The Palestine Chronology

PLO Political Dept. head Faruq Qaddumi and delegation arrive in Damascus for talks with Pres. Asad regarding recent events in the Middle East. (SANA 8/15 in WNC 8/18)

In Aqabat Jabr refugee camp, Israeli police find the auto of an Israeli taxi driver who disappeared en route btwn. Jerusalem and the West Bank settlement of Beyt Ha'arava 8/14. Israeli police place a curfew on the Jericho area. Israeli police, IDF, PA police begin search. (ITV, QY 8/15 in WNC 8/18)

Hrs. after they are released by the PA atty. gen., 10 Hamas mbrs. are rearrested by the PSF. The PSF also detain 2 PA officials for complying with the atty. gen.'s orders. (LAW 8/19)

Crown Prince Hassan's son Prince Rashid Bin al-Hassan is injured in a car accident on his way to Aqaba, 2 passengers are killed, 1 is injured. (JTV 8/15 in WNC 8/20)

Israel-PLO talks on Gaza-Jericho self-rule reconvene in Cairo. (NYT, WT 4/17; MM, WP 4/18)

Israeli cabinet eases closure of o.t., allowing 4,500 Palestinians over 35 to return to agricultural jobs, 16,000 others to cross "Green Line" regularly for business reasons. Move follows Shin Bet report that none of the Palestinians who killed Israelis inside Israel entered under work permits. (MM 4/18)

Hamas issues statement to media in Jordan saying a"correct start" to peace process would be Israeli withdrawal fr. o.t., dismantling of settlements, and free Palestinian elections. Statement 1st sign of softening of Hamas attitude toward Israel. (MM 4/18)

3-day multilateral conference on Middle East water opens in Muscat, Oman. Attended by delegates fr. 41 countries, including 26 Israelis negotiators accompanied by 19 journalists, session is boycotted by Syria and Lebanon. Jordan sends observer, not negotiator, due to dispute with U.S. over UN searches of vessels docking at Aqaba. Event marks 1st time Israeli officials allowed in a Gulf Arab country. (WT 4/17, 4/18)