The Palestine Chronology

Palestinian police vanguard of 20 officers enters Jericho fr. Jordan. PLO and Israeli officials in Jericho and Gaza discuss transfer of powers. PLO official Khalid Qudra says after Gaza mtg. he expects full Palestinian takeover to occur 5/17. (MM 5/12; NYT, WP, WT 5/13)

IDF evacuates Rafah, Gaza Strip, turning over police station and military govt. HQ to 40 locally recruited Palestinian police. IDF also leaves bases in Khan Yunis and Maghazi, al-Burayj, and Nusayrat r.c.s. (NYT, WP, WT 5/13)

Israeli AG Michael Ben-Yair tells Knesset that parliamentary immunity no longer applies in Palestinian autonomous areas. Remark is directed at 3 Likud and NRP MKs staging sit-in at Jericho's Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue. (MM 5/12)

Israeli truck driver ambushed nr. Mogaz settlement, Gaza Strip, in attack claimed by Hamas. 1 Palestinian arrested. In Jabaliya r.c., Palestinian gunmen shoot at IDF soldiers, who return fire, wounding 1Palestinian. (WP 5/13)

PLO official Nabil Shaath announces appointment of 15 mbrs. of Palestinian National Authority. 2 women are among appointees. Israeli PM Rabin says naming of 15 of 24 mbrs. sufficient to proceed with transition to self-rule. (NYT, WP, WT 5/13)

Dep. Asst. Secy of State Daniel Kurtzer, in Cairo, states U.S. has pledged $10.1 m. toward job creation, construction, and training for Palestinian refugees. Kurtzer in Cairo for 3-day mtg. of multilateral working group on refugees. (MM 5/12)

Central Gaza Prison closed down, 500 of its inmates transferred to other prisons and 200 released. IDF dismantles Gaza army bases but does not withdraw. (CSM, NYT, WT 5/6)

PLO Chmn. Arafat visits Amman to brief King Hussein on Gaza-Jericho agreement after Cairo mtg. with top aides to discuss appointment of 24 mbrs. of Palestinian National Authority. (MM 5/5; WP, WT 5/6)

Japanese FM Koji Kakizawa visits Jericho, pledges $200 m. to Palestinian National Authority. Settlers attempt for 2d day to occupy Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue in Jericho. (CSM, WT 5/6)

Norwegian Middle East mediator Terje Rod Larsen says Palestinian police force has received $20 m. in international donations, less than 1/2 of estimated $47 m. budget for 1st 6 months. Larsen says U.S. has pledged additional $5 m. PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath says there will be overlap btwn. IDF presence and police. (NYT, WP 5/6)

PFLP, DFLP announce attacks on Israel will continue but that forces will avoid clashes with Palestinian police, according to statement by PFLP SG Dr. George Habash. Syrian media, including party paper al-Ba'th, join Palestinian factions in condemning Gaza-Jericho agreement. (MM 5/5; CSM, WP 5/6)

Al-Hayat reports Russia has agreed to write off 90% of Syria's $10 b. debt to Moscow. Syria will purchase $500 m. in Russian weapons in deal reached during Russian Dep. PM Oleg Soskovets's visit to Damascus previous week. (MM 5/5; WT 5/11)

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in Cairo announce agreement on Palestinian police force, release of prisoners. Police force set at 9,000, with 2,000 recruited fr. o.t. and 7,000 fr. outside. Police will be armed with automatic rifles, handguns, and be equipped with 45 APCs and 120 medium MGs. U.S. to supply 200 jeeps and other vehicles; Saudi Arabia loans C-130 aircrafto transport police. Israel agrees to release 5,000 Palestinian prisoners-2,500 after signing of accord, 2,500 when Palestinian police take over, according to PLO official Nabil Shaath and Israeli negotiator Amnon Shahak. Hamas prisoners will not be released. Negotiations on remaining issues to resume 4/17. (NYT, WP 4/13)

Israel-PLO economic talks in Paris achieve "very significant progress" according to Israeli Finance M Avraham Shohat. Agreement reportedly close on direct and indirect taxation and financial affairs, "except for currency." Sides also divided on trade and labor. (MM 4/12, 4/13)

Settler fr. Shiloh fires at stone-throwers in al-Jib village, West Bank, kills 18-yr.-old Palestinian, 4 mos.' pregnant, in nearby house. Settler arrested, curfew imposed on al-Jib. (MM 4/12, 4/13; WP, WT 4/13)

IDF kills 1 Palestinian, wounds another during stone-throwing clashes in Jalazun r.c., West Bank. In Jericho, 5high-school students wounded by Border Police rubber bullets. (MM, NYT 4/13)

