The Palestine Chronology

PM Barak phones Pres. Clinton for 2d time this wk. to discuss Secy. of State Albright's upcoming visit. (WT 8/15) (see 8/11)

In his 1st coalition battle, PM Barak faces losing his Knesset majority as the Shas party threatens to resign in protest of a government decision to transport a large electrical turbine by vehicle on the Sabbath, when roads are relatively empty. (MM 8/13; WP 8/14; NYT 8/15; MEI 8/20)

Iran, Turkey end 4 days of security talks in Ankara, agree to set up a hot line to coordinate their attacks on Kurdish rebels. The teams fail to reach other agmts., such as Turkish compensation for the 7/19 border strike on Iran. (IRNA 8/13, TT, VIRI 8/14 in WNC 8/16; NYT, WP 8/14)

In Cairo, Egyptian FM Musa, Jordan's Chief of the Royal Court Kabariti confer on the peace process. Kabariti brings a message fr. King Abdallah to Pres. Mubarak. (MENA 7/21 in WNC 7/22; JT 7/24 in WNC 7/26)

Spanish PM Aznar holds talks on the peace process with Lebanese pres. Lahoud, PM Huss in Beirut. Aznar, Huss also sign a $100-m. trade agmt. (al-Nahar 7/21 in WNC 7/22)

In Ankara, Israeli, Turkish air force cmdrs. hold talks on military training cooperation. (ATL 7/21 in WNC 7/22)

In Amman, Arafat aide Tayyib `Abd al-Rahim meets with PFLP Dep. Secy. Gen. Abu Ali Mustafa to discuss a possible reconciliation mtg. btwn. Fatah, the PFLP (ideally btwn. Arafat, as head of Fatah, and PFLP head George Habash). (RMC 7/21 in WNC 7/22; al-Ayyam 7/22 in WNC 7/27; JP, MEI 7/30; IDF Radio 8/5 in WNC 8/6) (see 6/16, 7/19)

IDF reports that in the past 3 wks., attacks on IDF, SLA troops in s. Lebanon have dropped to their lowest level in several yrs. (QA 7/21 in WNC 7/22; WP 7/22; WT 7/28; JP 7/30)

On the 1st stop of his regional tour, Turkish pres. Suleyman Demirel meets with Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman, PM Barak in Jerusalem; says that resumption of Syrian-Israeli negotiations would not affect Turkish-Israeli ties, despite tensions btwn. Ankara, Damascus. (MM 7/14; ATL 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MA 7/14 in WNC 7/16; NYT 7/15; WA 7/23 in WNC 7/26)

Arafat discusses peace process with Egyptian pres. Mubarak on the sidelines of the Organization of African Unity mtg. in Algiers. Arafat then departs for brief visit to Lithuania. (BNS [Tallinn], MENA 7/15 in WNC 7/16)

After 6 days of proreform student protests in Iran, crowds across the country (including 100,000 people in Tehran alone) turn out for counterdemonstrations organized by conservative officials. (CSM, NYT, WP 7/15; CSM, MEI, MM 7/16; MM 7/19; WJW 7/22)

Jordan holds local municipal elections. Islamic Action Front, the main Islamist opposition, wins majority of seats in Irbid, Russayfa, Zarqa; takes 5 of 20 elected seats in Amman. (Petra-JNA, RJ 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MM 7/16; NYT 7/17; MEI 7/30; MM 8/5)

Syrian pres. Asad grants amnesty to 150,000 prisoners jailed for cheating on food rations, dodging military service, smuggling, economic offenses. 100s of Palestinians, Jordanian nationals are among those freed. A number of Jordanians held as political prisoners will not be released. (MM 7/14; NYT 7/15; JT 8/3 in WNC 8/5)

Iran wins $50 m. contract to construct a power plant, repair several existing plants in Syria. (Iran News 7/15 in WNC 7/19)

IDF dismantles, confiscates a telephone communications network serving 10s of residents in the Palestinian neighborhood of al-Ram in East Jerusalem. The network was set up 18 mos. ago by the Palestinian Communications Company. (al-Ayyam 7/15 in WNC 7/19)

For the 1st time since the Barak government was sworn in, the IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in the West Bank. (INFOPAL [Internet] 7/30)

After more than a decade, Libya hands over to the UN 2 suspects in the Pan Am 103 bombing for trial in the Netherlands under Scottish law. UN immediately suspends sanctions on Libya, which were imposed in 1992. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/6; WT 4/7; MEI, MM 4/9; CSM 4/15; MEI 4/23) (see 3/19)

In Ankara, Arafat meets with Turkish pres. Sulayman Demirel, then heads to Moscow for mtg. with Russian FM Igor Ivanov. (NYT, WP, WT 4/6; Interfax 4/6 in WNC 4/7; PR 4/9; WJW 4/15)

Muslims in Nazareth observe general strike, call for mayor's resignation over project to build Christian pilgrimage site. (NYT, WP 4/6; WP, WT 4/7; MM 4/8; MEI 4/23) (see 4/4)

