The Palestine Chronology

In Geneva, Pres. Clinton presents Syrian pres. Asad, FM Shara` with a maximalist proposal fr. Israeli PM Barak for a Golan withdrawal that would place the final border east of the 1923 international border around Lake Tiberias. Asad rejects the proposal outright. After the mtg., the U.S. says that it would not be productive for Israel, Syria to resume talks now, since "it's not obvious that . . . differences can be bridged." (WP 3/26; al-Quds 3/26 in WNC 3/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/27; al-Quds 3/27, DUS, Le Monde 3/28 in WNC 3/29; XIN 3/27 in WNC 4/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/28; AYM, al-Quds 3/28 in WNC 3/30; WP 3/29; WJW 3/30, 4/6; al-Quds 4/6 in WNC 4/11; JP, MEI 4/7)

The pope ends his Middle East trip by holding Sunday mass at the Basilica of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, joining worshipers at the Western Wall, visiting with the grand mufti of Jerusalem, meeting with Latin patriarchs and bishops. (NYT, WP, WT 3/27; WJW 3/30; JP 3/31)

Pres. Clinton announces that he will meet Syrian pres. Asad in Geneva on 3/26 in hopes of restarting Syrian-Israeli talks. (MM 3/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/21; MENA 3/21 in WNC 3/22; MM 3/22; MENA 3/21, Le Monde 3/22 in WNC 3/23; MM, WJW 3/23; MEI 3/24; JP 3/31) (see 3/1)

Pope John Paul II arrives in Jordan on the 1st leg of a 1-wk. Middle East tour, meets with King Abdallah. The pope's theme for the trip is that regional leaders should do more to reach a lasting peace, to promote Christian-Jewish-Muslim understanding. (MM 3/20; al-Quds 3/20 in WNC 3/22; CSM, NYT, WT 3/21; al-Quds 3/21 in WNC 3/23; MEI 3/24)

IDF soldiers open fire on a Palestinian car at a West Bank checkpoint, killing a woman, wounding her husband. The IDF shooting, which was apparently unprovoked, followed a drive-by shooting at nearby Tsurif settlement that wounded 4 Jewish settlers. (WP 3/21; WJW 3/23; MEI 3/24; NYT 4/21)

Barak narrowly wins a no-confidence vote (47-42, with 3 abstentions) in the Knesset, which was called after heated public debate over Education M Yossi Sarid's decision to include 5 poems by Palestinian nationalist poet Mahmud Darwish in school curricula. (MM 3/13; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/14; AYM 3/14 in WNC 3/15; NYT 3/15; MENL, WJW 3/16; MEI 3/24)

In apparent response to the Arab League's 3/12 statement), Israel steps up bombing campaigns against Amal, Fatah-Uprising, Hizballah, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC), Lebanese army targets in s. Lebanon and nr. the Lebanese-Syrian border, killing 1 Lebanese soldier, 1 civilian, wounding several others. The attacks on Fatah-Uprising and PFLP-GC are the first since 1986. (MM 3/13, 3/14; MENA 3/14 in WNC 3/15; MM, NYT 3/15)

Prince Hassan of Jordan says that he will not be able to make a previously arranged trip to Israel to day to receive an honorary doctorate. (DUS 3/14 in WNC 3/15)

PA Social Affairs M Intisar al-Wazir resigns to protest cuts to her budget for stipends to families of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces or jailed in Israel, the PA's failure to fund pay raises for civil servants. Arafat refuses her resignation, appoints a panel to investigate ways of meeting these budget needs. (MENL 3/21; MEI 3/24; PR [Internet] 3/29; MENL 4/3)

As a goodwill gesture before Id, Arafat orders the PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) to release 18 Hamas activists being held as administrative detainees. (al-Quds 3/13 in WNC 3/16)

Syrian PM Miru presents his new government. FM Faruq al-Shara`, DM Mustafa Tlas, Interior M Muhammad Harba, Finance M Muhammad Khalid al-Mahaini, Economics M Muhammad Imadi, 8 other Ms retain their posts; 22 new mbrs. are all technocrats. (MM, WT 3/15; MM 3/20; MEI 3/24)

Lebanese Shi`i leader Mustafa al-Dirani, jailed in Israel since being abducted fr. Lebanon by the IDF in 5/94, files a $1.5-m. law suit against the Israeli government, alleging that he was raped and tortured during interrogations. (WP 3/14; WT 3/15; IRNA 3/15 in WNC 3/16; WJW 3/16)

