The Palestine Chronology

Sec. Baker says that decision by Saudi Arabia and 5 other Gulf states to send observers to potential Middle East peace negotiations would lead to direct talks with Israel and thus "break at least one major taboo" of the Arab-Israeli conflict [WP, NYT, LAT 5/12; MEM 5/13].

First wave of Kuwait's 400,000 exiled citizens return home, nine months after Iraq's invasion [NYT, WP, LAT S/12; MEM 5/13].

EC indicates that it still hopes for full role as cosponsor of any Middle East peace conference [NYT 5/12].

Soviet F.M. Bessmertnykh meets in Cairo with Pres. Mubarak and Sec. Baker [MENA, CDS 5/11 in FBIS 5/13].

In speech, Yasir Arafat criticizes U.S. Middle East peace efforts, says U.S. is trying to ignore Jerusalem issue [AVP 5/13 in FBIS 5/141.

In interview with Washington Post, Iraqi Deputy P.M. Tariq Aziz concedes that Saddam's regime has made "mistakes" because it has been in power so long, but adds that Baghdad is committed to move towards democracy [WP 5/8].

UN special envoy reports that Iraqi Kurds are returning home from border camps faster than expected - more than 4,000 a day - indicating that allied effort to establish security zone is working [WP 5/8].

Iraqi gov't. officials and Kurdish opposition begin new round of talks to hammer out details of agreement that would give Kurds autonomy [NYT 5/8; INA 5/7 in FBIS 5/8].

Housing Min. Ariel Sharon presents plan to MKs for additional Jewish housing in Jerusalem, Sharon wishes to establish contiguous territorial and demographic strip between Jerusalem and nearby settlements, according to Israeli media [JNT 5/7, YA 5/8 in FBIS 5/8]

After 3 days of talks in Damascus, presidents of Syria and Iran agree to allow armed Iranian-backed forces to remain in southern Lebanon near Israel's "security zone"; Lebanese Forces militia announces it is surrendering its weapons to Lebanese Army [MEM 4/29; NYT, MEM 4/30; DDS 4/29 in FBIS 4/30]. Joint Syrian-Iranian declaration stresses that Iran must play a role in Middle East security arrangements [MEM 4/30].

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says that Iraq has given detailed response to requests for more information about location of its nuclear materials [NYT 4/30; AFP 4/30 in FBIS 5/1]; but will not disclose whereabouts of materials that escaped allied bombing unless Baghdad is assured materials will not be destroyed [WP 5/1].

American section of World Jewish Congress calls for commutation of Jonathan Jay Pollard's life sentence for spying for Israel [WP 4/30].

Pres. Bush says U.S. will resist Iraq's UN request to have economic sanctions lifted so that Baghdad can begin selling oil for badly needed currency; Bush says exception would be made for food imports [WP 4/30].

Media report that Egypt is quietly repatriating most of its nearly 40,000 troops who were deployed in Gulf war (cf. 5/8) [AFP 4/30 in FBIS 4/30].

UNLU issues unnumbered leaflet blaming Israeli gov't. for purposely "striking at the tourist sector in Jerusalem and spreading biased propaganda regarding alleged risks to tourists" [MEM 5/1].

Having to leave Jerusalem abruptly because of his mother's death, Sec. Baker does not have chance to meet with Palestinians, but does meet with P.M. Shamir, F.M. Levy; Baker says in news conference before departing that Israel had failed to give responses he needed to continue trying to put together peace conference, and that he and Pres. Bush will have to reevaluate diplomatic steps [MEM 4/26; NYT, LAT 4/27; IDF, JDS 4/26 in FBIS 4/26; MET 5/7].

UN Sec.-Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar announces that UN relief teams will take over Kurdish refugee camps in northern Iraq from American troops "as soon as possible" [LAT 4/27; MET 5/7].

Baghdad says it will disband its millionman militia, the Popular Army, and will let citizens travel abroad [NYT 4/27; INA 4/26 in FBIS 4/29].