U.S appoints career diplomat Frank Ricciardone as "special representative for transition in Iraq" to coordinate the opposition to Saddam Hussein as mandated under the ILA. U.S. says it is prepared to contain Hussein with missiles, sanctions for yrs., while it tries to win acceptance for surrogate Iraqi exile armies that might eventually be able to overthrow the regime; will solicit cooperation fr. Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, possibly Iran to host exile armies. Turkey says it hopes Ricciardone will not operate fr. Ankara. (MM 1/21; WP, WT 1/22; HUR 1/22, Sabah 1/25 in WNC 1/26; WT 1/26; WP 1/29; MM 2/1; CSM 2/16) (see 1/15)

Egyptian FM Musa speaks with FMs of Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria regarding 1/24 Arab League mtg. on Iraq. (MENA 1/16 in WNC 1/20)

Italy allows PKK leader Ocalan to leave for an undisclosed location to seek asylum. Italy has been under diplomatic pressure fr. the U.S., economic pressure fr. Turkey to turn Ocalan over to Ankara. (NYT 1/17, 2/19) (see 11/25)

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak arrives in Ankara for 2-day talks with Turkey's Pres. Demirel on boosting political, economic cooperation. (MM 12/7; MENA 12/9 in WNC 12/11)

Arafat attends ceremony in Sweden to mark the 10th anniversary of his 1988 Stockholm visit in which he "renounced terrorism," sought to revive the peace process. In his speech, Arafat says that he has not set a deadline for declaring a state, that any Palestinian state wound not make alliances with parties hostile to Israel. (WP 12/7)

Nr. Ramallah, IDF breaks up demonstration by 300 Palestinians protesting Israel's release of criminals 11/20, new conditions to Wye implementation issued 12/2; injures 14. 5 Palestinians are injured in similar clashes in Bethlehem. PA Prisoners' Affairs M Hisham `Abd al-Raziq, 1,700 Palestinian prisoners begin hunger strike. (WT 12/6; WP, WT 12/7; MM 12/9; MEI 12/11; PR 12/18)

IDF demolishes 5 Palestinian homes, animal pens in Jiftlik nr. Nablus. (PR 1/8)

In Gaza, an IDF jeep intercepts a car bomb, absorbing the blast before it can ram a settler school bus. IDF seals the Gaza Strip. Hamas claims responsibility. PA places Shaykh Yasin under house arrest, detains more than 100 alleged Hamas activists. (MM 10/29; AFP, IDF Radio 10/29 in WNC 10/30; ITV, JTV, QY 10/29 in WNC 11/2; MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 10/30; SA 10/30, JT 10/31, al-Ahram 11/2 in WNC 11/6; NYT 10/31; PR 11/6; JP 11/9; MEI 11/16)

In Ankara, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, U.S., Uzbekistan sign a "political declaration of support" for construction of a Baku-Ceyhan pipeline. (Interfax 10/29 in WNC 11/2; MM 11/6) (see 10/22)

In Amman, Arafat consults with Crown Prince Hassan on upcoming Washington talks. (RJ 10/12, al-Dustur 10/13 in WNC 10/14)

Egyptian FM Musa shuttles btwn. Ankara, Damascus to mediate their dispute. Turkey, Syria say that they see signs of defusing the crisis. (MM 10/12; ATL, al-Hadath, MENA, SATN 10/12, MENA 10/13 in WNC 10/14; WP, WT 10/13; AFP, MENA, Sabah 10/13, SA 10/14 in WNC 10/15; MEI 10/16)

In Tehran, Iran, Turkey set up comm. to demarcate their common border. (IRNA 10/12 in WNC 10/14)

PM Netanyahu appoints current Infrastructures M Sharon as FM and chief negotiator with the Palestinians to head upcoming Washington talks, final status negotiations. He also keeps his position as infrastructures M. (MM 10/9; ITV, RMC 10/9, JT, MENA, al-Nahar, al-Ra'i 10/10, al-Akhbar, Petra-JNA, al-Ra'i, VOA 10/11 in WNC 10/14; NYT, WP, WT 10/10; WT 10/11; MM 10/12; CSM 10/14; MM, WJW 10/15; MEI, PR 10/16; MA 10/16 in WNC 10/19; JP 10/17, 10/29) (see 10/8)

In Ankara, Iranian FM Kharrazi discusses Turkish-Syrian tensions with Turkish FM Cem, then phones Egyptian FM Musa to brief him on his mediation efforts. (IRIB Television, IRNA, MENA, SANA 10/9 in WNC 10/14; IRNA 10/15 in WNC 10/16)

Yemen, Eritrea accept ruling of a London-based international arbitration panel that Eritrea should return most islands in the disputed Red Sea Hanish Archipelago that it occupied in 1995. (MM 10/12; JT 10/13 in WNC 10/14)