After another mtg. btwn. Arafat and Barak in Ramallah, this time attended by U.S. special envoy Ross, Ross announces that Israel, the PA will resume negotiations in the U.S. after Id al-Adha holiday ends on 3/20. The sides still aim to conclude a full final status agmt. by 9/13. Ross says there have been "constructive" talks on interim issues. (MM 3/8; NYT, WP, WT 3/9; ITAR-TASS 3/9 in WNC 3/14; al-Quds 3/9, DUS 3/11 in WNC 3/13; CSM 3/10)

Lebanese pres. Lahoud says Lebanon would guarantee security along the s. border after the IDF withdraws, but only as part of an overall Middle East settlement; warns that Palestinian guerrillas opposed to Arafat might attack n. Israel fr. s. Lebanon if the refugee issue is not solved. (XIN 3/8 in WNC 3/9; CSM, WP 3/9; NYT 3/12; Le Monde 3/17 in WNC 3/20)

Israel's High Court rules (4-1) that an Israeli Arab family cannot be barred fr. living in a cooperative Jewish community. Although the decision affects the 1 family only, the court's determination that separate Arab and Jewish communities are "inherently unequal" and discriminate against Arabs sets legal precedent that may be used in future cases. (NYT, WP 3/9; WJW 3/16; JP 3/17)

In s. Lebanon, 2 SLA mbrs. are killed in a clash with Hizballah. (MEI 3/10)

In an Israeli cabinet mtg., PM Barak admits that 4 past PMs (Yitzhak Shamir, Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres, Benjamin Netanyahu) had affectively guaranteed to withdraw fr. the Golan Heights to the 6/4/67 border with Syria; says he will not "erase the past." (MM, NYT, WP 2/28; CSM, MM 2/29; XIN 2/29 in WNC 3/1; WJW 3/2; AYM 3/5 in WNC 3/9; JP, MEI 3/10)

In Ramallah, Palestinians march to PA headquarters to protest the arrest of a total of 69 Birzeit students since the 2/26 attack on French PM Jospin. 3,000 Palestinian students in Hebron, Lebanese in Sidon hold anti-Jospin demonstrations. (LAW, NYT, WP, WT 2/28; al-Quds 2/29 in WNC 3/3; MEI 3/10)

U.S. special envoy Ross makes 1-day trip to Cairo to consult with Egyptian FM `Amr Musa. (MENA 2/24 in WNC 2/28)

PM Barak defends FM Levy's speech to the Knesset on 2/23, saying he is a voice of moderation, "his words illustrate the weighty responsibility we feel for Israel's security in the face of dangers that lie in wait for us when we enter the decisive stage of the peace process." (MM, NYT 2/25; WP 2/26; AYM 2/26 in WNC 2/29; MEI 3/10)

The Arab League announces that its next regular FMs mtg. will be held 3/11+n12 in Beirut, instead of Cairo, as a gesture of solidarity in support for Lebanon's "steadfastness in the face of ongoing Israeli aggression." (MM 2/24; al-Musawwar 3/3, MENA 3/5 in WNC 3/6; MM 3/8)

Pope John Paul II arrives in Egypt for 3-day visit, meets with Pres. Mubarak, calls for unity and tolerance among all religious groups. Meanwhile in Israel, a group of senior rabbis asks the pope to cancel plans to hold a daytime Saturday mass when he visits Nazareth in 3/25, saying it would cause "massive desecration "of the Jewish sabbath. Far-right Jewish groups put up posters in Jerusalem calling the pope "the wicked one," saying prayer service would be an act of "mass idolatry in the heart of Jerusalem." (ANSA [Rome], MENA 2/24, MENA 2/25 in WNC 2/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/25; MENA 2/26 in WNC 2/29; WT 2/27, 2/29; JP 3/3)

After a mtg. with Barak in Jerusalem, French PM Lionel Jospin says that "France condemns Hizballah's [recent attacks on the IDF in s. Lebanon], and all types of terrorist attacks which may be carried out against soldiers or possibly Israel's civilian population." French pres. Jacques Chirac reprimands Jospin. (MM 2/25; WT 2/27; WP 2/28; Le Monde 2/28 in WNC 2/29; AYM 2/28 in WNC 3/1; al-Quds 2/29 in WNC 3/3; WJW 3/9; JP, MEI 3/10)

In Beirut, around 5,000 Lebanese protest nr. the UN headquarters against Israel's recent air strikes on civilian targets, the U.S.'s failure to restrain Israel. At another rally outside the CNN bureau, 3,000 students are confronted police firing tear gas and water cannon. The U.S. makes its 1st comment critical of Israel's strikes, which began 2/8, saying "we do not believe that Israeli attacks against civilian infrastructure and populated areas will solve the problem." (NYT, WP 2/19; MM 2/21; MEI 2/25)

