The Palestine Chronology

PM Rabin asks Arafat to tell Hamas Israel is willing release movement's spiritual leader, Shaykh Yasin, in exchange for kidnapped IDF soldier. Hamas gives no definitive response. (QY 10/14 in FBIS 10/17; JP, WT 10/15)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Damascus fr. Kuwait for 2 days of talks with Pres. al-Asad. (SARR 10/13 in FBIS 10/14)

Senior Hamas official, Ibrahim al-Yazuri, says kidnappers of IDF soldier are acting without approval from leadership, Izzeddin al-Qassam brigades "belong to Hamas but operate alone. No one gives them instructions . . . ." (HA 10/13 in FBIS 10/14)

Hamas delegation meets with Lebanese Chamber of Deps. Speaker Nabih Birri to discuss Palestinian-Israeli peace process, Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. (RL 10/13 in FBIS 10/14)

Arafat recalls PSF head Col. Rajub fr. Egypt to help deal with Hamas, kidnapping. (QY 10/13 in FBIS 10/14)

Palestinian-Israeli talks on elections resume in Cairo, parties clash again on issue of opposition participation, size of proposed council, whether higher election comm. should inc. Israelis. (AFP 10/10 in FBIS 10/11, MM 10/11)

Jordanian-Israeli bilaterals resume in Eilat. (RJ 10/10 in FBIS 10/11)

Hamas issues statement marking 4th anniversary of Al-Aqsa massacre, says it will conduct operations throughout Palestine in commemoration. (AFP 10/10 in FBIS 10/11)

Under pressure fr. U.S., Jordan's King Hussein, PLO's Arafat join other Arab states in issuing statements critical of Iraqi troop movements. (NYT 10/11, 10/12; WP 10/12)

Iraqi Pres. Hussein says he is withdrawing troops fr. Kuwait's border. Clinton says intelligence reports no pullback, sends 550 combat aircraft to the region. (NYT, WP, WT 10/11)

U.S. FM Christopher arrives in Jerusalem for 6-day trip to promote peace btwn. Israel, Syria; says U.S. will protect Israel fr. Iraq if necessary. (MM, NYT 10/10)

2 Hamas mbrs. armed with automatic rifles, grenades attack crowd nr. King David Hotel in Jerusalem (where Secy. of State Christopher is staying), kill 2, wound 13. Police kill gunmen, take 2 other Palestinians into custody after crowd beats them. (MM, WP, WT 10/10; QY 10/10 in FBIS 10/11; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 10/11; JP 10/15)

Jordanian-Palestinian talks resume in Amman to discuss cooperation in PNA areas, economics, Awqaf issue, refugees. (JTV 10/9, 10/10 in FBIS 10/12)

Palestinian-Israeli border crossing comm. meets, does not sign agmt.; participants plan to meet within days to iron out differences on tariffs, Arafat's personal passage. (IDF Radio, VOP 10/10 in FBIS 10/11)

Clinton announces deployment of 36,000 troops to the Gulf, notes increase in Iraqi deployment to 80,000 troops which will be in striking distance of Kuwait within days. (NYT, WP, WT 10/10)

U.S. dispatches 4,000 troops to Kuwait, puts forces on alert as 14,000 Iraqi Republican Guards move toward Basra. The move, which places 64,000 prime Iraqi troops nr. Kuwaiti border, is seen as tactical attempt by Saddam Hussein to pressure UN to lift sanctions. (NYT, WP 10/8; NYT, WP, WT 10/9)

Syrian FM al-Shara` meets Pres. Clinton in Washington, delivers letter fr. Pres. al-Asad reaffirming desire for peace with Israel in exchange for full, rapid withdrawal fr. Golan. (MM 10/7; SARR 10/7 in FBIS 10/12; NYT 10/8)

FM al-Shara` is 1st Syrian official to be interviewed on ITV, gives Israeli public Syria's view of peace. No new policy statements made, but Rabin considers interview "positive step." (ITV 10/7 in FBIS 10/11; MM 10/10, 10/11)