In continuing clashes in Hebron, 32 Palestinians are wounded by rubber bullets fired by the IDF. (NYT 10/10)

A Palestinian stabs to death an IDF soldier as she gets off a bus in Tomer settlement nr. Jericho. (MM 10/9; NYT, WP 10/10; PR 10/16)

A Palestinian woman dies of complications during labor when the IDF refuses to let her through a checkpoint to reach the Hebron hospital due to the ongoing closure. (PR 10/16) (see 9/22)

Secy. Albright holds 2d round of mtgs. with Arafat, Netanyahu. Netanyahu then heads to Ariel settlement for celebration marking Ariel's new city status (see 6/11) also attended by DM Mordechai, Infrastructures M Ariel Sharon. (MM 10/6; ITV 10/6, JT 10/7 in WNC 10/8; NYT, WP 10/7; ITV 10/7 in WNC 10/9; NYT 10/8; PR 10/9; MEI 10/16; JP 10/17)

CIA Dir. George Tenet meets with Israeli, PA officials on security MOU. Israel, PA reach understanding on long-delayed opening of Gaza industrial park after an FRD agmt. is finalized, discuss forming an "anti-incitement" comm. (WP 10/8; ITV, QY 10/13 in WNC 10/15; MEI, PR 10/16) (see 9/8)

While Egypt's Mubarak shuttles btwn. Turkey's Demirel in Ankara and Syria's Asad in Damascus, Turkish PM Mesut Yilmaz cancels leaves for all troops, gives Syria a "last warning" on support for Kurdish separatists. (MM 10/6; ATL, ESC Television, INA, ITAR-TASS, MENA 10/6 in WNC 10/7; MENA, al-Sabil, SATN 10/6, ATL, al-Dustur 10/7 in WNC 10/8; CSM, MM, WP, WT 10/7; ATL, HA, HUR, Iran News, al-Liwa', MENA, MIL 10/7, ATL, MIL 10/8 in WNC 10/9; MM 10/8; MA 10/9 in WNC 10/14) (see 10/5)

In s. Lebanon, Hizbullah mbrs. detonate roadside bombs as an IDF convoy passes, killing 2 soldiers, wounding 6. (MM 10/6; WT 10/7; JP 10/17)

Orient House head Faisal Husseini makes 1-day trip to Ankara to meet with Turkish pres. Demirel, FM Cem. (Anatolia 7/2 in WNC 7/6)

Syrian pres. Asad appoints Gen. Ali Aslan to replace Gen. Hikmat Shihabi, who is retiring, as chief of staff for the Syrian armed forces. Aslan, an Alawite with a distinguished military career and no record of political involvement, is currently dept. chief of staff. (MM 7/3; al-Quds al-Arabi 7/3, al-Aswaq 7/4 in WNC 7/7; al-Quds al-Arabi 7/5 in WNC 7/13; PR 7/17)

The UN asks Spain to provide a brigade of soldiers to work in UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to replace Norwegian troops. Norway decided in 6/98 to reduce its UNIFIL force by 66% at the end of 1998 for financial reasons. (ABC [Madrid] 7/3 in WNC 7/7)

In Washington, Secy. Albright, PM Netanyahu hold 2d day of fruitless talks aimed at restarting peace talks. Lower-level teams headed by U.S. special envoy Ross, Israeli Cabinet Secy. Nave will work over the weekend. Netanyahu spends rest of day making courtesy calls to mbrs. of Congress, attending lunch in his honor hosted by the Comm. on International Relations; does not lobby mbrs. to pressure administration to moderate its position. (MM 5/14; NYT, WP, WT 5/15)

100,000s of Palestinians across the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem turn out for 2-minute moment of silence, nonviolent "March of 1 Million" to mark 50 yrs. of dispossession (known as al-Nakba). Marches in several areas (including, Bethlehem, Gaza, Hebron, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jinin, Nablus, Ramallah) devolve into clashes with IDF, which fires live ammunition, rubber bullets, killing 5 Palestinians, wounding 200-400, making this the worst day of violence in the territories since 9/25/96. 20 Israeli soldiers, policemen and 2 civilians are also injured. Netanyahu calls demonstrations a PA "pressure tactic." (LAW, MM 5/14; IDF Radio, ITV 5/14 in WNC 5/15; NYT, WP, WT 5/15; JTV 5/14, Anatolia [Ankara], Corriere della Sera [Milan] 5/15 in WNC 5/18; LAW 5/18; WP 5/19)

50,000 Palestinians in Syria hold march in Yarmuk refugee camp to commemorate al-Nakba. (JP 5/23)

In Jerusalem, fire damages one of the wooden doors of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Israel police suspect Jewish extremists. (RJ 5/14 in WNC 5/15; WP 5/15)

In Ankara, Iran, Turkey hold talks on expanding ties. (IRNA 5/14 in WNC 5/18) (see 5/4)