Ramallah placed under curfew as IDF searches for Palestinian fugitives; house of Dr. Muhammad Wahidi, Fateh supporter whose daughter Abir was sentenced to 17 yrs.' imprisonment for mbrship. in Fateh cell that killed a settler, attacked with gunfire and antitank rockets before being bulldozed. (NYT, WT 4/13)

17-mbr. advance TIPH team arrives in Hebron, meets Mayor Mustafa al-Natsha, local IDF cmndrs. Opposition to Danish-Italian-Norwegian force expressed by Hamas spokesman Taysir Tamimi, settler spokesman Yehiel Leiter. Center Hebron opened to Palestinians for 6 hours while team visits, but curfew reimposed afterward. Clashes break out btwn. Palestinians, IDF after curfew restored; 4Palestinians wounded. (MM 4/11; WP, WT 4/12)

PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath says in Cairo mtg. 4/13 deadline for Israel-PLO autonomy agreement, IDF withdrawal fr. Gaza and Jericho will be "impossible," accepts proposal by FM Peres to set target date at end 4/94. (CSM, NYT, WT 4/12)

"Security sources" report killing in 'Ayn al-Hilwa r.c., Lebanon, of Lt. Col. Husayn Abu Zayd, 4th Fateh loyalist to be killed in Lebanon since 9/13/93. (CSM 4/12)

U.S. Defense Dept. notifies Congress of plans to sell 25 McDonnell Douglas F-151 fighter-bombers to Israel for $2.4 b. Initially, deal announced 1/94 had involved 20 planes, valued at $2 b. Package includes 25 Martin Marietta Corp.-manufactured LANTIRN navigation and targeting pods, 11 spare Pratt & Whitney engines. DoD also announces sale of 70 MK-46 torpedoes worth $40 m., 32 Harpoon missiles worth $57 m. to Egypt. (NYT, WT 4/12; DoD releases)

Israeli cabinet discusses removing settlers fr. Hebron. Frmr. Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Goren issues ruling saying ending Jewish presence in Hebron "requires us to resist it to the death, all of us, every Jew." FM Peres says closing Hebron settlement "not necessary," but tells CNN curfews will be applied to Jewish settlers as well as to Palestinians. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/7)

British Foreign Secy. Douglas Hurd, after mtg. with PLO official Nabil Shaath, says Britain agrees to take part in "international presence" to protect Palestinians in o.t. Foreign Office later says UK contingent would be civilian, not military. Norway also agrees to participate. EU Commissioner Hans van den Broeck calls for prompt Israeli action to enhance Palestinians' security. PLO "FM" Faruq Qaddumi says PLO still insisting on international protection, but not necessarily as part of UNSC resolution. (WP, WT 3/7)

Israeli human-rights org. B'Tselem criticizes IDF action in wake of Hebron massacre, charging that in none of 12 cases in which Palestinians killed by IDF "were soldiers or police in life-threatening circumstances." Group condemns "frequent use of live fire in situations that were not life-threatening." (WP 3/4)

PLO establishes investigative comm. into Hebron massacre. (MENA 3/3 in FBIS 3/4)

Israel releases another 400 Palestinian prisoners in gesture to restart peace talks. Palestinian negotiator Ghassan al-Khatib dismisses release as "a cosmetic measure," noting "900 or 600 new prisoners have been arrested since the massacre." (MM 3/3; Qol Yisra'el 3/3 in FBIS 3/3; NYT, WP, WT 3/4)

27 Palestinians in West Bank, 7 in Gaza Strip wounded by IDF gunfire during demonstrations. (AFP 3/3 in FBIS 3/4)

Alleged collaborator killed in Gaza. Fateh claims responsibility. (AFP 3/3 in FBIS 3/4)

PLO official Nabil Shaath holds talks in Washington with Asst. Secy. of State Robert Pelletreau, State Dept. Middle East talks coordinator Dennis Ross, and NSC Middle East director Martin Indyk on resumption of Israel-PLO negotiations in wake of Hebron massacre. Shaath says PLO wants further steps by Israel to restrain settlers, protect Palestinians, "we want the peace process to continue and succeed." (MM, NYT, WP 3/3; NYT 3/4)

Vatican and Jordan establish diplomatic relations. (RJ 3/3 in FBIS 3/4; NYT 3/4)

Round of Cairo talks btwn. PLO and Israel on Gaza-Jericho autonomy ends, PLO official Nabil Shaath telling reporters "there is only a little left [to do]" on autonomy agreement.  Israeli negotiator Amnon Shahak agrees "real progress has been made."  (MENA 2/23 in FBIS 2/24; MM 2/24)

Israeli PM Rabin, in Lisbon, says Israel willing to allow 8,000-mbr. Palestinian security force in Gaza and Jericho to be equipped with patrol boats, "1 or 2" helicopters.  (MM 2/23; WT 2/24)