In protest over Israel's threats to continue strikes against civilian targets in s. Lebanon (see 2/16), King Abdallah of Jordan cancels a planned visit to Israel. (WP 2/19; MEI 2/25)

Iran holds the 1st round of parliamentary elections, with some 6,000 candidates, including 400 women, vying for 290 seats. Reform-minded supporters of Pres. Mohamed Khatami overwhelmingly defeat conservative candidates, with 80% voter turnout. The 2d round of voting will take place on 5/5. (CSM, MM 2/18; NYT, WP, WT 2/19; MM, NYT, WP 2/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/22; AYM 2/22, al-Quds 2/24 in WNC 2/29; MM 2/23; JP, MEI 2/25; WJW 3/2; NYT 3/9)

The PA arrests without charge al-Najah University professor `Abd al-Sattar Qasim, one of the 20 signatories of the 11/99 anticorruption statement. (LAW 2/20; AFP 2/21 in WNC 2/23; MEI 2/25; JP 3/3)

Israel carries out 1 airstrike against a Hizballah base in n. Lebanon, wounding 2 Hizballah mbrs., before halting its attacks. IDF chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Shaul Mofaz notes that Israel's latest airstrikes mark the 1st time in the 18-yr. conflict that the IDF has targeted Lebanese infrastructure in response to army deaths rather than civilian casualties in n. Israel. Barak says the new retaliation policy will hold. (MM 2/10; IRNA, MENA, RL 2/10 in WNC 2/11; CSM, MM, NYT 2/11)

In Khazira village, West Bank, a car bomb explodes, killing 1 Palestinian, severely injuring another. PA, Israeli police think the men were Hamas mbrs. plotting an attack on Israelis. (WJW 2/17; JP 2/18)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah attacks an IDF patrol, killing 1 soldier. For the 2d time in 24 hrs., Israel responds with airstrikes against civilian sites, Hizballah bases, wounding 2 persons. Claiming that Hizballah launched strikes fr. civilian areas, PM Barak says Israel will no longer honor the 1996 April Understanding prohibiting all parties in s. Lebanon fr. involving civilians in violence. (AFP, MENA, RL 2/8, RL 2/9 in WNC 2/10; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/9; AYM, al-Quds 2/9 in WNC 2/11; WJW 2/10; MEI 2/11; JP 2/18)

In Jericho, PA police using a bulldozer force their way into a disputed Russian Orthodox monastery in an apparent effort to divide the property btwn. the 2 branches of the church, but U.S. consular officials intervene, persuading the PA to halt the action at least temporarily. (WP 2/9) (see 1/15)

In Cairo, Egypt, Iran hold talks on expanding agricultural cooperation. (MENA 2/8 in WNC 2/10)

Just before U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in Israel to oversee intensive FAPS talks, the Israeli cabinet approves the 3d stage of the 2d FRD, which was to haven take place by 1/20. (MM 2/2, 2/3, 2/4)

In Gaza, the PLOCC opens a 2-day national dialogue mtg. to discuss unilateral declaration of statehood, red lines for negotiations with Israel, PLO directions and strategy. (AYM 2/2 in WNC 2/4; AYM 2/3 in WNC 2/7)

The Knesset holds its 1st public debate on Israel's nuclear policy. The request for the debate, made by Israeli Arab MK Issam Mahoul, was initially rejected on security grounds, but Speaker Avraham Burg reversed the decision when Mahoul took the petition to the High Court. The debate last less than 1 hr.; most MKs walk out in protest, 6 are ejected for disrupting the proceedings. (NYT, WT 2/3; WJW 2/10; JP, MEI 2/11)

Israeli police raid Shu`afat refugee camp n. of Jerusalem, arrest 4 Palestinians for possessing illegal weapons. Several days ago, police carried out a similar raid on Qalandiyya refugee camp. (al-Quds 2/3 in WNC 2/4)

Iran releases on bail 3 of the 13 Iranian Jews arrested last yr. on charges of spying for Israel, the U.S. (IRNA 2/3 in WNC 2/4; WJW 2/10; JP 2/11) (see 6/8/99)

In s. Lebanon, an SLA mbr. is killed in a Hizballah attack. The SLA responds with indiscriminate fire, hitting 5 UN posts, several homes, a mosque. Senior adviser to the UN forces, Timur Goksel, warns that exposed UN positions may have to be abandoned if they continue to be endangered by random SLA fire, the launching of Hizballah attacks fr. nearby sites. (AFP 2/2 in WNC 2/3; MM 2/3; MENA 2/3 in WNC 2/4; MEI 2/11)