In Ankara, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey hold follow-up discussions on the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project. (Anatolia [Ankara] 5/14 in WNC 5/15) (see 4/26)

IDF expels 3 Lebanese civilians fr. s. Lebanon security zone for celebrating release of relative fr. SLA custody. (AFP 5/14 in WNC 5/15; RL 5/15 in WNC 5/18)

Pres. Clinton asks Secy. Albright to cancel her trip to Europe for the G-8 summit, meet with PM Netanyahu in Washington 5/13 in another effort to "overcome the remaining differences." (MM 5/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/12)

In a 2d emergency session, CPMAJO mbrs. vote 27-3 to ask for a mtg. with Clinton; to draft letter objecting pressure on Israel, Hillary Clinton's 5/6 statements. (WP, WT 5/12; WJW 5/14) (see 5/7)

In Beirut, FM Buwayz discusses Israel's conditional withdrawal proposal with Nigerian FM Mamane Sambo Sidikou. (RL 5/11 in WNC 5/12)

In Ankara, Turkish PM Mesut Yilmaz, Dep. Chief of Staff Gen. Çevik Bir attend 50th anniversary reception at the Israeli embassy. (Anatolia 5/12 in WNC 5/13)

13 yrs. after denying him sanctuary claiming that he was not its spy, Israel officially recognizes Pollard as its agent in hopes of negotiating his release. (NYT, WP, WT 5/12; MA 5/13 in WNC 5/14; WJW 5/14) (see 4/14)

Iran, Iraq launch their 1st joint operation to search for remains of soldiers killed in their 1980+n88 war. (WP 5/12)

Hamas's Shaykh Yasin arrives in Kuwait. (MM 5/12)

In retaliation for SLA shelling of Lebanese village that wounded 2 civilians, Hizballah units in s. Lebanon fire rockets at IDF base just inside n. Israel, injuring 2 soldiers. (AFP, ITV, MBC, RL 5/11 in WNC 5/12; ITV, VOL 5/11 in WNC 5/13; WT 5/12; al-Diyar 5/12 in WNC 5/18)

After mtg. with U.S. special envoy Ross, PM Netanyahu announces he will not attend 5/11 Washington summit, saying that the deadline does not afford Israel enough time to come to terms with the U.S. proposal. U.S. says it would consider a brief postponement if Israel seems to be moving toward a deal. (MM 5/8; IDF Radio, ITV, QY 5/8 in WNC 5/11; NYT, WP, WT 5/9)

In Rome, Lebanese pres. Hrawi discusses Israel's conditional withdrawal proposal, peace process with Pres. Scalfaro. (RL 5/9 in WNC 5/12) (see 3/31)

Uri Bar-Ner presents his credentials as Israeli amb. to Turkey, a post left vacant for 8 mos. (Anatolia [Ankara] 5/8 in WNC 5/12)

In s. Lebanon, 8 civilians are injured by IDF shelling. 1 SLA mbr. is killed in separate incident. (RL, VOL 5/8 in WNC 5/11)

In Beirut, shooting breaks out btwn. Hizballah, Amal mbrs., leaving 5 wounded. Lebanese army units intervene to halt fighting, wounding 2 others. (RL 5/9 in WNC 5/12)

In London, Arafat, Netanyahu meet separately with PM Blair, then each hold 2 mtgs. alone with Secy. Albright. Netanyahu discusses (but does not offer) the C-plus option, which he hints could make an 11% FRD possible, but Albright refuses to budge fr. 13.1%. All teams agree to stay an extra day for further talks. (IDF Radio, JT, JTV 5/4 in WNC 5/6; ITV 5/4, al-Ahram, MA, YA 5/5 in WNC 5/8; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/5; WP 5/6; WJW 5/7; MEI, PR 5/8; JP 5/9)

In Petra, Jordan, Israel hold talks on ways to increase bilateral trade, Jordanian exports to PA areas. (RJ 5/4 in WNC 5/6)

Turkey tells Iran that it is ready to cooperate with Iran in all fields, especially in transportation, trade. (Anatolia [Ankara] 5/4 in WNC 5/6; Zaman [Istanbul] 5/5 in WNC 5/8) (see 5/3)

Iran calls on Egypt to improve bilateral ties. (VIRI 5/5 in WNC 5/8; IRNA 5/9 in WNC 5/12)

Tel Aviv mayor Roni Milo, one of Netanyahu's most powerful political allies, announces that he is planning to quit the Likud party when his term as mayor expires in 11/98; set up new centrist party; run for PM in the next elections, which must take place by 5/2000. (MM, NYT, WT 5/5; Corriere della Sera [Milan] 5/5, ITV 5/6 in WNC 5/8; MM 5/6; ITV 5/10 in WNC 5/13; JP 5/16)

U.S. special envoy Ross, Asst. Secy. of State Indyk discuss upcoming London mtgs. with Arafat in Gaza, hold 2d mtg. with PM Netanyahu. (ITV 4/26 in WNC 4/27; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/27; PR 5/1)