IDF issues guidelines on handling settlers, says soldiers confronting settlers should not use force unless situation is life-threatening, gives general in charge of regional command authority to order IDF into areas controlled by PNA to quell riots. (HA 10/7 in FBIS 10/7)

IDF says some 300 of the 550 released Palestinian prisoners living in Jericho have left the autonomous area, returned to West Bank. Both IDF, PSF will look for them. (JP 10/8)

Palestinian police issue order prohibiting bus companies fr. transporting groups organized by political factions without PNA approval. Rights groups say ban violates Palestinians' right to hold political gatherings. (QY 10/7 in FBIS 10/12)

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE remove secondary, tertiary boycotts on Israel (imposed 1951) requiring foreign firms trading with Israel be blacklisted; ban on trade btwn. Arab League states, Israel will stand. Decision was reached in mtgs. with U.S. Secy. of State Christopher at the UN in New York. (NYT, WP, WT 10/1; CSM, NYT 10/3; WJW 10/6; JP 10/8)

Palestinian knifes IDF soldier, tries to stab Rabbi Moshe Levinger nr. the al-Ibrahimi mosque in Hebron, is shot and killed by IDF. Curfew is placed on Hebron. (IDF Radio 9/30, QY 10/1 in FBIS 10/3; MEI 10/7)

Joint Israeli-Palestinian patrol is fired upon allegedly by DFLP mbrs. No injuries reported. (WT 10/3)

Palestinian police take over Dayr alBalah town and al-Maghazi police station in Gaza Strip. Police cmdr. Maj. Gen. Nasr Yusuf says priority of Gaza force will be disarming Palestinian civilians. 2d group of 150 officers later crosses into Gaza fr. Egypt. (MM 5/11; NYT, WP, WT 5/12)

PLO police cmndrs. tour Jericho with IDF officers to prepare for next day's initial deployrnent. IDF closes Jericho to journalists, fires rubber bullets and tear gas at demonstrating Palestinians. (NYT 5/12)

Knesset approves Gaza-Jericho agreement by vote of 52-0 after stormy debate in which 2 Likud MKs ejected fr. chamber for interrupting FM Peres. (MM 5/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/12)

Israeli. govt. agrees to guarantee Gaza municipality's $12 m. debt to Israel's electric company. Power authority had threatened to cut off Gaza's power. (CSM 5/11; MM, WP 5/12)

Asst. Secy of State Robert Pelletreau, in Bahrain, says U.S. has pledged $500 m. to Palestinian National Authority and is providing Palestinian police with vehicles. Later in Kuwait, reasserts U.S. opposition to Arab boycott of Israel and says he is "satisfied" with Gulf response to his efforts on boycott. (MM 5/11, 5/12)

Secy. of State Christopher meets in Damascus with Syrian Pres. al-Asad, who agrees to let U.S. investigators search for 7 Israelis missing in Lebanon and to grant exit permits to Syrian Jews by end 12/93. Christopher calls talks "positive and constructive," al-Asad's moves "important humanitarian gestures." U.S. agrees to allow Kuwait to transfer 3 U.S.-made aircraft to Syria in a relaxation of sanctions on Damascus. (NYT, WP, WT 12/6; NYT 12/7)

Israel-PLO talks in Cairo and al-'Arish, Sinai, on Palestinian autonomy resume. (WT 12/6)

Jordanian, Israeli govts. sign accord on economic cooperation, initialed by negotiators in Washington 12/1. (MM 12/7)

Palestinian grocer Talal al-Bakri, shot 12/4 in Hebron by settlers, dies. 5 settlers arrested in connection with killing. (NYT, WP, WT 12/6)

Israeli AG Ben-Yair calls settlers' council a "seditious" organization, while Ag. M. Yaacov Tsur calls 12/4 shooting of Talal al-Bakri an incident of "Jewish terror." (MM 12/6)

Armed Palestinian, Khalid Awad Shihada, attacks Israelis on suburban Tel Aviv bus, killing reserve IDF soldier before being killed himself. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for attack. Israelis demonstrate at attack site, some shouting "Death to Arabs!" (NYT, WP, WT 12/6)

