The Palestine Chronology

Israeli F.M. Levy is reportedly told by Sec. Baker that any Iraqi attack against Israel would provoke vigorous U.S. response [NYT, MEM, WP 9/28; JPI 10/6].

Iraqi information minister offers what amounts to apology for 9/22 diplomatic note implying Iraq might execute diplomats who sheltered Western citizens in their Baghdad embassies; says the incident is "misunderstanding," and that Iraq still "confirms full respect" for diplomats and their privileges [NYT, WT, WP, CSM 9/28; MET 10/9].

Hamas leaflet calls for jihad against Zionism and Western world, favors self-determination for Kuwaitis [JDS 9/27 in FBIS 9/27].

Emir of Kuwait gets standing ovation for UN Gen. Assembly speech asking for UN action to help reclaim Kuwait [KUNA 9/27 in FBIS 10/1; WP 9/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities have arrested scores of West Bankers and 1 Gazan on charges of committing attacks that have wounded at least 8 Israelis; most of the suspects are said to belong to Fateh cells active in the Jerusalem and Ramallah areas, to have been responsible for series of bombings since last September [JP, JTA 3/24].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat repeats PLO offer to trade acceptance of UN resolutions 242 and 338, and therefore acceptance of Israel, in return for guarantees by the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council of the Palestinians' rights to selfdetermination [BG 3/25]. Morocco's King Hasan proposes a summit conference between a chosen Arab leader and P.M. Peres to hear Israel's views on the Fez peace plan [JP 3/25].

Other Countries: U.S. is reportedly pressuring Israel to sell arms to Iraq, including Israeli "drone" reconnaissance aircraft and Soviet weapons captured by Israel during past wars with Arab neighbors [DT 3/24].

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese state radio reports Israeli forces shelled Nabatiyyah, killing 3 civilians and wounding 22 [NYT 3/25]. Jerusalem Post reports the SLA shelled Nabatiyyah in response to 12 katyusha rockets that landed in "security zone" in early morning [JP 3/25].