In Ankara, the presidents of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey hold follow-up mtg. on transporting Caspian oil to Turkish ports, recreating a Eurasian transport corridor, spurring regional economic growth. (ITAR-TASS 4/26, Bakinskiy Rabochiy [Baku], Sabah [Istanbul] 4/28 in WNC 4/30; Milliyet [Ankara] 5/11 in WNC 5/13) (see 3/2)

U.S. special envoy Ross holds separate mtgs. with Arafat in Gaza, Netanyahu in Jerusalem. (WT 3/29; JP 4/4)

In a conference call to 10's of American Jewish leaders, Secy. Albright says that the U.S. is frustrated by the delays in the peace process but will not give Israel an ultimatum for redeployment fr. the West Bank. Malcolm Hoenlein, exec. dir. of the Council of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, says that Albright has been holding conference call briefings on the peace process with Jewish leaders every 2 or 3 months. (MA 3/29 in WNC 3/20; MM, NYT 3/30; RE 3/30 in WNC 3/31)

In Aqaba, Jordan, Israel agree on "Aqaba-Elat Tourism Program" to encourage travel packages for large tourist groups; discuss recent decision by 2 tourist transport companies to cancel daily routes to the area because of low demand. (JT 3/28 in WNC 3/31)

In Ramallah, Jordan's Dep. PM Jawad al-Anani, Arafat discuss U.S. FRD initiative. (JTV 3/27 in WNC 3/30; al-Ra'i 3/28 in WNC 3/31)

In Ankara, PC delegation led by Speaker Qurai` discusses peace process with Pres. Suleyman Demirel. Qurai` says that PA respects Turkey's military cooperation agmt. with Israel. (Anatolia 3/27 in WNC 3/30)

In Amman, bomb explodes outside Modern American School, causing material damage but no injuries. No one takes responsibility. (RJ 3/28 in WNC 3/31; RJ 5/10 in WNC 5/13)

Arafat meets with Egypt's Pres. Mubarak in Cairo. (MENA, RE 3/24 in WNC 3/25)

In Cairo, Arab League FMs discuss status of the peace process, forming united Arab stance on ways to deal with Israeli government. (MENA 3/24 in WNC 3/25)

In Washington, Israel's Communications M Limor Livnat meets with congressmen to urge them to pressure Pres. Clinton not to publicize a U.S. FRD plan. (ITV 3/24 in WNC 3/25) (see 3/3)

In Ankara, Turkey, Israel hold trade talks, sign trade protocol. (Anatolia [Ankara] 3/25 in WNC 3/27)

In Jerusalem, Israeli officials, reps fr. Russia's leading gas producer Gazprom discuss possibility of constructing pipeline to bring Russian gas to Israel via Turkey. (Interfax 3/24 in WNC 3/25)

New resistance group Lebanese Battalions for Resisting Israeli Occupation (LBRIO) stage 1st attack against IDF positions in s. Lebanon, with backup fr. Hizballah. Most LBRIO mbrs. are in their mid-20s, not officially mbrs. of any party or group, want to participate in resistance but do not want to join an Islamist group. According to Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hassan Nasrallah, LIBRO mbrs. are training, operating in tandem with Hizballah units until they are ready to operate on their own. (VOL 3/24 in WNC 3/25; al-Ahd [Beirut] 3/25 in WNC 3/27; al-Shira [Beirut] 3/30 in WNC 4/2)

PA, Israel joint comm. on the Gaza port convenes. (al-Ayyam 12/9 in WNC 12/17)

Al-Najah University holds student council elections. Of 81 seats, Hamas wins 40, Fatah 35. (al-Najah Students Union Council press release 12/9)

Israeli DM Mordechai arrives in Ankara to discuss upcoming naval maneuvers with Turkey, the U.S.; improving intelligence coordination; cooperation in manufacturing missiles, tanks. (Bayrak Radio [Nicosia] 12/4 in WNC 12/9; MENA 12/9 in WNC 12/17; NYT 12/12; JT 12/17 in WNC 12/19)

Iraq executes 4 Jordanian students for smuggling auto parts. Iraq has recently rounded up 523 Jordanians suspected of "economic crimes." (MM 12/10, 12/11; RJ 12/16 in WNC 12/18; MM 1/6; MEI 1/16; MM 1/20)

In Nablus, a bomb explodes nr. an IDF vehicle passing by Joseph's Tomb, injuring 2 soldiers. The IDF closes the main roads to the nearby villages of Bayt Furik, Bayt Dajan. (PR 7/18)

In Hebron, 25 Jewish settlers start stone-throwing riot with Palestinians, prompting the IDF to intervene, wounding 9 Palestinians. IDF also places cement barriers along Shalala Street, which divides the PA-, Israeli-controlled enclaves; closes 50 Palestinian shops in Israeli-controlled downtown Hebron in retaliation for nearly 2 wks. of Palestinian protests, clashes. (NYT, WT 7/13; LAW 7/14)