Yasir Arafat, George Habash, and Nayif Hawatimah arrive in Khartoum to take part in Islamic Arab People's Conference [RMC 4/26 in FBIS 5/1]. 

Sec. Baker meets with Palestinians in Jerusalem, makes no comment afterward. Faisal Husseini says that meeting was most constructive of the 3 held so far. Baker flies to Jordan for meeting with King Hussein (lst since Gulf war), who endorses Baker's peace mission; then Baker flies to Cairo. Israeli officials criticize what they call "subtle pressure" on Jerusalem to offer concessions; Baker and other American officials admit that Saudi Arabia is not likely to attend peace conference with Israel [NYT, WP 4/21; JDS, IDF, AGS, MENA, ADS 4/20 in FBIS 4/22; FJ 4/22; JPI 5/4].

Battalion of U.S. Marines lands in northern Iraq to begin erecting 1st refugee camp in what is to be allied-protected zone inside Iraq [NYT, WP 4/21; CSM 4/22].

Under pressure to form more democratic gov't., Kuwait announces new cabinet with 4 of 9 members of Sabah family retaining major posts [NYT 4/21; MEM 4/22; KUNA 4/20 in FBIS 4/22].

Opposition groups say naming cabinet is insufficient, that it fails to move country toward democracy [WP 4/21; MEM 4/22].

Yasir Arafat arrives in Yemen for meetings with Pres. Salih [AES 4/20, SDS 4/21 in FBIS 4/22].

Meeting with Israeli leaders, Sec. Baker says Israel should consider series of fundamental compromises with Arabs if there is to be a peace conference; Baker gives P.M. Shamir list of possible concessions [NYT, LAT 4/20; IDF 4/19 in FBIS 4/19; MET 4/30].

Palestinian leaders hold news conference in Ramallah on questions of who will participate in talks with Sec. Baker [JTN 4/19 in FBIS 4/22].

Iraq makes public contents of 4/18 report given to UN: Baghdad says substantial arsenal of its chemical and ballistic weapons survived Gulf war, including 11,131 chemical warheads; Iraq also denies having nuclear arms, nuclear weapons-grade materials, or biological arns; U.S. says Iraq's inventory is incorrect [NYT, LAT 4/20; MET 4/30].

Blockade imposed on o.t. because of Sec. Baker's visit to Israel is lifted, allowing Palestinians to return to jobs over green line [JDS 4/19 in FBIS 4/19].

Lebanese media publishes results of public opinion poll conducted by Jerusalem's Arab Research Center: 55.34% of Palestinians now support confederation with Jordan, as opposed to 9.82% before Gulf war; 45.62% predict that PLO candidates would win majority of votes if elections were held in o.t. [MEM 4/19]. 

Senate approves bill that urges Bush admin. to propose international tribunal that would prosecute Iraqi war criminals [NYT 4/19].

Sec. Baker arrives in Jerusalem for 3d round of diplomacy; on Israeli radio P.M. Shamir cautions U.S. not to pressure Israel into taking part in peace conference not to its liking [MEM 4/18; NYT, WP, LAT 4/19].

Iraq turns over to UN information its chemical and biological warfare capacity and its nuclear facilities, saying it has complied with demands in 1st stage of UN res. 687 ending Gulf war (cf. 4/19) [WP, LAT 4/19].

Amnesty International study concludes hundreds of Kuwaiti resident suspected of collaborating with Iraq have been arrested and in some cases tortured and executed (cf. 4/19) [WP, LAT, MEM 4/19; FJ 4/22; MET 4/30].

Kuwaiti ambassador to UN in Geneva criticizes report as "based upon a few excesses . .. and ignores the general situation inside Kuwait" [KUNA 4/19 in FBIS 4/19].

For 2d time, Iraqi gov't. extends its amnesty period for returning Kurds [MEM 4/18; INA 4/18 in FBIS 4/19; MET 4/30].