In Moscow, U.S. Secy. of State Albright, Russian FM Igor Ivanov host the multilateral steering comm. session. Participants agree to resume working group mtgs. on refugees, water, economic development, the environment in 4/99 and 5/99. But Egypt refuses to convene the arms control group, of which it is chair, unless Israel agrees to open its nuclear program for inspection. (Interfax, ITAR-TASS 2/1 in WNC 2/2; ITAR-TASS, XIN 2/1, ITAR-TASS 2/2 in WNC 2/3; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/2; WJW 2/3; MENA, SA 2/3 in WNC 2/4; RL 2/4 in WNC 2/7; AYM 2/6 in WNC 2/10)

The IDF demolishes 1 Palestinian home, damages a 2d in East Jerusalem. (LAW 2/1)

Hizballah attacks an IDF post in s. Lebanon killing 3 IDF soldiers, wounding 4. Barak does not order a severe response but vows that Israel will retaliate "at the place and the time of our choosing." He also says Syria must rein in Hizballah for talks to resume. (MM 1/31; RL 1/31 in WNC 2/1, 2/7; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/1; al-Safir 2/1 in WNC 2/2; MM 2/2; WJW 2/3; MEI 2/11)

On the 2d day of their joint economic comm. mtg. in Tehran, Iran, Lebanon sign 3 memoranda of understanding on expanding economic, trade, commercial relations; discuss possible joint industrial projects. (IRIB Television, IRNA 1/30 in WNC 1/31; IRIB Television 1/31 in WNC 2/1)

In Elat, Israel, the PA begin 10 days of intensive FAPS talks. (WT 1/30; AFP, AYM 1/30 in WNC 1/31; al-Quds 1/30 in WNC 2/1; NYT, WP, WT 1/31; MM 2/3)

At Pres. Clinton's recommendation, Barak goes to Cairo to discuss with Mubarak ways to speed the multitrack peace process. Mubarak briefs Barak on his recent mtgs. with Arafat, Asad, King Abdallah. (MENA 1/30 in WNC 1/31, 2/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/31; MM 2/1; WJW 2/3) (see 1/22)

In Davos, Secy. of State Albright meets separately with PA's Arafat, Jordan's King Abdallah, Egypt's FM Musa, Israel's Regional Cooperation M Peres for talks on the peace process. Peres also meets with Bahrain's crown prince Shaykh Salman Bin-Hamad al-Khalifa. (AFP 1/30 in WNC 1/31; MM, NYT 1/31; MM 2/1, 2/2)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates a large roadside bomb, killing the SLA's 2d in command Col. `Aql Hashim. Israel considers the assassination a significant blow since Hashim was the only likely successor to SLA Cmdr. Antoine Lahd, who is expected to retire soon. The IDF makes a limited counterattack on Hizballah targets, killing 1 civilian. (RL 1/30 in WNC 1/31; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/31; MM 2/2; WJW 2/3; al-Safir 2/3 in WNC 2/4; MEI 2/11)

Israel's State Comptroller Eliezer Goldberg fines PM Barak's One Israel/Labor party $3.4 m. and places it under criminal investigation for allegedly carrying out a "systematic and massive" illegal fundraising scheme that netted more than $2 m. for Barak's spring 1999 campaign. In total, 12 of the 31 parties that took part in the 5/99 elections (and 10 of the 15 parties now in the Knesset) are charged with campaign finance violations. (MM 1/27; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 1/28; WP 1/29; WT 1/30; WJW 2/3; JP 2/4)

Israel rejects plans for construction of a new terminal for the joint Aqaba-Elat airport project with Jordan, citing environmental concerns. (JT 1/28 in WNC 1/31)

In Ankara, Turkey, Iran close a 2-day session of their joint economic commission, which focused on expanding trade ties, particularly in the energy sector. The sides sign a memorandum of understanding on construction of a natural gas pipeline. (ATL, IRNA 1/26 in WNC 1/27; ATL 1/27 in WNC 1/28)

PM Barak tells his cabinet that if asked, he will not make any written pledge to withdraw fr. the Golan to resume peace talks with Syria. (MM, WP 1/24; WJW 1/27)

In Amman, Egyptian pres. Mubarak, King Abdallah discuss the peace process, inter-Arab coordination. (JT, MENA 1/23 in WNC 1/24; MM 1/24; al-Quds 1/24, AYM 1/25 in WNC 1/27)

Martin Indyk assumes his post as U.S. amb. to Israel. Indyk left his post as asst. secy. of state to serve as amb. to Israel for the 2d time. His 1st term was 1995+n97. (WT 1/25; MM, NYT 1/26; WJW 1/27)

Hizballah spiritual leader Shaykh Hassan Nasrallah says Hizballah is "working very assiduously" to ascertain the fate of IDF airman Arad. He doubts Arad is alive but hopes to find his remains, so they can be exchanged for Hizballah mbrs. jailed by Israel. (Der Spiegel, SA 1/24 in WNC 1/27; MEI 1/28; MM 2/4) (see 1/23)