Frmr. Israeli PM Shamir tells Zionist Organization of America mtg. in Baltimore that Israeli govt. has made a pact with "terrorists and murderers" in signing DoP, says agreement reflects "an Arab plan to destroy Israel in stages." (WT 12/7)

GCC states vote to support PLO-Israel agreement, calling it 1st step toward "just, lasting and comprehensive peace." (MM 9/6; WP 9/6, 9/9; NYT 9/7)

U.S. Pres. Clinton sends letters to leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen urging Arab support for DoP. (NYT 9/6)

Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood calls DoP "humiliating," warns it could spark a "Palestinian civil war." (MM 9/6)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets Syrian Pres. al-Asad in Damascus to explain the "contents of the agreement and the circumstances that surrounded it," according to al-Asad's spokesman. DFLP's Hawatmah, PFLP's Habash refuse to meet Arafat, Habash calling DoP a "sellout," (MM, WP 9/6; WP, WT 9/7)

Sixth day of Israeli attack on Lebanon. Lebanese police report 17 killed, 47 wounded in day's fighting. UN sources report IDF fired 1,300 shells in 9 hours. Hizballah responds with katyusha barrages, attacks on IDF/SLA positions in "security zone." Kuwait, France, and Egypt send relief supplies to Beirut, as Arab FMs discuss situation in Damascus. Israeli FM Peres states Israel will not expand "security zone" or send ground forces to Lebanon. Ireland demands immediate cease-fire out of concern for Irish battalion of UNIFIL. (NYT, WT 7/31)

U.S. launches cruise missile attack on Iraqi intelligence HQ, destroying it and 3 civilian houses, killing 8. Attack is in retaliation for alleged Iraqi assassination attempt on former Pres. Bush during his April visit to Kuwait. (WP 6/27)

Fateh releases 24 FRC ("Abu Nidal" group) mbrs. in Sidon, Lebanon, says it will release more soon in goodwill gesture. (AFP 6/26 in FBIS 6/30)

Kuwaiti amb. to U.S. Muhammad Sabah al-Salim affirms that Kuwait complies with boycott of Israel and that dealings with firms on blacklist permitted by boycott regulations (see 6/7). (Voice of America via KUNA 6/11 in FBIS 6/14)

FM Peres says Israel and Jordan have "agreed on all the items, practically," for a peace treaty; "what is missing . .. is a pen" (see 6/4). (NYT, WT 6/8)

Al-Hayat reports PLO has reduced monthly payments to o.t. from $1 1m to $1.6m; report coincides with visit to Abu Dhabi by PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Mahmud 'Abbas and Palestinian peace negotiator Faisal Husseini. (al-Hayat 6/7 in MM 6/7)

"Movement for Jewish Autonomy in Judaea, Samaria, and Gaza" issues a statement that it will resist IDF if it tries to evacuate settlements in the event of a peace treaty. (Ha'Aretz 6/7 in FBIS 6/8)

Kuwaiti FM Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah announces that Kuwait "and other Arab countries" have "absolved" themselves of the secondary boycott of Israel out of national interest (see 6/11, 7/20). (KUNA 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; NYT, WT 6/9)

Palestinians protest Israeli delays in fulfilling promises by cutting its delegation to 3 and suspending 3 working groups (see 4/29). Faisal Husseini and Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi both boycott talks. Palestinians present U.S. with 10-point draft joint statement of principles on self-rule. Israel allows immediate return of 25 more Lebanon deportees, for a total of 126 (see 2/1); Palestinians reject offer. PLO is also displeased that Saudi Arabia has not yet honored its recent financial promises (see 4/19). (RMC, AFP 5/10 in FBIS 5/11; MM, WP 5/11; NYT 5/12; RJN 5/12 in FBIS 5/12)

UN Devt. Program (UNDP) releases report citing grave environmental damage in West Bank and Gaza Strip (MM 5/11)

Kuwait announces it is holding 16 suspects, mostly Iraqis, charged with attempting to assassinate former Pres. Bush during his visit 4/14-16. (MM 4/11)

IDF shoots 3 Hamas mbrs. dead in same Gaza-Egypt border region as those killed 4/8. (Qol Yisra'el 5/12 in FBIS 5/12; MM 5/12)