In Ramallah, mbrs. of the PLO Exec. Comm. join in demonstrations to protest the expansion of Jewish settlements, anti-Muslim posters in Hebron. (PR 7/18)

The IAF Executive Bureau discusses whether it should follow the Muslim Brotherhood's lead and boycott 11/97 Jordanian elections, does not come to a final decision. Muslim Brotherhood issues formal statement outlining reasons for its decision to boycott. (al-Aswaq 7/12, al-Dustur, JT, al-Ra'i 7/13, RJ 7/14 in WNC 7/16; MM 7/14, 7/15; al-Quds al-Arabi 7/16 in WNC 7/18) (see 7/9)

In Ankara, PM Yilmaz's new government wins (281-256) its first vote of confidence. (WP 7/13)

Claiming they saw suspicious movements, IDF soldiers in s. Lebanon fire a shell at a 70-yr.-old Lebanese man collecting fodder for his cattle, killing him. Israel apologizes for the "accident." (RL 7/12 in WNC 7/16)

Egypt's Baz arrives in Jerusalem for talks with PM Netanyahu, Arafat on possibility of holding 3- or 4-way summit with Pres. Mubarak/King Hussein. (MM 6/12; QY, YA 6/13 in WNC 6/17) (see 6/8)

In Istanbul, the culture Ms representing the Group of Eight Developing Islamic Counties (D-8) hold preparatory mtg. in advance of the 1st D-8 summit on 6/15; issue declaration vowing to pursue cultural, tourism cooperation agmts. The D-8, which encourages cooperation on all levels btwn. member states, comprises Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey. (Anatolia [Ankara] 6/12 in WNC 6/17)

In Gaza, IDF soldiers, settlers clash with Palestinians protesting the confiscation of land belonging to Khan Yunis for Morag settlement. 2 Palestinians are wounded by live ammunition, 1 dies of a heart attack. In a separate incident nr. Gush Qatif settlement, Palestinians clash with settlers dedicating a monument to an Israel soldier killed during the 9/24-28 clashes; 1 settler shoots, wounds 2 Palestinians. IDF moves more tanks into Gaza. (MM, NYT 6/13; JP 6/21; MEI 6/27; MM 6/30)

Netanyahu adviser Gold is confirmed as Israel's new amb. to the UN. To assume the post he has to give up his U.S. citizenship. (WT 6/11; MEI 7/25) (see 5/21, 5/29)

House of Representatives condemns the PA by voice vote for allegedly killing land dealers, votes (406-17) to approve a separate nonbinding resolution recognizing Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel. Pres. Clinton opposes the measure as harmful to the peace process. (MM, WT 6/11; MM 6/12; MM, WT 6/13; AFP, RL 6/13, SATN 6/14, JT, RJ 6/15, Muslim [Islamabad] 6/16 in WNC 6/17; Anatolia [Ankara] 6/16, VOA 6/17 in WNC 6/18; TJT 6/20 in WNC 6/24; MEI 6/27; PR 7/4) (see 5/31)

Israeli court rejects the compensation claims of families of Palestinians killed by Baruch Goldstein in the 2/25/94 al-Ibrahimi mosque attack, says government is not accountable for Goldstein's actions. Israel had offered $25,000 each to the parents of the 19 single men killed and $63,000 to the widows of married victims. The 19 families took the money, but the widows sought $150,00-$300,000 each. (WP 6/11; MEI 7/25)

Turkey again raises the possibility of creating a "security zone" in n. Iraq similar to Israel's self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon. (AFP 6/10 in WNC 6/11; MM 6/19) (see 6/20/96, 5/24)

Israeli naval forces halt a commercial ship carrying cars off the coast of s. Lebanon, search it, examine logs before allowing in to dock at Tyre. (VOL 6/11 in WNC 6/12) (see 6/5)

PA police detain al-Quds owner, Palestinian-American journalist Daoud Kuttab for airing live the Palestinian Council (PC) weekly session, focusing on PA corruption. (WP 5/21; LAW, NYT, WP 5/22; MM 5/27) (see 4/30)

Israeli dep. finance M David Magen submits his resignation for 2d time (see 5/2), citing disapproval of PM Netanyahu's policies; says he will not be dissuaded fr. quitting this time. (Globes [Internet] 5/20 in WNC 5/21)

After discussions with FM Levy, Oded Eran rescinds his resignation fr. his post as Israeli amb. to Jordan. (WP 5/21; JP 5/31)

In Amman, Jordanian police arrest 5 journalists while breaking up a demonstration against the new press law. Jordanian Council of Ministers says that there is no chance the law will be revoked. (MM 5/20; RJ, RMC 5/20 in WNC 5/21; MM 5/21; RJ 5/22 in WNC 5/23; RJ 5/22 in WNC 5/27) (see 5/18)