Secy. of State Christopher, testifying to Senate Foreign Relations Comm., says U.S. would provide peacekeepers for Golan Heights if Israel and Syria "consider it crucial to their reaching an agreement."  Christopher calls Syria-Israel talks "serious."  (MM 2/24)

Current round of Israel-PLO talks in Taba ends, both sides reporting progress.  PM Rabin says talks held in a "good atmosphere."  Security comm. divides into subcomms. on police, prisoners.  PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath says draft agreement on Palestinian police force reached.  (MENA, IDF Radio 2/17 in FBIS 2/18; MM 2/17)

During 2d day of bilateral Arab-Israeli talks in Washington, Israeli negotiators Uri Lubrani, Itamar Rabinovich complain to Lebanese delegate Suhail Shammas, Syrian amb. Muwaffaq al-Allaf over 2/16 katyusha incident.  Meanwhile, Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi, Syrian Pres. al-Asad meet in Damascus to discuss tensions in southern Lebanon.  (Qol Yisra'el 2/17 in FBIS 2/17; MM 2/17; SARR 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

Israel-Jordan-U.S. economic talks in Washington end, Jordanian side expressing reluctance to pursue joint projects with Israel until Israel-Syrian talks achieve progress, Israeli-Jordanian disputes over refugees, water, Arava region resolved.  (Qol Yisra'el 2/18 in FBIS 2/18).

Israeli PM Rabin blames 2/16 katyusha attack on "Black September 13" group, notes "our understandings with Syria regarding Hizballah remain in effect."  (Qol Yisra'el 2/17 in FBIS 2/18; MM 2/18)

Anwar Rashid Tahir Qtait, 24, killed by IDF at checkpoint in Saris [Misilyah??] village, nr. Janin in West Bank, when he makes a "threatening gesture."  In Halhul, IDF shoots and seriously wounds at least 4 Palestinians protesting 2/16 killing of Najwan al-`Izza.  (MM 2/17; IDF Radio 2/17 in FBIS 2/17)

Israeli Yuval Golan, stabbed in Hebron 12/29/93 by Palestinian, dies of wounds, becoming 201st Israeli killed by Palestinians during intifada according to AFP figures.  1,179 Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire in same period.  (AFP 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

Hamas's `Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigade issues statement offering "protection and weapons" to Palestinian collaborators who kill their Shin Bet control officers.  (AFP 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

MK `Abd al-Wahab Darawsha (Arab Democratic party) announces Syrian govt. has allowed him to visit Damascus at head of 31-mbr. delegation to pay condolences on death of Basil al-Asad.  Visit will be 1st official trip by Israeli Arab allowed by Syria.  PM Rabin calls trip a "positive step." (MM, WP 2/18; WT 2/19; NYT 2/20)

Congolese Int. M Martin Mberri confirms Brazzaville has signed $50 m. contract with Israeli company for training, equipping Congolese army.  Officials say 40 Israelis training presidential guard unit, 20 more to come.  Mberri says France will train regular army and police.  Congo armed forces fighting guerrillas loyal to frmr. dictator Denis Sassou-Nguesso for 8 mos.  (WP 2/18)

PLO-Israel talks in Taba, Egypt on details of Gaza, Jericho autonomy resume. Discussions focus on size, deployment of Palestinian police force, release of Palestinian prisoners. PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath says "there were no serious obstacles," adds "we are negotiating in good faith." (MENA 2/14 in FBIS 2/15; WT 2/15)

Jewish Agency Chmn. Simha Dinitz, frmr. Israeli amb. to U.S., charged with fraud and breach of trust for misuse of agency credit cards. Indictment charges head of quasi-governmental body with diverting $23,000 in agency funds to personal use. (NYT, WP 2/15)

Golan Druze stone Israeli police during protest marking 12th anniversary of Golan general strike. (MM 2/15)

PLO official Nabil Shaath says Israel-PLO talks in Cairo getting to detailed level, reports progress and exchange of drafts on security arrangements. (WP 1/27)

King Hussein meets Secy. of State Christopher in Washington, D.C. At news conference marking end of U.S. visit Jordanian ruler calls for "interfaith dialogue" on Jerusalem's holy places, reiterates that East Jerusalem should be restored to Arab rule. Hussein also says he hopes to meet Israeli PM Rabin "before too long." (NYT, WP, WT 1/27)

Qatari FM Shaykh Hamad bin Jassim alThani, visiting U.S., says Arab states have "been discussing" boycott of Israel and "are ready to take some action" on phasing it out. Al-Thani also confirms Israel and Qatar discussing supply of Qatari natural gas to Israel. (MM, NYT 1/27)

Resident of Jabaliya camp, Gaza, killed, presumably for collaboration with occupation. (Qol Yisra'el 1/27 in FBIS 1/28)