Thousands participate in Gush Emunim sponsored march in West Bank settlement of Karnei Shomron in support of continued settlement; location of march is changed at last minute after IDF refuses to allow group in new settlement of Revava [MEM 4/19].

PLO approves of 4/20 meeting between Sec. Baker and Palestinian leaders from o.t., according to Palestinian media [MEM 4/19].

U.S. military sends troops and helicopters into northern Iraq to secure large sites for refugee camps; camps are to be built near Kurdish cities and as deep as 60 miles inside Iraq as part of effort to lure refugees home. Sec. Baker defends plan at EC meeting in Luxembourg [NYT, WP, LAT, MEM 4/18; MET 4/30].

Suspicious of U.S. motives, Iran refuses to comment on U.S. camp-building operation [WP, LAT 4/18].

At Luxembourg meeting, EC foreign ministers tell Sec. Baker that Europe wants role in any Middle East peace conference [WP, LAT 4/18; CSM 4/19].

Iraq says it has promised to return to Kuwait more than $1 billion in gold bars, bank notes, and silver coins taken during occupation [LAT 4/18].

Palestinian leaders from o.t. submit to U.S. consul in Jerusalem a list of 11 questions, the American answers to which would help Palestinians decide whether to accept invitation to meet with Sec. Baker on 4/20 [MEM 4/18].

Two armed guerrillas cross into Israel from Jordan, shoot 4 farmers in border kibbutz, killing 1, wounding 3 [NYT, WP, LAT 4/18; MET 4/30].

Arab trying to swim from Egypt to Israel is shot dead by IDF in Rafah [JDS 4/17 in FBIS 4/18]. 

In rare public showing, 43 Saudi businessmen and intellectuals publish in Cairo daily an open letter to King Fahd calling on him to establish national and municipal consultative councils and to curb the power of the mutaween, the Islamic religious police [WP 4/16].

In nationwide address, King Fahd renews limited pledge of political reform, announcing "notable progress" in establishing consultative assembly [LAT 4/17; SPA 4/15 in FBIS 4/16].

King also promises to expand the country's armed forces and equip them with world's best weapons [MEM 4/16; CSM 4/18].

Kuwaiti soldiers take up positions along demilitarized zone as U.S. troops continue to leave area [WP 4/16].

Most U.S. troops move quickly out of southern Iraq [LAT 4/16].

In southern Lebanon, SIA troops kill 2 Arabs just west of Israel's "security zone"; it is 2d such killing in 2 days [JDS, AFP 4/15 in FBIS 4/15; MET 4/23].

Arab crosses border from Jordan into Israel, fires on Israeli patrol and is shot dead by IDF; 1 Israeli soldier is wounded [JDS 4/16 in FBIS 4/16].

Palestinian is shot dead by security guards after throwing stone at Israeli bus north of Jerusalem [MEM 4/15; JDS 4/15 in FBIS 4/16; FJ 4/22].

Eight Jewish families move into mobile homes in West Bank, opening 1st new settlement, named Revava, to be established in o.t. under P.M. Shamir's current gov't. (cf. 4/16) [MEM, CSM 4/16; JDS 4/16 in FBIS 4/16; JPI 4/27].

Leftist Israelis stage demonstration at Revava, protesting its establishment [JDS 4/15 in FBIS 4/17].

In Jerusalem, Sec. Baker meets with P.M. Shamir, F.M. Levy, other Israeli officials. Israel says for 1st time that it is willing to enter into single regional peace meeting co-sponsored by Washington and Moscow, but no agreement on structure, agenda, timing, and who would represent Palestinians [MEM 4/9; NYT, WP, LAT, CSM 4/10; JDS, IDF 4/9 in FBIS 4/9; MET 4/23].

Sec. Baker also meets with delegation of 6 Palestinians from o.t., who present to Baker 6-point memorandum [IDF 4/9 in FBIS 4/9; MEM 4/9; FJ 4/15].