FMs of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and the PLO end 6 days of meetings in Damascus, agree to resume talks 4/27, a 1-week delay (see 4/17). Haydar 'Abd al-Shafis "surprised" by the PLO decision to resume. (SARR 4/21 in FBIS 4/21; JTV 4/21 in FBIS 4/22; MM 4/21; NYT, WP 4/22)

Israel announces it has "no plans" to deport Palestinians, while reserving the right to do so, allows East Jerusalemite Faisal Husseini to head Palestinian delegation. (NYT, WP 4/22)

Palestinian Peoples' Party mbr. and delegate Ghassan al-Khatib announces he and fellow PPP mbr. Samir Abdallah will boycott the next round of talks. (RMC 4/21 in FBIS 4/22; WT 4/22)

At news conf., Secy. of State Christopher calls Palestinian decision to resume talks "courageous"; through negotiations, Palestinians 'can see occupation give way to selfgovernment." (MM, NYT, WP 4/22)

Fateh issues warning against attacks on Palestinian negotiators. (Jordan Times 4/24 in FBIS 4/26)

Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghawshah rules out violence against Palestinian negotiators, calls resumption of talks a "cheap sellout," the PLO's "biggest historic mistake" which will have to be corrected because of popular opposition; because of its stand, Hamas is gaining popularity in o.t. (MM 4/21; Jordan Times 4/24 in FBIS 4/26)

IDF shoots 2 Palestinians dead, wounds over 50 in Gaza Strip in worst clashes since o.t. were sealed 3/31. (MM 4/21; WP 4/22; Qol Yisra'el 4/21, 4/22 in FBIS 4/22)

Arab Monetary Fund reports Arab states lost $676 billion during Gulf crisis and war. (MM 4/21)

U.S. State Dept. sends letter to Intl. Steering Comm. on Freedom of Trade with Israel stating that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have pledged to lift their boycott of companies doing business with Israel. (MM 4/30; WT 5/5)

IDF rains over 100 shells on villages north of "security zone" as resistance fighters launch over 50 rockets into northern Israel from Lebanon. (MM 4/21, 4/22; Qol Yisra'el 4/21, 4/22 in FBIS 4/22)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir'Abd-Rabbuh, delegation spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi say some obstacles to Palestinian participation in 4/20 talks remain; Palestinians will seek delay to resumption. (MM 4/16; NYT, WP 4/17)

Southern Lebanon deportees sign wills, don funeral shrouds, stage "death march" towards Israel, are driven back by over 20 Israeli shells. (VOM 4/15, IDF Radio 4/16 in FBIS 4/16; MM 4/16)

Hamas car bomb near West Bank Israeli settlement kills the driver and 1 other Palestinian, wounds 8 IDF soldiers. (MM 4/16; IDF Radio 4/17 in FBIS 4/20; NYT, WP 4/17)

IDF helicopters attack PFLP cmdr. Samir Suwaydan's motorcade, killing his wife and daughter, 1 other civilian, just north of the "security zone." (NYT 4/18; AFP 4/16, HaAretz 4/18 in FBIS 4/19)

Former Pres. Bush ends 3-day visit to Kuwait, where he received an honorary Ph.D. and standing ovations for defending Kuwait. (MM 4/15; NYT 4/16)

Hamas issues statement in Amman denouncing "behind-the-scenes moves" by Palestinian negotiators "chosen by Rabin and Christopher" in "flagrant violation of the national will," regarding efforts to resume peace talks. (MM 4/13)

In interviewith al-Hayat, Kuwaiti FM Shaykh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah says that Kuwait can not mend fences with the PLO, differentiating between the Palestine cause and Yasir Arafat, "whose name the people of Kuwait can't bear to hear." Reconciliation with Jordan will be easier; hints at possible lifting of parts of Arab boycott of Israel. (MM 4/13)

Israeli shoots Palestinian dead near Jerusalem. (Qol Yisra'el 4/12 in FBIS 4/12)

Extended Palestinian leadership suspends 4 days of meetings in Tunis, postpones decision on resumption of talks until 4/18-19 FMs meeting in Amman. Hamas declined invitation to attend. (RMC 4/3 in FBIS 4/5; Radio Algiers 4/5 in FBIS 4/6)