Turkey claims to have killed 1,300 PKK mbrs., captured 200 during the past wk. of its offensive. An estimated 20,000 Turkish soldiers are now in n. Iraq. (MM 5/20; Anatolia [Ankara], RMC 5/20 in WNC 5/21; NYT, WT 5/21; WP 6/12) (see 5/19)

U.S. special envoy Ross extends his stay in the region after Israel, PA agree to hold informal mtg. at Amb. Indyk's residence. Israeli team will be led by DM Mordechai, Netanyahu personal atty. Yitzhak Molho. PA side will be led by Local Government M and PISMC head Erakat, Culture M `Abid Rabbu. (MM 5/13; YA 5/13 in WNC 5/14)

In Amman, Norwegian FM Godal meets with King Hussein. (RJ 5/13 in WNC 5/14; JTV 5/13 in WNC 5/15)

Israeli amb. to Jordan Eran, quits after 8 days on the job because he was not informed about the 5/8 mtg. btwn. PM Netanyahu, King Hussein until 1 hr. before it happened; hopes that his resignation leads to improved relations btwn. Netanyahu's office, the FMin. (MM 5/13; JTV 5/13 in WNC 5/15; CSM 5/14; JP 5/24) (see 5/5)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak travels to Morocco for talks on the peace process with King Hasan. (WT 5/14)

Turkish PM Erbakan postpones indefinitely joint naval maneuvers with Israel. (Analtolia [Ankara], ITV 5/13 in WNC 5/14; MM 5/14; IGPO, SANA 5/14 in WNC 5/15; al-Nahar 5/14 in WNC 5/19) (see 5/1)

Labor party mbrs. vote down a proposal (37% for, 63% against) to create the post of party pres. for fmr. PM Peres, defer further debate until 9/97 (well after the new party leadership is selected 6/3). Decision heralds end of Peres's formal leadership of the party, is seen as victory for party rival IDF Chief of Staff Barak. (MM, NYT 5/14; YA 5/14 in WNC 5/15; JP 5/24)

In testimony before Congress regarding domestic and international terrorism, FBI Dir. Louis Freeh states that several Middle Eastern "terror groups" (including Hamas, Hizballah) "have placed supporters inside the U.S. who could be used to support an act of terrorism here." (WP 5/13)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, Syrian pres. Asad discuss possible Arab summit on the peace process. (ESC Television [Cairo], RMC 5/1 in WNC 5/2; MM 5/2)

Turkey, Israel end 3 days of military talks, agree to perform joint military maneuvers with the U.S. later this yr. (Anatolia [Ankara] 5/2 in WNC 5/2; MM, WT 5/2; Turkiye [Istanbul] 5/4 in WNC 5/7; VIRI 5/6 in WNC 5/8; JP 5/10)

PM Netanyahu forms a 10-mbr. Gesher, Likud, Tsomet ministers' forum that will meet once a wk., before cabinet sessions. The PM's goal is to have the ministers more involved in consultations to prevent incidents similar to the Bar-On affair. (IDF Radio 5/1 in WNC 5/2)

ILMG continues discussion of 4/29 complaints, determines that 1 mortar fired 4/25 by a Lebanese group accidentally landed inside Israel, but reaches no final decisions. (RL 5/1 in WNC 5/2)

U.S. takes over rotating chairmanship of ILMG fr. France today, but the U.S. official will assume his post 5/5. (al'Ahd 5/9 in WNC 5/15)

IDF eases closure allowing 28,000 Palestinians fr. the West Bank, 27,000 fr. Gaza into Israel. (MM 4/30; RMC 4/30 in WNC 5/2; NYT 5/2)

In Damascus, EU special envoy Moratinos discusses the peace process with Pres. Asad. (RMC 5/1 in WNC 5/2)

Israeli DM Mordechai hosts Turkey's DM Turhan Tayan. (MM 4/30; IDF Radio, IGPO 4/30 in WNC 5/1; MM 5/1; Anatolia [Ankara] 5/2 in WNC 5/2; WT 5/2; Turkiye [Istanbul] 5/4 in WNC 5/7; VIRI 5/6 in WNC 5/8; JP 5/10; MEI 5/16) (see 2/25, 4/4)

Knesset rejects opening further inquiry into Bar-On affair. (WT 5/3; JP 5/10) (see 4/21)

Israeli dep. finance M David Magen resigns to protest the atty. gen. decision not to indict PM Netanyahu. (ITV 4/30 in WNC 5/1; Globes [Internet] 4/30 in WNC 5/2; MM 5/1)

Palestinian television broadcasts of the PC weekly session are jammed for the 2d wk. in a row. Some PC mbrs. blame the PA, though Arafat's office claims it cannot determine the source of the interference. (Internews [Internet] 4/30; PR 5/16; WP 5/21)

Bank of Israel reports that for the 1st quarter of 1997 tourism has dropped 16%, the economic downturn which began in 7/96 continues. (Globes [Internet] 4/30 in WNC 5/2)