Unofficial estimates from UN High Commissioner for Refugees claim about 750,000 Iraqis have crossed into Iran and that about 280,000 have crossed illegally into Turkey, while roughly 300,000 still wait on Iraqi side of Turkish border; relief agencies say thousands will die unless massive aid reaches them soon [NYT 4/10].

Iraq rejects EC notion of setting up safe haven for refugees to be administered by UN; EC backs away from its own plan; Bush admin. also backs away from "enclave" idea [MEM 4/9; NYT, WP, LAT, MEM, CSM 4/10].

Prominent Palestinian in Kuwait, Dr. Salim Mukhtar, writer and dentist, is assassinated near Kuwaiti army roadblock; incident raises concerns in U.S. about continued reprisals and repression of Palestinians in Kuwait [NYT 4/10].

UN Sec. Council authorizes dispatch of 1,440-member observer team to oversee demilitarized zone between Iraq and Kuwait currently patrolled by U.S. forces [WP, LAT 4/10].

General strike is observed in o.t. to mark beginning of 41st month of intifada [HAA 4/10 in FBIS 4/11; FJ 4/15].

On 2d day of meetings in Cairo, Pres. Mubarak and Pres. Asad say they are opposed to the splintering of Iraq, and call for intermational peace conference, after adequate preparations. On matter of Kurdish rebellion, Pres. Asad says it is "an intemal matter" [MENA 4/1 in FBIS 4/1; SANA 4/1 in FBIS 4/2; NYT, MEM 4/2].

Human rights groups working in Kuwait have turned up no proof to date that thousands of Kuwaitis were executed by Iraqis; Middle East Watch says that number is from 300 to 600. Also refuted is claim that Iraqi troops killed hundreds of premature babies by stealing incubators [WP 4/2].

Inquest by Jerusalem judge into Haram al-Sharif killings last October 8 turns up evidence that contradicts official Israeli gov't. version of events. Border officer testifies he saw other officers "shoot from the hip," in violation of regulations; another officer claims police fired on Palestinians who had sat down and begun to pray [WP, LAT 4/2].

U.S. officials disclose that Nat. Sec. Advisor Brent Scowcroft and senior White House aide Richard Haass made secret trip from 3/25 to 3/27 to Saudi Arabia for talks with King Fahd [WP, MEM 4/2].

Six Kuwaiti opposition groups, 96 leaders in all, sign manifesto demanding democracy [LAT, MEM 4/2].

Lt. Gen. Ehud Baraq assumes position of Israeli chief of staff, replacing Lt. Gen. Dan Shomron [JDS 4/1 in FBIS 4/1; CSM 4/2; FJ 4/8; JPI 4/13].

UNLU issues call no. 69, praising Iraqi "steadfastness" in face of coalition, criticizes attempts to find alternative Palestinian leadership [AVP 4/1 in FBIS 4/2; MEM 4/2].

U.S. State Dep't. criticizes Israel's 3/31 restrictions on Palestinians in o.t., stating what is needed is "dialogue and trust ... not imposing new restrictions" [MEM 4/2].

About 20 mobile homes are set up in West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba to help meet growing housing needs of Soviet Jewish immigrants, around 400 of whom have moved to this settlement over the past year [MEM 4/3].

Israeli human rights group B'Tselem reports Israeli security forces killed 8 Palestinians during March; 5 in West Bank and 3 in Gaza Strip; 1 Israeli civilian was killed in o.t. during the month [FJ 4/8].

In defiance of Lebanese gov't. ban on private militias, PLO says it will not lay down its arms and that its fighters in southern Lebanon will continue to strike at Israel [NYT 4/2; RFL 4/1 in FBIS 4/2]. 