Company for Developing Old Jaffa announces agreement with Vatican on setting up Vatican embassy in Franciscan church in Jaffa, 1st embassy in Israel in historically Arab city. (MM 1/26)

Israel-PLO Civilian Affairs Comm., mtg. in Taba, postpones work to 1/31, awaiting results of Arafat-Peres mtg. Gaza-Jericho talks resume in Cairo under PLO official Nabil Shaath, Israeli FMin. DG Uri Savir. (MENA 1/25 in FBIS 1/25, 1/26)

PLO and Egypt sign 5-yr. economic and technical cooperation agreement giving each side most-favored-nation status, supporting local industry, and exploring joint projects, including free zone at Rafah. (MM 1/25)

Molodet figure Shaul Gutman announces formation of breakaway body, called "Peace Guard," to pursue platform of "transfer." (Qol Yisra'el 1/25 in FBIS 1/25)

Israel-PLO talks in Taba on implementation of Gaza-Jericho accord recess, PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath saying agreement reached on 35 of 38 issues. (WP 1/13)

IDF Central Command head Maj. Gen. Nehemia Tamari, top Israeli officer in West Bank, killed with 3 other officers in helicopter crash nr. Jerusalem. (Qol Yisra'el 1/12 in FBIS 1/12; MM 1/12; NYT 1/13)

Yediot Aharonot reports Israeli economic delegation in Morocco for talks with Moroccan PM, other officials. (MM 1/12)

Israelis fr. across political spectrum form "Peace Watch" to monitor compliance with Israel-PLO agreements. (MM 1/13

PLO-Israel talks resume in Taba, Egypt. Israeli delegation led by IDF Maj. Gen. Amnon Shahak, PLO by Nabil Shaath. Shaath estimates 3 weeks required for sides to reach Gaza-Jericho withdrawal agreement (MENA 1/10 in FBIS 1/10; NYT, WT 1/10; CSM, WP 1/11)

"Kahane Chai" mbrs. assault U.S. journalist Robert Friedman, visiting West Bank settlement of Tapuah. Group holds Friedman responsible for "witch hunt" against late Rabbi Meir Kahane, murdered in New York in 1990. (WP 1/11; WT 1/12)

3 U.S. congressional staffers tour villages nr. Sultan Ya'qub, Lebanon, in search for evidence of IDF soldiers missing since 1986. (RL, VOL 1/10 in FBIS 1/10; WT 1/11)

U.S.-Israel Joint Political-Military Group begins 20th session of talks on U.S.-Israel strategic cooperation with mtg. of military affairs. subcomm. Plenum, chaired by Israeli DMin. DG David Ivry and U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Robert Galluci, to meet 1/12. (MM 1/10)

"Damascus Declaration" countries (GCC states, Egypt, Syria) issue statement on upcoming Clinton-al-Asad summit "affirming their strong backing for Pres. Asad." (MM 1/10)

Frmr. Palestinian negotiator Dr. Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi leads delegation to Tunis to demand that PLO Chmn. Arafat share power, set up collective leadership. (NYT, WT 1/3; NYT 1/4)

Israel informs PLO talks scheduled to resume 1/3 will not take place because Chmn. Arafat reneged on Cairo agreement. Arafat rejects Israeli criticism, telling Jericho rally "If Rabin thinks he is able to humiliate the Palestinian people, he is wrong.' PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath calls Rabin's criticisms "blackmail." (Algiers VOP, Qol Yisra'el 1/2 in FBIS 1/3; CSM, NYT, WP 1/3)

Demonstrations against DoP in Gaza end with 4 Palestinians shot and wounded by IDF (WP 1/3)

Shin Bet arrests 2 alleged Fateh mmbrs. in Khan Yunis for 12/31 killing of Israelis in Ramla. (MM 1/4)

Reps. of Israel, PLO, and donor countries hold talks in Oslo on creation and funding of Palestinian police force. PLO official Nabil Shaath says $100 m. needed for task. (MM 12/21)

UNGA passes resolution supporting peace process and calling for Israeli withdrawal fr. "the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, and fr. the other occupied Arab territories." Resolution, which calls settlements "illegal and an obstacle to peace," adopted by vote of 92 for and 5 against, with 51 abstentions. (MM 12/21)

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Monsignor Michel Sabbah, in interview, urges Israel to "rethink" position on sovereignty over Jerusalem, free Hamas leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin as a goodwill gesture. (MM 12/20; WT 12/21)

Israeli govt. official confirms that govt. intends to annex "several hundred" dunums of West Bank land to extend Givat Ze'ev settlement toward Jerusalem. Settlers' council says 136,415 Israelis live in o.t. (MM 12/21)