In Washington, Arafat meets with Pres. Clinton to discuss the stalled negotiations with Israel. Arafat announces that during his 1/17 mtg. with Barak, the PM agreed to carry out the 3d stage of the 2d FRD within 2 wks. (WT 1/20; NYT, WP, WT 1/21; al-Quds 1/22, AYM 1/23 in WNC 1/27 WJW 1/27; MM 1/24; JP, MEI 1/28)

Israel's Atty. Gen. Elyakim Rubenstein orders police to open a criminal investigation of Pres. Weizman for accepting money fr. French textile magnate Saroussi. Weizman refuses to resign or take a leave of absence in the interim. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/21; NYT, WP 1/24; NYT 1/26; JP 1/21; MM 1/24; MEI 1/28; MM 1/31; MM 2/3; JP 2/4) (see 12/30)

The central bodies of U.S. Conservative and Orthodox Judaism condemn yesterday's petition by 316 U.S. rabbis (mostly representing Reform Judaism), emphasize Israel's right to decide its security matters. (WP 1/27)

Syrian FM Shara` says Damascus will not resume negotiations with Israel until Tel Aviv pledges to agree to withdraw fr. the Golan to the 6/4/67 borders. (MM 1/19; RL 1/19 in WNC 1/21; al-Safir 1/19 in WNC 1/24; WT 1/30)

Arafat stops in Cairo to meet with Pres. Mubarak before heading to Washington to meet with Pres. Clinton. (WT 1/19; MENA 1/19 in WNC 1/21; al-Quds 1/20 in WNC 1/24)

Fearing that the peace process could collapse, more than 300 U.S. rabbis associated with Peace Lobby issue a statement calling on Israel, the PA to share sovereignty over Jerusalem. (NYT 1/20; WJW, WP 1/27)

In Israel's 1st official recognition of non-Orthodox Judaism, the Education Min. agrees to finance Reform and Conservative Jewish educational programs. (NYT 1/20; JP 1/28)

The U.S. puts the 2d round Syrian-Israeli talks on hold, saying Israel, Syria have fundamental differences that must be resolved for the next round to be substantive. Both sides agree to send experts to Washington in the interim to discuss the U.S. working paper. (AFP, ANSA, al-Safir 1/17, al-Quds 1/18 in WNC 1/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/18; NYT, WT 1/19; al-Quds 1/19 in WNC 1/24; MM, WJW 1/20; MEI 1/28)

In Tel Aviv, Barak holds a private mtg. with Arafat, asks for a 2-mo. extension to the 2/13 FAPS deadline. Arafat refuses. (AFP 1/17 in WNC 1/19; MM, WP, WT 1/18; CSM, MM, NYT 1/19; MENA 1/19 in WNC 1/21; MM 1/20; MEI 1/28)

An EU delegation meets separately with Arafat, Barak for talks on the Palestinian track, increasing the EU role in the peace process. The EU reps. express extreme concern by the slow movement on the Palestinian track. (ANSA 1/17 in WNC 1/19)

In Tel Aviv, Jordanian FM Khatib meets with FM Levy, urges Israel to implement the 1/20 FRD. (DUS 1/18 in WNC 1/19; JT 1/25 in WNC 1/27)

In Cairo, French FM Hubert Vedrine holds talks with Pres. Mubarak, FM Musa on the peace process, the Barcelona process. Egypt agrees to host a Euro-Mediterranean partnership mtg. on 10/3. (MENA 1/17 in WNC 1/19)

The PA for the 1st time turns over a Palestinian prisoner to Israel. The prisoner, Hisham Najim, is wanted for rape and murder of a child nr. Nablus. (al-Quds 1/18 in WNC 1/19; JP 2/11)

Turkey says that it wants to aid the peace process by selling water to Israel, Jordan. Jordan's water M arrives in Ankara today for 3 days of talks on importing 180 mcm of water over 2 yrs. (ATL, JT 1/17 in WNC 1/19; WP 1/18; MM 1/19; ATL, JT, Milliyet 1/19 in WNC 1/21; SA 1/28 in WNC 1/31)

In Hadera, Israel, a crude pipe bomb, similar to those used in Natanya on 11/7, explodes in a trash can. 22 Israelis seek medical attention, mostly for shock. Israel suspects Islamic Jihad (see 1/14). (MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/18; MM 1/19; WJW 1/20; JP 1/28)

In Nicosia, the Cyprus DMin. receives an Israeli DMin. delegation for exploratory talks on developing bilateral ties. (Cyprus News Agency 1/17 in WNC 1/19)