Israeli gov't. imposes new restriction on Palestinians, forbidding workers to drive their own cars into Israel; gov't. also pledges to accelerate deportations of activists and affirms policy of house demolitions (cf. 4/1, 4/2) [LAT, WP, WT 4/1; JDS 3/31 in FBIS 4/1, 4/2; CSM 4/2; FJ 4/8].

Israel lifts curfew in Gaza Strip and some West Bank locations; Palestinians are still barred from entering Jerusalem [JDS 3/31 in FBIS 4/1; MET 4/9].

Iraqi troops retake city of Kirkuk from Kurdish rebels after 4 days of fighting; soldiers also take Irbil, 50 miles north of Kirkuk; thousands of refugees flee to Turkish and Iranian borders [LAT, WT, NYT 4/1].

In Easter message, Pope John Paul II condemns destruction in Gulf war, calls on world leaders to deal with plight of "oppressed peoples, such as the Palestinians, the Lebanese, the Kurds" [NYT, LAT, WT 4/1].

U.S. Anny announces plan to begin within 2 weeks to withdraw about 20,000 troops from southern Iraq, about 1/4 of its combat forces there [NYT 4/1].

Senior Iranian official accuses U.S. of misleading Iraqi people by encouraging them to overthrow Saddam Hussein, then giving Iraq "green light" to suppress rebellion [NYT 4/1].

Pres. Asad arrives in Cairo to discuss with Pres. Mubarak regional security arrangements in light of Gulf war [NYT 4/1; MENA 3/30, 4/1 in FBIS 4/1; CSM 4/1; MET 4/9].

Returning from Middle East, and acknowledging deep mutual distrust between Israelis and Arabs, Sec. Baker says both sides must move simultaneously to adopt "confidence-building measures" because neither side can be expected to make the initial concession [LAT, WT 3/18; CSM 3/19].

Tel Aviv district court sentences cashiered soldier Ami Popper to 7 consecutive life sentences plus 20 years in prison for the shooting deaths of 7 Palestinians in Rishon le Zion last May [NYT, LAT, WP 3/18; JDS 3/17 in FBIS 3/19; MET 3/26; JPD 3/30].

Palestinian workers are allowed to return to Jerusalem for 1st time since recent stabbings; workers are also allowed back to Tel Aviv and Haifa for 1st time since 17 January [NYT, LAT, CSM 3/18; JDS 3/17 in FBIS 3/18; MET 3/26]; general strike is observed in o.t. to mark beginning of Gulf war [FJ 3/25].

U.S. and international human rights officials say bodies of 20 to 30 people have been found tortured or shot, and many more are presumedead in what appear to be reprisal killings by Kuwaiti military against suspected pro-Iraqi collaborators [LAT 3/18].

Moving to mollify vocal democracy movement, Kuwaiti gov't. announces it will hold elections for new parliament within 6 months to a year [WP, WT, CSM 3/18; MET 3/26].

Insurgents in Iraq report fierce fighting between rebels and Iraqi troops in many parts of the country [NYT, WT 3/18]; Baghdad's daily newspapers carry accounts of widespread death and destruction in southern Iraq and say rebellion there has been crushed [WP 3/18].

Speaking at AIPAC conference, Israeli Health Min. Ehud Olmert says Israel is willing to begin peace negotiations with all Arab states and to discuss future of o.t. and Golan, but only with Arab delegation that excludes PLO (cf. 3/18) [WP 3/18; JDS 3/17 in FBIS 3/18; CSM 3/19].

American troops move up to 30 miles further into Iraq. Marine Gen. Richard Neil says "the purpose is to maintain a presence until the cease-fire is agreed to." Move also appears to be part of Bush admin. effort to pressure Saddam Hussein not to use helicopters or chemical weapons against Kurdish rebels [LAT 3/15; NYT 3/16].

Pres. Asad tells Sec. Baker that Syria is "committed to a genuine peace" with Israel, according to U.S. officials, who interpret Asad's remark as fundamental change in Syrian policy. Sec. Baker flies to Moscow [LAT, NYT, WP 3/15; SANA 3/14 in FBIS 3/15].