Palestinian Christians demand access to East Jerusalem on Easter. O.t. have been sealed since 3/31. (WT 4/6)

Fateh commander in Lebanon accuses Lebanon and Syria of aiding Fateh Revolutionary Council (Abu Nidal) to force Palestinians to resume talks with Israel, declares open war on FRC. Fateh fires rockets at Israel, landing harmlessly in"security zone," in retaliation for 4/1 assassination-lst Fateh attacks on Israel since 10/91. (WT 4/6; AFP, VOL 4/6 in FBIS 4/7)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) labor. mins. meet in Amman, first such meeting in Jordan since the Gulf war. Kuwait announces it will honor its compensation pledges to Jordanians and Palestinians who lost their jobs after the war. (MM 4/2, 4/14)

Palestinian delegation announces their participation inext round of talks requires Israeli commitment to never again deport o.t. Palestinians. Timetable for return of current deportees is negotiable. (NYT 2/23)

In Kuwait, Secy. of State Christopher asks Shaykh Jaber al-Ahmed al-Sabah to lift the Arab boycott of Israel. He then flies to Cyprus and on to Beirut by helicopter in first senior official visit to the city since 1983, meets with PM Hariri, FM Buwayz. He calls for speedy Syrian redeployment to the east in compliance with 1989 Taef accord, and disarming of southern Lebanese resistance as prelude to pressing Israeli compliance with UNSCR 425. (MM, NYT 2/23)

Israel, SIA clash with Islamic Resistance in "security zone," exchange artillery fire, killing 1 resistance fighter, 1 UNIFIL peacekeeper. (MM 2/23)

Acting Secy. of State Eagleburger warns that there will be "more pressure in the Security Council for some kind of Chapter 7 enforcement" of UNSCR 799, which "puts the Israelis and us and a lot of other people in an awkward spot," and that Israel is "going to have to find some solution to the problem, whether it's to take them back and put them in jail or whatever itis." (MM 1/15)

Palestinian, Jordanian, and Lebanese presses level harsh criticism on the U.S. and the West for their 1/13 attack on Iraq, Gulf states are notably cool or silent, Syria and Egypt try to strike medium in their criticisms of both Iraq and the West. Fateh issues statement condemning the attack on Iraq, as well as a 28th anniversary statement. (MM 1/14; Algiers, Sanaa VOP 1/14 in FBIS 1/15)

IDF kills 2 Palestinians, wounds 45 in clashes in Gaza Strip. Border Police surround, fire anti-tank missiles at house near Jenin, kill 1 suspected Black Panther activist as he tries to escape. (MM, WT 1/15; Qol Yisra'el 1/14 in FBIS 1/15)

Chemical weapons agreement signed in Paris. Russia, the U.S., Israel, and Iran are among the 120 signatories; despite Arab League's 1/11 unanimous boycott, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Libya, Kuwait, Yemen, and Oman also sign. Negotiated since 1968, the treaty banning production, stockpiling, and use of such weapons, as well as mandating their destruction with a complex verification regime, will go into effect after a minimum ratification period of 2 years. (NYT, WP 1/14)

Israeli cabinet cancels the 60-day deadline for filing appeals challenging individual expulsions; concession is insignificant as exiles have not filed any appeals because to do so would give legitimacy tothe deportations. (NYT 1/11)

Three Meretz ministers plus Health Minister Haim Ramon (Labor) call for Israel to repatriate all those deported since 1967, provided they are no longer involved in terrorism. (MM 1/11)

Force of 500 Iraqis raid UN weapons depot in DMZ between Iraq and Kuwait, make off with 4 Silkworm missiles, prompt protest in the UN by U.S., other coalition mbrs. (WP 1/11)

SIA commander Antun Lahd states opposition to Israel's deportation of 415 Palestinians, says he will not aid them. (Voice of the South 1/3 in FBIS 1/4)

Convoy of trucks with supplies for the deportees organized by Palestinian Israelis is stopped at northern border by IDF. (JP 1/9)