In s. Lebanon, a roadside bomb thought to have been planted by Hizballah explodes, injuring 1 civilian. (WP 1/18)

PM Barak postpones the 3d stage of the 2d FRD planned for 1/20, saying he has been too occupied with the Syrian track to review the FRD maps. (MM, NYT 1/17; JT, al-Quds 1/17 in WNC 1/19; WT 1/18; al-Quds 1/19 in WNC 1/24; WJW 1/20; JP 1/21; MEI 1/28)

Syrian FM Shara phones U.S. Secy. of State Albright to say that Syria wants Golan withdrawal to top the agenda of the 2d round of talks with Israel. Publicly, Syria says it has not yet agreed to resume the negotiations. (MM, NYT, WT 1/17; al-Nahar 1/17 in WNC 1/19)

Jordanian FM Abdallah Khatib, PA negotiator `Abid Rabbuh hold talks on the peace process. (JT 1/17 in WNC 1/19)

David Ivri assumes his post as the new Israeli amb. to the U.S., replacing Shoval. (WJW 1/20; JP 1/28; WJW 2/10)

In s. Lebanon, 1 Amal mbr. is killed in a clash with the SLA. (RL 1/16 in WNC 1/19)

Pres. Clinton phones Pres. Asad to discuss the next round of Syrian-Israeli talks, which is to begin on 1/19. (WT 1/14)

In Ramallah, Arafat receives U.S. Middle East peace coordinator Aaron Miller, who is in the territories to set the agenda for Arafat's mtg. with Clinton on 1/20. (al-Quds 1/14 in WNC 1/19)

Israel releases 2 Hizballah mbrs. held in detention inside Israel, frees 25 Lebanese detained in al-Khiyam jail in s. Lebanon, apparently in exchange for information on IDF airman Ron Arad, whose plane crashed in Lebanon in 1986. (RL 1/13 in WNC 1/18; NYT 1/14; WJW 1/20; JP 1/21)

In Jordan, King Abdallah accepts Royal Court chief `Abd al-Karim Kabariti's resignation, appoints Fayiz Tarawnah to replace him. The king keeps as PM his rival `Abd al-Rauf Rawabida, who has recently been accused of corruption by 2 parliament mbrs.; approves plans for a cabinet reshuffle. (MM 1/14, JT 1/14 in WNC 1/18; JT 1/16 in WNC 1/19; MM 1/17, 1/27; MEI 1/28)

Israeli police, IDF troops forcibly remove a group of settlers that tried to claim a West Bank hilltop nr. Havat Maon. (WJW 1/20; JP 1/21)

In Ramallah, PA, Israeli final status teams hold another round of talks on the FAPS. The PA demands that Israel allow Palestinian refugees to return to their homes, provide them with compensation. Israel rejects the demand. PA chief negotiator `Abid Rabbuh says that the FAPS should include Israel's recognition of its "ethical responsibility regarding he displacement of the Palestinian people and their homelessness." (WP 1/11)

In Shepherdstown, Israeli, Syrian teams adjourn negotiations, with plans to resume talks on the U.S. working paper on 1/19. The entire delegations return home; earlier the sides had discussed having the comms. stay on to work while Barak, Shara` returned home (see 1/8). (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/11; al-Quds 1/11 in WNC 1/13; WJW 1/13; MEI 1/14; AYM 1/14 in WNC 1/21)

In Tel Aviv, 100,000 Israelis, many of whom are West Bank settlers, rally to protest any withdrawal fr. the Golan Heights in a peace deal with Syria. (MM, NYT, WP 1/11; CSM, MM, NYT 1/12; al-Quds 1/13 in WNC 1/18; MM 1/17; WJW 1/21)

More than 150 Reform Jewish leaders visit the Israeli emb. in Washington to show support for peace talks with Syria, countering recent demonstrations by ultra-Orthodox Jews who oppose trading land for peace. (WP 1/11; WJW 1/13)

PA Finance M Nashashibi announces the establishment of the PA Higher Council for Development, chaired by Arafat, to insure the transparency of the public finance system. (AYM 1/13 in WNC 1/18)

Israel lowers the minimum age for Palestinians to work inside Israel fr. 25 to 21, increases the number of Palestinians allowed to drive their own cars into Israel, cuts fees for commercial traffic entering Gaza through Qarni crossing. (WT 1/12)

Israel says that Oman has decided to reactivate bilateral trade links. (WP 1/11)