Pres. Bush and Pres. Mitterrand meet in Martinique to discuss prospects for peace in Middle East and afterwards express optimism but give no specifics [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 3/15; AVP 3/15 in FBIS 3/18].

Emir of Kuwait returns to his country for 1st time since invasion [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/15; KUNA 3/14 in FBIS 3/15; MET 3/26].

U.S. Senate declares Saddam Hussein should be tried for war crimes, and bars use of any U.S. funds for rebuilding Iraq while Saddam remains in power. Senate Appropriations Committee approves $200 million to help Turkey cover its war costs as part of $15.8 billion-package that has already cleared House [LAT, WP 3/15].

Jerusalem city authorities plan to build, with approval of Religious Affairs Ministry and Israeli gov't., a Jewish cemetery outside of Jerusalem in the West Bank. Opponents say cemetery violates international rules governing use of occupied territory, and reflects attempt to make irreversible Israel's hold on o.t. [LAT 3/15].

Israel reimposes ban on Palestinians' entry into Jerusalem, decides to keep ban until beginning of next week (cf. 3/17) [JDS 3/14 in FBIS 3/14; MET 3/26].

In Jerusalem, Sec. Baker holds separate meetings with P.M. Shamir and group of 10 Palestinian leaders, led by Faisal Husseini, who hands him memo. Baker reportedly probes each side for points on which each might be flexible; reiterates "land for peace" formula to a noncommittal Shamir (cf. 3/13) [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/13; IDF, JDS 3/12, JPD, DAV 3/13 in FBIS 3/13; CSM 3/14; FJ 3/18; MET 3/26].

Kuwait military continues to transport hundreds of Palestinians, Jordanians, N.Africans, and Iraqis-arrested since liberation of Kuwait-to border with Iraq; several people claim to have been tortured and beaten by Kuwait military [LAT, WP 3/13].

Kurdish insurgents in northern Iraq claim further territorial gains and accuse Baghdad of taking 5,000 Kurdish women and children as hostages [LAT, WP, CSM 3/13].

Syria announces it has freed all Palestinians held in its jails. Beirut radio says 302 prisoners were released; PLO reports more than 4,000 Palestinians in Syrian jails (cf. 3/13) [LAT, WP 3/13; BVL 3/12 in FBIS 3/18; MET 3/26].

North Korea has delivered to Syria about 24 SCUD missiles along with mobile launchers, according to U.S. officials [WT 3/13].

World Health Organization reports Baghdad's water supplies are at 5% of prewar levels; Iraqi Red Crescent says cholera and typhoid cases are beginning to appear [LAT 3/13].

King Hussein says that Jordan will never agree to be a substitute for PLO in peace talks with Israel, but if Palestinian leadership asked Jordan to join talks, it would do so [NYT 3/13].

Kuwaiti gov't. officials say joint U.S.-British air base will be built on Kuwait's Bubiyan Island as part of postwar security arrangements [WT 3/13].

After meeting in Cairo with Pres. Mubarak, Sec. Baker arrives in Jerusalem and meets with F.M. Levy, Baker says he is pleased with initial Israeli responses to Pres. Bush's peace initiative; announces plans to meet with Palestinian leaders from o.t., but will ignore their insistence that they speak for the PLO [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/12; MENA 3/11 in FBIS 3/11; MENA, JDS 3/11, IDF 3/12 in FBIS 3/12; CSM 3/13; JPI 3/23].

Israeli troops shoot dead 6 heavily armed Arabs who had crossed border from Jordan; 3 Israeli soldiers are slightly wounded in the 2-hour gun battle [NYT 3/12; JDS 3/11 in FBIS 3/11; JPI 3/23].

U.S. military officials say Iraq will turn over the bodies of 14 allied soldiers killed in Gulf war; 24 U.S. soldiers remain missing in action [LAT, WP 3/12].

