The Palestine Chronology

In Geneva, Pres. Clinton presents Syrian pres. Asad, FM Shara` with a maximalist proposal fr. Israeli PM Barak for a Golan withdrawal that would place the final border east of the 1923 international border around Lake Tiberias. Asad rejects the proposal outright. After the mtg., the U.S. says that it would not be productive for Israel, Syria to resume talks now, since "it's not obvious that . . . differences can be bridged." (WP 3/26; al-Quds 3/26 in WNC 3/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/27; al-Quds 3/27, DUS, Le Monde 3/28 in WNC 3/29; XIN 3/27 in WNC 4/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/28; AYM, al-Quds 3/28 in WNC 3/30; WP 3/29; WJW 3/30, 4/6; al-Quds 4/6 in WNC 4/11; JP, MEI 4/7)

The pope ends his Middle East trip by holding Sunday mass at the Basilica of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, joining worshipers at the Western Wall, visiting with the grand mufti of Jerusalem, meeting with Latin patriarchs and bishops. (NYT, WP, WT 3/27; WJW 3/30; JP 3/31)

On visit to Austria, Israeli Dep. FM Beilin says it makes no difference to Israel which elements are in control of s. Lebanon "so long as the safety of the inhabitants is maintained." Statement thought to be a concessionary signal to Syria. (MM 4/20)

Syrian VP Khaddam says Syria still wants full withdrawal to 6/4/67 border [the 1967 border incl. a strip of land along the Sea of Galilee not incl. in the international border], "equality" in security arrangements, recent signals fr. Israel have not changed Syria's position. (MM 4/20)

U.S. says Saudi Arabia failed to cooperate with U.S. effort 2 wks ago to seize Islamic Jihad's Imad Mughniyya in connection with 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing. Saudis refused to let plane in which Mughniyya was flying land on Saudi soil. (NYT, WP, WT 4/22; al-Hayat 4/23 in FBIS 4/25; MM, WT 4/24; WJW 4/27)

Previously unknown group, Islamic Salvation Front for Palestine, releases 2d communiqué in 2 wks threatening to attack Israeli targets in Egypt, Algeria, France, Britain, U.S. if PA crackdown on Islamist groups continues. Hamas, Islamic Jihad say they have never heard of the group. (AFP, QY 4/20 in FBIS 4/21)

FBI switches focus of search for Oklahoma bombers to domestic separatist, white supremacist groups; Middle Eastern connection termed unlikely. (NYT, WP, WT 4/21; WP 4/22; MM 2/24) (see 4/19)

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)