In Shepherdstown, PM Barak and FM Shara`, with Secy. Albright attending, set up 4 technical comms. to discuss simultaneously withdrawal fr. the Golan, security arrangements, normalization of relations, water. U.S. mediators hold an informal session with Syrian military officers to discuss the border issue. In the evening, Pres. Clinton holds a small "ice-breaking" reception with Barak, Shara`. (AYM 1/4 in WNC 1/6; MM, NYT, WP 1/5; MM 1/6; WJW, WP 1/6; MEI 1/14)

Israel, the PA agree to carry out the 2d stage of the 2d FRD based on the maps that were originally presented by Israel and rejected by the PA on 11/11. The PA suggests that Israel may give more desirable areas in the 3d stage of the 2d FRD, which is to be carried out on 1/20. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/5; AFP 1/5 in WNC 1/6; al-Quds 1/5 in WNC 1/7)

In the 5th day of escalating violence, Lebanese troops engage Takfir mbrs. in house-to-house fighting in 2 villages n. of Beirut. In total, 11 soldiers, 10 civilians, around 25 rebels have been killed, some 20 rebels have been wounded and around 55 captured since 12/31. (CSM, NYT, WP 1/5; al-Nahar, RL 1/5 in WNC 1/6; GIU 1/7; MM 1/11; MEI 1/14)

Israeli PM Barak, Syrian FM Shara` resume substantive peace talks in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Pres. Clinton, Secy. Albright both meet separately with Barak, Shara`; these mtgs. run long, forcing the cancellation of a 3-way mtg. among Barak, Clinton, Shara`. Talks focus on Israel's demand that talks start with security issues, Syria's demand that they start with the extent of Israel's withdrawal fr. the Golan. The U.S. convinces them to discuss all issues simultaneously. (AFP, IRNA 1/3 in WNC 1/4; AYM 1/3, DUS, al-Quds 1/4 in WNC 1/5; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/4; WP 1/5; Tehran Times 1/5 in WNC 1/6; WJW 1/6; MEI 1/14)

During their private mtg., Barak asks Clinton for a $17-b. military assistance package to ensure Israeli security in the event of a Golan withdrawal. (MM 1/4; MM, WP 1/5; NYT, WJW, WT, WP 1/6; SA 1/6 in WNC 1/7; MM 1/7; MEI 1/14)

In Beirut, Ahmad Raja Abu Kharub, a Palestinian refugee angered by Russia's war in Chechnya, fires 4 grenades at the Russian emb., killing a policeman, injuring 7 civilians before being killed by security forces. (ITAR-TASS, RL 1/3 in WNC 1/4; MM, WT 1/4; Interfax, ITAR-TASS, RL 1/4 in WNC 1/5; ITAR-TASS 1/5 in WNC 1/6; MM 1/6; RL 1/10 in WNC 1/11; MEI 1/14) (see 12/8)

Lebanese soldiers storm a village in the Diniyya region, where mbrs. of Takfir wa al-Hijra, on the run from authorities following their 12/31 attack, are hiding out. 11 Takfir mbrs., 2 civilians, 1 soldier taken hostage on 12/31, 3 other soldiers are killed in the clash. (SA 1/3 in WNC 1/4; MM, WP 1/4; AFP 1/4 in WNC 1/5; al-Nahar 1/5 in WNC 1/6; RL 1/7 in WNC 1/10; MEI 1/14; al-Safir 1/21 in WNC 2/1)

In Ramallah, a group of armed Palestinian youths fr. al-Amari refugee camp close off the Jerusalem-Ramallah road, roam downtown Ramallah, occasionally fire into the air in an attempt to pressure the PA into releasing a camp resident serving a life sentence in a PA jail. PA security forces disperse the youths, reopen the road, take up positions downtown to ensure residents safety. (AYM 1/4 in WNC 1/6)

Israel releases another 7 Palestinian prisoners, all fr. East Jerusalem, to mark Ramadan. (CSM, NYT, WP 12/31; WJW 1/6; JP 1/7) (see 12/29)

An Israeli journalist reports that Pres. Ezer Weizman did not report receiving $453,000 fr. French executive Edouard Saroussi fr. 1988 to 1993, when he was an MK and cabinet minister. Weizman says money was a personal gift fr. a friend who has no connections to Israel, therefore he did not have to report it. (NYT 1/4; MM 1/5; JP 1/7; WP 1/10; MEI, MM 1/14; WT 1/16; WJW 1/20; JP 1/21)

In s. Lebanon, a car bomb is detonated nr. an IDF convoy, killing the unidentified bomber, injuring 1 IDF soldier and 12 Lebanese civilians (including 7 children). Hizballah claims responsibility. (NYT, WP, WT 12/31; RL 12/31 in WNC 1/2)

After plans for the mtg. are leaked to the press, Arafat, Barak cancel a secret mtg. that they were to hold today in Jericho. (MM, NYT 12/22)