23 Iraqi opposition groups begin 3-day conference in Beirut to solidify their stand and offer alternative to Saddam Hussein's regime [LAT, CSM 3/12; BDS 3/11 in FBIS 3/12].

Allied air strikes have left Iraq's oil production capacity reduced by two-thirds, according to oil industry experts [LAT 3/12].

U.S. Commerce Dep't. makes public list of $500 million in advanced American goods, including lasers and computers, that were sold to Iraq with Washington's approval between 1985 and August 1990 [NYT 3/12].

Palestinian journalist Taher Shriteh, released from Israeli prison on 3/8, is indicted on charges of aiding an illegal Arab group by giving them the publicly listed telephone number of Reuters in Jerusalem [NYT 3/17].

Gulf Crisis Financial Coordination Group, 27 wealthy countries, meet in Luxembourg, pledge $834 million in new aid to nations hardest hit by Gulf war [WT 3/12].

Public opinion survey published in Israeli newspaper Yedi'ot Ahronot shows 49% of respondents find "territories for peace" principle acceptable; 49% say it is unacceptable [YA 3/11 in FBIS 3/19].

Meeting with Sec. Baker in Riyadh, representatives of the 8 Arab countries allied with U.S. in Gulf war give general endorsement to Pres. Bush's Middle East peace initiative; but press for concessions and flexibility from Israel [NYT, WP, LAT, CSM 3/11; KUNA 3/10 in FBIS 3/11].

On eve of Sec. Baker's visit to Israel, Palestinian fatally stabs 4 Israeli women at bus stop outside Jerusalem; police say assailant meant his action as "message" to Sec. Baker; Jewish bystanders throw stones at Palestinian cars and shout for revenge; Palestinians are barred from Jerusalem until further notice [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/11; IDF, JDS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; CSM 3/12; FJ 3/18; MET 3/19; JPI 3/23].

18-truck convoy of medicine, food, and water leaves Jordan for Iraq. Relief officials say they are "fighting against time to try to prevent another health catastrophe" as warming weather raises threat of cholera and typhoid [LAT 3/11; MET 3/19].

Jerusalem radio reports that Ariel Sharon has submitted to P.M. Shamir his resignation as chrmn. of Ministerial Committee on Aliyah, saying he could not operate without additional powers or Shamir's support (cf. 3/13) [JDS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11].

Internal report from Israel's Housing Ministry indicates more than 10,000 new housing units are to be located in o.t., despite previous pledges by gov't. to Bush admin. to place all homes in Israel [WP, LAT 3/11].

Yasir Abd Rabbo says PLO has authorized Palestinian figures in o.t. to meet with Sec. Baker during his visit to Israel [AFP, ADS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; AVP, TDS 3/11 in FBIS 3/12].

Israeli Inner Cabinet meets and reaffirms its adherence to its May 1989 peace plan; various ministers says Israel will not discuss Golan Heights [IDF, JDS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11]

France issues 6-point 11th-hour initiative calling for Saddam to leave Kuwait; similar appeal is made by Yemen, Algeria, Tunis, and Libya. EC gov'ts., frustrated by seeing diplomatic efforts rebuffed by Baghdad, say they plan no new initiatives before the deadline [TDS, AFP, AES 1/14 in FBIS 1/15; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/15]; touting French plan, Algeria's Pres. Benjedid leaves for Baghdad [AGS 1/14 in FBIS 1/15].

Revolutionary Command Council votes unanimously to follow Saddam Hussein in defying UN resolutions; measure also authorizes Saddam to undertake last-minute political settlement [ADS 1/14 in FBIS 1/14; INA 1/15 in FBIS 1/15; MEM 1/14; NYT, WP 1/15]; Saddam sends "open message" to King Fahd decrying Saudi's Gulf stance [BADS 1/14 in FBIS 1/15].