Fateh Uprising, in statement fr. Damascus, warns Christian pilgrims they may not be safe if they visit Jerusalem or other holy sites in o.t. during Christmaseason. (AFP 12/20 in FBIS 12/21; WT 12/21)

3 Hamas mbrs. returned fr. exile 12/15- 'Abd al-'Aziz Rantisi, 'Abd Allah Dukan, and Muhammad Sham'a-placed under administrative detention for 6 mos. (Qol Yisra'el 12/20 in FBIS 12/21)

Israel-PLO talks on withdrawal held in Norway. Israeli delegation headed by FM Peres, includes Environment M. Yossi Sarid and IDF Dep. Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Amnon Shahak. PLO side includes Yasir 'Abd-Rabbuh, Nabil Shaath, Ahmad Qurai'. (WP, WT 12/19)

Anti-DoP protests in Ramallah lead to IDF-Palestinian clashes in which 4 Palestinians wounded. (WP, WT 12/19)

5,000 Palestinians march in Khan Yunis funeral of Ahmad Abu al-Rish. 1 Palestinian wounded by IDF gunfire in clashes in Gaza City. (WT 11/30)

Fateh hawks cmdr. Taysir Bardini, 26, captured by IDF after gun, grenade battle in Rafah camp, Gaza Strip. Hawks announce "resumption of intensive military action" against Israeli targets. (AFP 11/29 in FBIS 11/30; MM, NYT 11/30)

PLO-Israel talks in Cairo, al-Arish resume. PLO official Nabil Shaath reports progress on release of Palestinian prisoners, but PM Rabin refuses to give details. Environment M. Yossi Sarid says "it's obvious more Palestinian prisoners will be released gradually." (MM 11/29, 11/30; WT 11/30)

Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza ("Yesha") announces formation of "Hashomer" volunteer guard units to defend settlements. Also, "Irgun Yehudi Leumi" (IYAL- Jewish Nationalist Organization) issues leaflets in settlements calling on settlers to refuse mandatory IDF service. (MM 11/30)

Hadashot publisher Amos Schocken tells IDF radio afternoon tabloid will close due to low circulation and falling advertising revenues. (MM 11/29; WT 12/1)

PLO-Israel talks on Israeli withdrawal fr. Gaza and Jericho resume in Cairo. Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath reports progress on release of Palestinian prisoners. (MENA 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; NYT, WT 11/24)

PLO-Israel talks on economic cooperation resume in Paris. (MM 11/24)

22 Palestinian graduates of Egyptian police academy cross into Gaza Strip to form nucleus of Palestinian police force. (NYT 11/24)

Muhammad 'Ali Fara of Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, shot dead trying to evade IDF roadblock in Jabaliya camp. In Idnah, nr. Hebron, 'Abd al-Razzaq Shahada killed by premature detonation of roadside bomb. (Qol Yisra'el 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; NYT 11/24; WT 11/25)

12th Jordanian parliament opens; frmr. PM Tahir al-Masri elected speaker of lower house 57-22, defeating Islamic Action Front candidate. (MM 11/23)

Alleged Hamas mbr. Shadi Muslih 'Isa, 18, attacks Israeli police officer, civilian at Erez crossing point, Gaza Strip, and is shot dead. (MM 11/16)

16-yr.-old Palestinian student Rami Ghazzawi killed when IDF fires on youths stoning settler cars in al-Birah. 3 other students wounded. (MM 11/16)

Settlers in Hebron riot, overturning stalls at fruit and vegetable market and attacking Palestinian cars. (MM 11/16)

Israeli Justice M. David Libai, at Maale Ephraim settlement, warns settlers that no one could "take the law into his own hands," says govt. "will have to subdue any attempt to have influence by illegal means." IDF states it will act "firmly and aggressively" to stop settler assaults, will use "reasonable force." (MM 11/16; NYT 11/17)

PM Rabin tells Secy. of State Christopher 12/13 deadline for implementation of DoP may not be met. (MM 11/16, 11/17)

Israeli-Palestinian talks on implementation of Gaza-Jericho provisions of DoP resume in Cairo. Israeli delegation led by IDF Dep. Chief of Staff Amnon Shahak, Palestinian by PLO official Nabil Shaath. (Cairo TV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Israel-PLO economic talks in Paris chaired by Fin. M. Avraham Shohat and PEDRA DG Ahmad Qurai' establish 3 subcomms. on trade and labor, taxation and banking, and currency. Subcomms. are to meet 11/23-25 in Paris, heads of delegations on 11/25. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Gov. Muhammad al-Nabulsi says agreement reached with Palestinians to retain Jordanian dinar as o.t. currency, have CBJ supervise and monitor banking. (JTV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Multilateral talks on Middle East environment end in Cairo with Israeli-Arab agreement on Gulf of Aqaba oil spills, dispute on Israeli nuclear waste, Jordan Valley land reclamation. Delegates fr. 40 countries, in 4th mtg., agree on 20 environmental projects. (MENA 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Palestinian leaders in o.t., Jordan, "and elsewhere" submit memorandum to PLO Chmn. Arafat criticizing PLO performance, demanding reforms. (MM 11/17, al-Ray 11/18 in FBIS 11/18)