Shin Bet agent is killed at a West Jerusalem "safe house" by a Palestinian informer who regularly supplied information about Islamic groups. (MM 1/4; NYT 1/4, 1/5)

IDF lifts 4-day curfew in Gaza Strip, clashes erupt. One Palestinian killed by IDF, 1 by other Palestinians. (NYT 1/4)

Israel announces it will install a new 52- km fence enclosing the Gaza Strip, at a cost of NIS 6 million. (ITV 1/3 in FBIS 1/5)

Kuwaiti paper al-Siyasa carries editorial by Sabah family-member rebuking the National Council for its 12/22 condemnation of Israel's 12/17 expulsions, adding that "Israel is not the enemy.... Our enemies are those who supported the wicked occupation [of Kuwait]." (MM 1/4)

Riots continue in Gaza Strip, mostly in Khan Yunis, causing 17 casualties among residents, 5 among IDF forces. (Qol Yisra'el 10/12 in FBIS 10/13)

In speech to 6,000 Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem, PM Rabin says with respect to immigration the "goal is to have 7 million Jews here by the year 2000." (MM 10/13)

Former FRC officer Ahmad 'Antar is shot dead in Sidon, Lebanon. FRC accuses Arafat supporters of his murder. Bomb explodes outside FRC office in 'Ayn al-Hilwa camp, Sidon, killing 1, injuring 9. (VOL 10/12 in FBIS 10/13, 10/14)

U.S. announces that Kuwait will buy 236 advanced battle tanks (worth about $4 billion); personal intervention by Pres. Bush drew Kuwait away from asimilar deal with Britain. (MM, NYT 10/13; MM 10/14)

U.S. Congress approves foreign aid package including $10 billion loan guarantees for Israel by vote of 312 to 105 in the House, concurring voice vote in Senate. (WP 10/6)

Kuwait holds first parliamentary elections in 6 years; pro-democracy opposition of both secularists and Islamists wins 31 of 50 seats. (NYT, WP 10/7

Secy. of State Baker and Russian FM Andrei Kozyrev open third stage, multilateral peace talks at the FM level in Moscow. Attendees include representatives from Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania, Turkey, China, Japan, Canada, EC, European Free Trade Association. Saudi Arabia has provided funding for the meeting given dire economic situation facing Russia. Syria, Lebanon boycott conference, citing lack of progress in bilateral talks with Israel. Palestinians also stay away after U.S., Russia refuse to allow delegates from Jerusalem, exile to participate. Algeria, Yemen decide not to participate in wake of Palestinian decision. Secy. of State Baker expresses "disappointment" at Palestinian decision, but expresses support for including Palestinians from outside o.t. at a later date in talks on issues such as refugees that affect them. (MM 1/28; NYT 1/29, 1/30)

IDF signs order establishing Jewish "civil guard" in W. Bank [see 12/25, 1/1]. (HaAretz 1/29 in FBIS 1/29)

Israeli supreme court orders IDF to lift nighttime curfew imposed 12/15 on Ramallah area by 2/11/92 in response to plea made by residents. (NYT 1/29)

IDF sends reinforcements into "security zone" in wake of attacks by Islamic Resistance Movement. (NYT 1/29)

Palestinian delegation presents PLO-approved autonomy plan to Israeli team in Washington. (NYT 1/17)

Hundreds of settlers converge on seven sites, attempt to establish settlements. Settlers also block roads and demonstrate outside homes of PM Shamir, DM Arens, threatening to take matters into their own hands if IDF cannot protect them from attacks by Palestinians. IDF forces most of them to leave. Balata refugee camp, nine villages n. of Ramallah curfewed. (Qol Yisra'el 1/15 in FBIS 1/15, 1/16; Voice of Palestine 1/15 in FBIS 1/17; MM 1/15)

Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek states road scheduled to be built on top of archeological site will be completed as planned [see 1/14]. (MM 1/16)

Kuwaiti press reports statements by planning minister that Kuwait will ensure that Kuwaitis comprise 60% of future population, as compared with 30% before Gulf war, even if this slows economic recovery. Kuwait will also lend $15 million to Syria to assist former Syrian residents of Kuwait establish businesses in Syria. (MM 1/15)