PLO's second-ranking official, Abu lyad [Salah Khalaf] is assassinated in Tunis; Abu al-Hol [Hayel Abdel Hamid] and aid Fakhri al-Omari are also killed (cf. 1/15) [TDS, AFP, SPA 1/15 in FBIS 1/15; NYT, LAT, WT, WP, MEM 1/15].

UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar arrives back in New York from Baghdad, having failed to secure any concessions from Saddam Hussein [NYT, LAT 1/15].

Kuwaiti Crown Prince and P.M. warns that multinational forces would strike at civilian as well as military targets in Iraq: "If he [Saddam] bombs Kuwait cities, we'll do the same to Iraqi cities" [NYT, WP 1/15].

Allied officials agree that U.S. and British troops will conduct all offensive military operations while French and Arab troops will remain in defensive positions in war [LAT 1/15].

FBI rejects requests to stop interviewing Arab-American leaders about potential terrorist plans, but agrees to discontinue certain political questions such as "How do you feel about the Gulf situation?" and "How do you feel about Saddam Hussein?" [LAT 1/15].

Saddam Hussein orders the phrase "Allahu Akbar" ["God is great"] be added to Iraq flag [INA 1/14 in FBIS 1/14].

Israeli High Court orders defense establishment to distribute gas masks to Palestinians in o.t.; since only limited number are available, Palestinians in Jerusalem area and those closest to Israel will receive masks [JDS, IDF 1/14 in FBIS 1/15; WP, MEM 1/15].

King Hussein and Chrmn. Arafat discuss Gulf crisis at meeting in Amman [ADS 1/15 in FBIS 1/15].

Pres. Bush, saying he is making "one last attempt" to avoid war in Gulf, proposes Sec. Baker meet with Iraqi F.M. Aziz between 1/7 and 1/9 in Geneva [MEM 1/3; NYT, WP, WT, LAT, WP 1/4].

Libyan leader Qaddafi predicts Iraq will leave Kuwait to avoid international "catastrophe"; Qaddafi hosts hastily arranged 3-hour meeting with Pres. Mubarak, Pres. Asad, and Sudanese leader Omar Bashir to discuss Gulf crisis [MENA 1/3 in FBIS 1/3; DDS, SANA, RMC, JANA 1/3 in FBIS 1/4; MEM 1/3; WP, WT, LAT 1/4].

Sources in Algerian gov't. say Saddam has sought guarantees before evacuating Kuwait that Iraq will not be attacked subsequently by U.S. or Israel [WP 1/4].

Group of international judges say UN Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq is invalid because China, as a permanent member, had not backed it. Judges cite Article 27 of UN Charter as saying decisions of the Council require "affirmative vote" of all 5 permanent members [WT 1/4].

Citing national security and Iraqi threats, Britain expels 8 Iraqi embassy staff members and 67 other Iraqi nationals [NYT, WP, WT, LAT, MEM 1/4].

Guido de Marco, president of UN Gen. Assembly and 1st to visit o.t., witnesses stones being thrown at Israeli troops and soldiers answering with tear gas and rubber bullets during visit to Jabaliya camp [WP, WT 1/4].

Israeli troops shoot dead Palestinian and wound 6 others in Gaza; military reports soldiers chased masked Palestinians in Khan Yunis and opened fire when they would not halt [WT 1/4].

Pentagon reports number of Iraqi troops in and near Kuwait has grown to over 530,000 and multinational force arrayed against them now totals more than 580,000 [NYT 1/4].

Jerusalem court sentences reserve army Lt. Col. Yair Klein to 12 months in prison, suspends him for 3 years, and fines him $75,000 for training armed groups linked to drug barons in Columbia [JPD 1/4 in FBIS 1/4; WP 1/4].

Syrian D.M. and deputy P.M. Gen. Mustafa Talas arrives in Riyadh for meetings with Saudi defense officials [SPA, RIDS 1/3 in FBIS 1/4].