Knesset Golan caucus considers bill fr. Likud and NRP mbrs. to amend law annexing Golan to require majority of 80 MKs for any change in law. Labor mbrs. of caucus express sympathy with bill, which given current Knesset divisions would effectively bar negotiations with Syria. (MM 11/17)

Syrian VP Khaddam tells foreign correspondents PLO Chmn. Arafat "fell into a big trap" in signing DoP, notes "There are 4 million Palestinian refugees living outside the territories covered by the 'Gaza-Jericho First' agreement." Khaddam claims Arafat "abandoned coordination with the Arab parties," states "I believe the majority of the Palestinian people do not support the agreement." (MM 11/16; SARR 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Hizballah offensive on IDF and SLA; Katyusha barrages fired in "security zone," assaults on 2 IDF, 6 SLA posts. 12 SLA mbrs. taken prisoner, at least 2 IDF soldiers and 2 SLA mbrs. wounded. 1 Hizballah mbr. killed in attack. IAF bombs 3 Hizballah bases nr. Ba'labakk, knocks out radio antenna. "Black September 13 Brigades," Fateh group opposed to DoP, claims responsibility for katyusha barrage on Qiryat Shemona. (MM 11/16, 11/17; IDF Radio, AFP 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Turkish FM Hikmet Cetin, in interview with JP, says Syria behind Kurdish attacks in Turkey, Israel and Turkey should cooperate on counter-terrorism. (MM 11/16)

Israel Archaeologists Society calls for end to govt. Antiquities Authority search for scrolls in West Bank ("Operation Scroll"), saying search aims at denying Palestinian scholars access to materials and will complicate future Israeli cooperation with Palestinians and Jordan. (WT 11/17)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin in Tunis, presses for progress toward Israeli-Syrian accord. (WT 10/14)

Palestinian and Israeli negotiators open meeting in Taba, Egypt, as Palestinian-Israeli DoP enters into force. PLO delegation headed by Nabil Shaath; Israeli, by IDF Dep. Chief of Staff Amnon Shahak. Talks center on size of Jericho autonomous region, size and powers of Palestinian police force, redeployment of Israeli troops, control over water resources, and security of Israeli settlers in o.t. Palestinians contend Jericho includes entire 133 sq. mi. Jericho district, while Israelis assert only town of Jericho, about 10 sq. mi., is to be handed over to Palestinians. PLO security official Amin al-Hindi excluded fr. Palestinian delegation over Israeli protests he was responsible for murder of Israeli athletes at 1972. Munich Olympics. Simultaneously, Israeli FM Peres and PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Mahmud 'Abbas meet in Cairo, agree on 5 steps for future negotiations including setting up liaison comm. and ministerial-level economic comm. Two sides urge "early resumption" of Arab-Israeli talks in Washington. (NYT, WP 10/14)

PLO Chmn. Arafat dismisses Fateh cmdr. in Lebanon Munir al-Maqdah, who had been critical of DoP and called for Arafat's resignation (see 8/23). (VOL 10/14 in FBIS 10/18)

General strike in o.t. called by Palestinian factions opposed to DoP observed throughout West Bank and Gaza Strip with exception of Jericho. (MM 10/13; CSM 10/15)

Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz, in interview with WT, faults DoP for not affirming Palestinian right of return, says "It is not fair to solve the Palestinian problem to create a Lebanese one.... implanting 400,000 Palestinians in Lebanon will create political, confessional, religious problems." (WT 10/13)

Israeli PM Rabin, in Beijing, admits Israel has sold arms to China, denies Israel broke U.S. laws against technology transfers and disputes CIA estimate that Israel-China arms trade amounts to billions of dollars a year, saying 1992-93 trade totaled $60 m. Rabin says "we have never done anything against American law" and asserts, "We are not stupid enough to endanger" U.S. aid to Israel. Rabin's 4-day visit to China includes meeting with Chinese DM Chi Haotian, tours of Chinese arms plants, and visit to Shanghai. (NYT, WT 10/14)

PLO Chmn. Arafat announces Hamas has agreed to not obstruct PLO efforts to implement PLO-Israel agreement, refrain fr. violence among Palestinians. Agreement allegedly signed 9/15 in Gaza by Fateh and Hamas reps. Arafat says pact paves way for 10/93 meeting in Yemen between PLO and opposition factions. Arafat travels to Alexandria to reassure Egyptian Pres. Mubarak of Palestinian gratitude for support in peace process. (MM 9/16; NYT 9/17; WT 9/18)