Tzomet party quits Israeli cabinet. (ITV 12/29 in FBIS 12/30)

Kuwaiti cabinet announces extension of deadline by which non-Kuwaitis residing in Kuwait must obtain new residency documents to 5/31/92 instead of 12/31 [see 12/16]. (MM 1/2)

PM Shamir chairs ministerial meeting to discuss formation of Jewish "civil guard" in o.t. (ITV 12/25 in FBIS 12/26)

Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek leads demonstration against settlers who moved into contested homes in Silwan. (MM 1/2)

Shiite cleric Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah addresses Beirut conference on intifada. Representatives from Fateh-Revolutionary Council [Abu Nidal], PFLP, Iranian Revolutionary Guards also speak. (Voice of Oppressed 12/26 in FBIS 12/27)

GCC ends summit, reaffirms commitment to "Damascus Declaration." Meeting also issues "Kuwait Declaration" supporting peace talks based on UN Sec. Council resolutions 242, 338, 425, affirming GCC support of multilateral talks with Israel. (MM 1/2)

Israel, Zambia renew diplomatic ties broken since 1973. (Qol Yisra'el 12/25 in FBIS 12/31)

DM Arens warns settlement leaders that IDF will not tolerate settlers taking law into their own hands. (Qol Yisra'el 12/23 in FBIS 12/27)

Chinese vice FM arrives in Israel, most senior Chinese official to visit Israel to date. (ITV 12/23 in FBIS 12/24)

Body left alongside road in Beirut 12/21 is identified as that of American hostage William Higgins, whom Organization of the Oppressed on Earth claimed it executed in July 1989 but whom UN officials believed died of torture in December 1988. (WP 12/23, 12/24)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) begins annual summit in Kuwait. (MM 1/2)

UN Gen. Assembly votes to repeal resolution 3379, passed in 1975, which characterized Zionism as a "form of racism and racial discrimination." Vote was 111 in favor, 25 against, 13 abstentions (six Arab countries-Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Tunisia, Oman, Bahrain-did not vote). (NYT, WP 12/17)

Stand-off between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators continues in Washington. (MM 12/17)

Israeli court allows Palestinian family to move back into Silwan shortly before a second court ruling overturns the decision and orders the family re-evicted. Police, however, decide to allow family to stay pending clarification. Courts are currently hearing five cases involving title to homes in Silwan. (MM 12/17)

U.S. State Dept. urges Israel to halt provocative actions by settlers [see 12/15]. (MM 12/17)

Knesset mbr. Yossi Sand presents reply by state attorney's office to high court of justice which implies that legal status of settlements is temporary. Court had requested state's opinion in response to appeal on settlements question lodged before court by Peace Now movement. (Qol Yisra'el 12/16 in FBIS 12/17)

Israel, EC sign agreement by which Israel will receive 7-year, $205 mill. loan. Israel will receive a further $36 mill. in interest subsidies. (Davar 12/18 in FBIS 12/18)

Israeli authorities claim two infiltrators were found drowned off the Gaza coast. (NYT 12/18)

Kuwaiti immigration dept. announces that Palestinian, Jordanian residents can renew their residency permits if they prove they did not collaborate with Iraqi forces during occupation of Kuwait. (MM 12/16)

IDF bans W. Bank Palestinians from approaching within 150 meters of roads lying outside towns and villages at night. IDF ends round-the-clock curfew of Ramallah, al-Bira, but nighttime curfew [after 5:00 P.M.] still applies. Settlers enter Ramallah, al-Bira, Halhul, Hebron and break shop windows, damage automobiles. (Qol Yisra'el 12/15 in FBIS 12 16; WP, MM 12/16)

Israeli state prosecutor indicts 10 Jerusalem police officers for "abusing" Palestinian detainees. (Qol Yisra'el 12/15 in FBIS 12/16)

Kuwait orders top PLO official Khalid al-Hasan and his family stripped of Kuwaiti citizenship. Kuwait News Agency states this was done because al-Hasan, although known for opposing Iraqi invasion, had not condemned the invasion "at the time" it occurred. (MM 12/16)