive (perhaps Nahid Tlass) given mandate by Pres. al-Asad to act as his go-between. (MM 1/10, 1/12, 1/13)

IDF reports Palestinian police prevented confrontation btwn. 6 PSF mbrs. (incl. PSF Gaza head Muhammad Dahlan), IDF soldiers escorting school bus heading to Netzarim settlement. Israel issues formal complaint about PSF to PA. (IDF Radio 1/10, QY 1/11 in FBIS 1/11; QY 1/11 in FBIS 1/12)

Jewish settlers fr. Elkana settlement bulldoze 22 acres, fence off 7 acres to begin expansion of settlement. 100s of Palestinians protest. IDF intervenes to prevent them fr. approaching construction site. (QY 1/10 in FBIS 1/11; WT 1/11; NYT 1/16)

IDF intervenes to prevent 100s of Jewish settlers fr. establishing new settlement on West Bank site where girl was killed 1/6, arrests 14. (MM, WT 1/11)