The Palestine Chronology

The U.S. announces a "major gesture" to Iran, acknowledging (but not apologizing for) past meddling in Iran, including the 1953 CIA-backed coup that restored the monarchy; promising steps toward the return of assets frozen since the 1979 revolution; lifting a ban on imports of Iranian luxury goods; easing restrictions on Iranian academics and athletes visiting the U.S. Secy. of State Albright adds that the U.S. will also consider the upcoming trial 13 Iranian Jews as a "barometer of U.S.-Iran relations." (NYT, WP, WT 3/17; NYT, WP 3/18; IRNA 3/18, 3/19 in WNC 3/21; NYT 3/19; MM 3/20; AYM 3/21 in WNC 3/23; CSM, MM 3/24; NY 4/27) (see 2/2)

Lebanon grants asylum to 1 of 5 Japanese Red Army mbrs. who just completed prison terms for passport forgery. The other 4 mbrs. are deported to Jordan, which hands them over to Japanese officials for extradition to Tokyo, where they will stand trial for bombings they carried out there in the 1970s. When they hear the news, angry demonstrators rally outside Lebanese PM Salim al-Huss's home. Huss claims Lebanon did not have an agmt. with Jordan, Japan to send the 4 back to Tokyo. (NYT, WP 3/18; al-Safir 3/18 in WNC 3/21; NYT 3/19; MM 3/21; WP, WT 3/22; MEI 5/5) (see 7/31/97)

U.S. special envoy Ross returns to the Middle East; meets separately with Netanyahu, Arafat; listens to complaints fr. both sides to try to forge compromise package/new framework for further negotiations. (WT 10/19; MM, NYT, WT 10/20)

Shaykh Yasin announces that Hamas has temporarily halted attacks on Israel; cooling-off period will last if Israel halts punitive measures against Palestinians, such as economic sanctions, closures, house  demolitions, land seizures. (WP, WT 10/20)

Israel agrees to extradite Sheinbein, must now fight appeal by Sheinbein's lawyers. (WT 10/18; NYT, WP 10/20; WJW 10/23; MEI 10/24) (see 9/29)

Japan creates $60 m. fund to support Jordan's socioeconomic development, discusses possibility of rescheduling Jordan's $72 m. debt to Tokyo. (JT 10/20 in WNC 10/22)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bomb as SLA vehicle passes, killing 2 SLA mbrs. (IDF Radio, RL 10/19 in WNC 10/22)

Economic/Social/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Israeli Palestinian town of Taybah police demolish 15 buildings erected without permits [LAT 1 1/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Salim troops shoot, kill 14-year-old Palestinian during demonstrations. In the W. Bank settlement of Massu'a Palestinian is killed after killing an Israeli soldier [NYT 11/9, FJ 11/13]. In Beach camp 4 Palestinians are injureduring clashes with troops [FJ 11/13].

Arab World: In south Lebanon 21-year-old Christian woman shoots Antoine Lahad, commander of the South Lebanon Army [FJ 11/13].

Other Countries: Faruq al-Qaddumi meets Japan's FM in Tokyo, asks for Japan's help in influencing the U.S. [FJ 11/13].

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Quds reports Jordanian gov't. program to give allowances to unemployed university graduates in West Bank. Before several hundred Jewish settlers and Gush Emunim supporters demonstrating solidarity with Jewish terror underground suspects, Dep. Speaker of Knesset Cohen-Avidov says "We have to tear out the eye and guts of the Arabs."

Arab World: 190-ft. tunnel from Israel-occupied Rafah to Egyptian Sinai discovered, suspected for use by smugglers.

Other Countries: In light of conviction of possessing bombs in New York and connections with anti-Arab terrorism, Meir Kahane refused entry into Canada. Japan rebuffs Arab League delegation proposal that Tokyo pressure Iran out of war by reducing its Irani oil purchases.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Arab World: Lebanese leaders reject Gemayel's 8-point plan; Nabih Berri quoted as saying he will not consider the plan until Gemayel accepts "responsibility for massacres of the southern suburbs." 

Other Countries: US approves use of $250 million of military grants for development of Lavi jet fighter. Israeli FM Kimche attends founding of Japan-IsraelbParliamentary Friendship League in Tokyo.