Syrian radio reports VP Khaddam met with DFLP leader Nayif Hawatmah, PFLP head George Habash. (MM, NYT 9/17)

Jordan begins police registration of illegal Palestinian residents. Estimated 60,000 residents of o.t. have overstayed temporary Jordanian visas this year. (Sawt al-Sha'b 9/16 in FBIS 9/17; MM 9/17)

Opinion surveys show that 60% of Israeli Jews support Israel-PLO agreement signed 9/13. (WP 9/17)

EC pledges $1 b. for Middle East programs. Funds are earmarked for hospital, 50,000 housing units in Gaza and building of Palestinian "administrative backbone." EC also considering funding large-scale regional programs, including highway system to link Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. EC commissioner for development aid Manuel Marin meets in Brussels with PLO official Nabil Shaath to discuss distribution of assistance. (WP 9/17)

Spokesman for PM Rabin confirms that Environment Min. Yossi Sarid notified Rabin before meeting with PLO official Nabil Shaath in Cairo in late July. Rabin approved, but did not endorse, meeting, spokesman says. Rabin states he "will not prevent a minister from meeting someone from the PLO, even though I don't think it's positive." Israeli PM does not rule out himself meeting with PLO, but asked if he would meet Chmn. Arafat, says "I hope not." (see 8/5) (MM 8/11, 8/12)

Israel grants visa to PNC mbr. and senior adviser to Palestinian peace delegation Hasan 'Abd al-Rahman, former PLO representative in U.S. and Canada, to visit his home village of Surda in the West Bank for his mother's funeral. (MM 8/11; WT 8/12)

Israeli Environment Min. Yossi Sarid is reported to have met with PLO official Nabil Shaath with PM Rabin's knowledge. Rabin's spokesman denies meeting was on behalf of PM. Shaath refuses to confirm or deny meeting, says Palestinians "cannot accept" 6/30 U.S. paper (MBC Television 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; NYT 8/6)

Secy. of State Christopher meets with Jordan's King Hussein in Amman, then again with Palestinian and Israeli representatives in Jerusalem, bringing message from Syrian Pres. al-Asad to Israeli PM Rabin. Christopher states in Amman "there's been absolutely no change in the United States's position" on status of o.t. or Jerusalem (see 7/21). Rabin calls current shuttle diplomacy "a change for the better," says Palestinians "cannot get their act together." Christopher announces he will revisit Syria and assume role of "active intermediary." Palestinian delegation gives Christopher PLO memo on draft "statement of principles," but only after modifying it due to disagreements with Tunis's statements on jurisdiction of self-governing authority and Jerusalem. (JTV 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; Sawt al-Sha'b 8/5 in FBIS 8/5; Qol Yisra'el 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; NYT, WP 8/6)

Hizballah launches rockets into "security zone." IDF and SIA return fire. (WP 8/6)

PM Rabin meets with Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), chmn. of the foreign operations subcomm., to discuss U.S. aid to Israel. Rabin says afterwards that "Israel is more than entitled to receive the full aid." Issue of aid cut did not arise in Leahy's earlier meetings with Fin. Min. Shohat (Qol Yisra'el 2/8 in FBIS 2/8; MM 2/8; WT 2/9)

Itamar Rabinovich takes office as new Israeli amb. to Washington. (Qol Yisra'el 2/9 in FBIS 2/9)

Hanan Ashrawi and head of Palestinian delegation to multilateral talks on refugees Muhammad Hallaj meet with State Dept., NSC officials involved in the peace process (with follow-up meetings 2/11). PLO pol. adv. Nabil Shaath reiterates 1/12 Palestinian conditions for resumption of peace talks. (MM 2/8)

IDF soldiers disguised as Arabs shoot dead 2 Palestinian youths near Jenin. (Qol Yisra'el 2/8 in FBIS 2/9; WP, WT 2/9)

Between meetings with FM Peres and PM Rabin in Jerusalem, UN special envoy Chinmaya Gharekhan says the UNSC "cannot wait any longer" for Israel to repatriate the 12/17 deportees. Israel formally asks the UN to delay further action until the High Court ruling (see 1/17). (MM 1/20; WT 1/21)

Jordan Times reports that the PLO "kitchen cabinet" (the "American lobby") of pol. advisor Nabil Shaath, Exec. Comm. mbr. Mahmud 'Abbas, and Yemen-based Bassam Abu-Sharif believe that linkage between the deportations and the peace talks is "not necessary." (Jordan Times 1/20 in FBIS 1/21)