Barak says that he wants upcoming negotiations with Syria to focus on security, normalization before dealing with final borders, water; says Israel's aim is to reach a "core agmt.," which he defines as something more than a declaration principles and less than a full peace treaty. (MM, NYT, WT 12/20; MEI 12/24)

Mbrs. of Israel's client militia, the South Lebanon Army (SLA), petition Israel's High Court to grant them refuge in Israel if IDF troops are withdrawn fr. s. Lebanon as planned in 7/00. (WP 12/20)

Arafat releases on $75,000 bail 6 Palestinians who signed the Petition of the 20; the 6 also sign a pledge to appear at police stations if summoned. 2 others are still in jail--`Abd al-Sattar Qassim, whom the PA has singled out as "the main culprit" behind the petition, and Ahmad Shakir Dudin, who refused to sign the pledge. (LAW, NYT 12/20; WJW 12/23; MEI 12/24; JP 12/31)

Citing the "murky political situation" surrounding final status talks with Israel, Arafat postpones until 1/15 a crucial PLO Central Council (PLOCC) mtg., which was to take place on 12/20. (JT, al-Quds 12/19 in WNC 12/21; AYM 1/5 in WNC 1/6)

Pres. Clinton renews 6-mo. waiver of the Jerusalem Embassy Act, which calls on the U.S. to move its emb. in Israel fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem or face cuts to the State Dept. budget. (MM 12/22; WJW 12/30; JP 12/31)

Iraq rejects the UNSC plan for resuming arms inspections, easing sanctions. (NYT, WP, WT 12/19; MM 1/5; MEI 1/14)

In Beirut, Iran, Lebanon hold talks on expanding tourism, scientific, cultural exchanges. (IRNA 12/18 in WNC 12/20)

U.S. Secy. of State Albright arrives in Saudi Arabia on the 1st leg of her 5-day tour of the Middle East to nudge the peace process forward. (CSM, MM, WP 12/7; WJW 12/9; MEI 12/10)

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in Israel to prepare for Albright's visit later this wk. He meets with the Israeli, and PA teams to try to bridge the impasse over FRD implementation. (WP, WT 12/7; MM 12/8; MEI 12/10)

PA chief negotiator `Abid Rabbuh cancels the day's planned round of talks, saying the PA will no longer discuss anything with Israel except the settlements. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/7; AYM, al-Quds 12/7, al-Quds 12/8 in WNC 12/9; WJW 12/9; MEI 12/10) (see 12/3)

Iran, Syria sign a media cooperation agmt. (IRNA 12/6 in WNC 12/7)

The U.S. grants QIZ status to the Jordanian industrial city of Dulayl. (JT 12/7 in WNC 12/8)

Arafat says final status talks with Israel are deadlocked, accuses Israel of using talks as a cover for settlement expansion, urges U.S. intervention. (WP, WT 12/4) (see 12/2)

In Nablus, 100s of Palestinians rally in support of PC mbr. Masri, who was wounded by masked gunmen on 12/1. (WP 12/4; WJW 12/9)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with 200 Palestinians demonstrating against Israeli settlement expansion, leaving 4 injured. (NYT 12/4)

Israel submits to Jordan a proposal that would allow direct ("door-to-door") transportation of goods fr. Jordan to the West Bank as of mid-1/00. (JT [Internet] 12/4)

In Irbid, 100s of Jordanians participate in a rally organized by the Islamic Action Front to urge the government to reconsider its deportation of 4 Hamas leaders on 11/21. (JT 12/4 in WNC 12/6) (see 11/26)

Several high-ranking Iranian clerics traveling to Washington on special State Dept. visas to participate in a Georgetown seminar are halted by U.S. customs officials in New York, who fingerprint, photograph, and subject them to racist insults. The delegation returns to Iran in protest. The State Dept. says only that mistakes were made. (WT 12/4) (see 11/22)

PA intelligence officers detain without charge 7 Palestinians who signed the Petition of the 20. Of the 7, 2 are placed under house arrest, 5 are in PA custody. (LAW 11/28; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 11/29; CSM, MM 11/30; AYM 11/30 in WNC 12/2; MM 12/1; WJW 12/2; MEI 12/10)

Israeli police question fmr. PM Benjamin Netanyahu for 10 hrs. regarding charges that he accepted illegal favors as PM, that he took valuables belonging to the Israeli government when he left office. (MM, WT 11/29; MM 12/7) (see 10/21)

King Abdallah of Jordan meets with Muslim Brotherhood leader `Abd al-Majid Dhunaybat as a gesture of reconciliation in the wake of the deportation of Hamas leaders 11/21 and the end of the Hamas crisis. (SA 12/1 in WNC 12/2)