In Jordan, an Israeli tourist is stabbed, lightly injured. Jordanian police arrest perpetrator. (JTV, RMC 4/30 in WNC 5/1; JP 5/10)

Nr. Jerusalem, IDF soldiers open fire on Palestinian car that fails to stop at a checkpoint, killing the driver. (MM 4/30; RMC 4/30 in WNC 5/2; PR 5/2)

Convicted spy Jonathan Pollard petitions the Israeli High Court to order PM Netanyahu to acknowledge that Pollard was employed by Israel to spy on the U.S.; to reveal information regarding his employment, Israeli efforts to have him released. (Globes [Internet] 4/30 in WNC 5/2)

Arafat reportedly takes ill on his way to mtg. in Egypt, returns to Gaza with his physician under ambulance escort. PA makes no statement. (IDF Radio 4/9 in WNC 4/10)

At a mtg. in Gaza attended by Arafat, PA security chiefs refuse a request by the CIA, Israeli security officials to reestablish security coordination immediately. (ITV, MA 4/9 in WNC 4/10; MM 4/10; ITV, YA 4/10 in WNC 4/11; WT 4/11; ITV 4/11 in WNC 4/15; MEI 4/18)

In the Israeli controlled enclave of Hebron (H2), 2 Jewish yeshiva students open fire with Uzi submachine guns (provided by the IDF), killing a Palestinian, sparking riots in the PA controlled section of the city (H1) during which IDF troops kill 2 Palestinians, wound 100; 5 soldiers are also injured. PA policemen prevent riots fr. spilling over into H2; some are injured by Palestinian protesters, others by rubber bullets fired at the protesters by the IDF. (MM 4/8; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/9; ITV 4/9 in WNC 4/10; PR 4/11; MEI 4/18; JP 4/19)

Israeli FM Levy arrives in Turkey for talks with PM Erbakan. (MM 4/8; Anatolia [Ankara] 4/8 in WNC 4/9; VIRI 4/8, Sabah [Istanbul] 4/9 in WNC 4/10; VIRI 4/10; Milliyet (Istanbul) 4/11 in WNC 4/16)

Israeli citizen David Mir, who owns 50% of the land which Israel confiscated for Har Homa and disapproves of Israel's decision to build, announces that he has been negotiating with Palestinians, other Arabs to transfer his rights to the land so as to turn the construction at Har Homa into construction on land confiscated fr. Arabs. (ITV 4/4 in WNC 4/7)

Turkey ratifies free trade agmt. with Israel (passed by the Knesset in 1996). (Analtolia [Ankara] 4/8 in WNC 4/9; VIRI 4/8 in WNC 4/10)

400 Palestinians clash with IDF troops in Hebron. 16 Palestinians are wounded by rubber bullets. Other clashes occur in Bethlehem, East Jerusalem. (WT 4/5)

Greece complains to the U.S. about recent Israeli initiatives, U.S. relations with Turkey. (MA 4/6 in WNC 4/8) (see 4/3)

In Lebanon, delegation fr. Hamas's political bureau meets with Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hasan Nasrallah to discuss peace process, Jerusalem. (al-'Ahd 4/4 in WNC 4/9)

1,000 IDF soldiers guard Israeli construction workers as they begin construction at Har Homa. Israeli police, border guards beat back Palestinian protesters with fists, boots, rifles. IDF snipers, other soldiers with belt-fed machine guns take up firing positions nr. the demonstrators. IDF seals Bethlehem, Hebron to prevent protests. Arafat calls on Palestinians not to resort to violence; Netanyahu claims that the PA "has prepared the ground for violence that [it] would initiate," U.S. says no proof exists. (MM 3/18; ITV 3/18, RE, SA 3/19 in WNC 3/20; NYT, WP, WT 3/19; MEI 3/21; TJT 3/21 in WNC 3/25)

Italian PM Prodi arrives in Lebanon for talks with PM Hariri, Speaker Nabih Birri regarding the peace process, economic issues. (RL, VOL 3/18 in WNC 3/19; RAI Televideo [Rome], SATN 3/18, RL 3/19 in WNC 3/20)

Iranian FM Velayati arrives in Qatar on a tour to the Gulf to improve Iranian-Gulf ties. (MM 3/19)

Jordanian police prevent 120 mbrs. of the Jordan Engineers Association fr. marching to the Daqamsa home to show solidarity with the soldier, his family. (WT 3/19; MEI 3/21) (see 3/17)

In Ankara, the Joint Iraqi-Turkish Comm. hold talks on economic, diplomatic relations. (INA 3/18 in WNC 3/19)

Saudi Arabian citizen Hani `Abd al-Rahim Sayigh is detained in Canada at U.S.'s request for extradition in connection with the al-Khobar barracks bombing in Saudi Arabia 6/25/96. (WP 3/24; MM 3/26; WP 3/27-29; NYT 3/31, 4/3; WP 4/5; MM 4/18) (see 11/24/96, 1/10/97)