EC Commission says it plans no sanctions or downgrading of Israel's trade status despite its objections to the deportations. (MM 1/22)

Israel announces that the mostly Muslim former Soviet Republic of Kyrgyzstan will open an embassy in Jerusalem. (NYT 1/21)

Bill Clinton is inaugurated 42nd president of the U.S. (NYT 1/21

FMs of 20 Arab countries end 2-day Arab League meeting, issue statement calling on UNSC to impose sanctions on Israel, implement Chapter 7 of UN charter (authorizing force) if it refuses to allow back the 12/17 deportees. FMs also demand protection of o.t. Palestinians by a UN force. (MM 1/12; NYT 1/13; MENA, RFL 1/12 in FBIS 1/13)

Palestinian delegation issues statement outlining " basic requirements for reviving a genuine peace process". (al-Quds 1/13 in FBIS 1/14)

Al-Fajr reports that PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir 'Abd-Rabbuh has said that statements by Palestinian delegation steering comm. head Nabil Shaath on the deportees issue (see 12/31) do not express the PLO's position. (al-Fajr 1/12 in FBIS 1/13)

UNLU and Hamas issue 2 joint statements in the o.t. (Sanaa VOP 1/12 in FBIS 1/14)

Israel offers to allow back 10 Palestinians mistakenly deported. The 10 say they would like to return immediately, but that the only crossing point has been mined by Israel. Israel offers to allow an intl. org. to escort them back through 1 of 3 Lebanese-controlled crossing points. (NYT 1/1; Qol Yisra'el 12/31 in FBIS 12/31, 1/4)

Lebanon rejects 12/30 French proposal to place the deported Palestinians under the provisional care of UNIFIL in Lebanese-controlled territory. PM Rafiq al-Hariri meets with Russian then U.S. amb. to Lebanon. (NYT 12/31; VOL 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

Al-Quds reports that the Palestinian delegation to peace talks has unanimously rejected PM Rabin's 12/27 invitation to an informal meeting. (al-Quds 12/31 in FBIS 1/5)

Four Palestinian factions (PFLP, DFLP-Hawatima faction, PPSF, PLF) issue statement criticizing Palestinian leadership's 12/27 statement for its lack of a plan of political action to counter the 12/17 deportations. (QPAR 1/2 in FBIS 1/4)

PLO advisor and Palestinian delegation steering comm. head Nabil Shaath says the deportations and the peace process are "two battles which have to be led separately," and the Palestinians may have to "bring it [the deportations] to the table of negotiations." (AFP 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

Ha'Aretz reports that the o.t. security service Shin Bet initially gave PM Rabin a list of 6 Hamas leaders to be deported, and came up with 1 more name when asked to expand the list. Shin Bet was later surprised at the scope of expulsions the IDF was then ordered to carry out. (WP 1/1; Ha'Aretz 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

Palestinian delegation holds first-ever press conference for Israeli reporters at their hotel in Washington. PLO political advisor Nabil Shaath presides, calls current Israeli proposal a "non-starter." (ITV 8/29 in FBIS 8/31)

PLO political advisor Nabil Shaath reports the PLO has received assurances from U.S. calling for total freeze of Israeli settlements in o.t., stating that granting of $10 billion loan guarantees does not change U.S. policy on the Palestine problem. (MENA, AFP 8/19 in FBIS 8/20)

Israeli Police Min. Moshe Shahal says changes are not necessary to 8/5/86 amendment to antiterror law outlawing meetings with the PLO; clause should be deleted completely as rest of law already deals with "those who endanger Israeli security." (Qol Yisra'el 8/5 in FBIS 8/6)

Israel Lands Admin. orders temporary freeze on all new private settlement construction in o.t. while scope of private construction is assessed. (Qol Yisra'el 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; MM 8/5)

Palestinian, Jordanian delegation mbrs. meet in Amman. Sa'ib 'Urayqat and Zakariya al-Aghannounce that their delegation will arrive in Amman 8/20 to travel with the Jordcanian delegation to Washington. PLO pol. advisor Nabil Shaath arrives in Amman for 5-day working visit. (Radio Jordan, JTV 8/5, Al-Ray 8/6 in FBIS 8/6)

Labor MK Avigdor Kahalani, a tank commander on the Golan Heights during the 1967 war, is named to head the Golan Heights lobby in the Knesset; says with the voting power of the expected 70 adherents to the lobby's principles, only minor border adjustments are possible through negotiations. (Qol Yisra'el 8/5 in FBIS 8/5)

Islamic Resistance fighter is killed in clash with SLA patrol in eastern "security zone." SLA, Israel shell, seriously damage PFLP target in Rashidiyya region. (Voice of the People 8/5 in FBIS 8/5; Qol Yisra'el 8/5 in FBIS 8/6)