859 / 15150 Results
  • December 2, 1999

    PM Barak says Israel will not accept PA demands to redraw the maps for the 2d stage of the 2d FRD. (al-Quds 12/3 in WNC 12/7)

    In Cairo, Orient House head Faisal Husseini holds talks...

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  • November 30, 1999

    On his way home fr. Moscow, Arafat stops in Cairo for a 2-day visit to brief Pres. Mubarak on the peace process, discuss increasing bilateral trade exchange. (MENA 11/30 in WNC 12/1; MENA 11/30,...

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  • November 29, 1999

    In Moscow for a 2-day visit, Arafat holds talks with Russian PM Vladimir Putin on the peace process; bilateral relations in education, culture, communications, transportation; developing a regular...

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  • November 24, 1999

    Israel's Ministerial Comm. on Jerusalem announces plans to set aside an area within the city to serve as a future "embassy row," to begin work on a ring road around Jerusalem. (NYT 11/26; AYM 11/...

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  • November 21, 1999

    In Cairo, Egyptian FM Musa, PA Planning M Nabil Shaath end 2 days of consultations on the peace process. Shaath also meets with Arab League secy. gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid to request that the Arab...

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  • November 18, 1999

    In Jerusalem, the Israeli, PA final status teams hold their 4th round of talks, begin detailing their positions on issues that will be addressed in the framework agmt. on permanent status (FAPS)....

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  • November 16, 1999

    In Jerusalem, U.S. spedal envoy Dennis Ross meets with Israeli FM David Levy to discuss progress on final status talks. Although they discuss differences btwn. Israel and the Palestinian Authority...

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  • November 13, 1999

    On the last leg of his regional tour, French FM Vedrine meets with Egyptian FM Musa in Cairo. Talks focus on resuming talks btwn. Israel, Syria. (MENA, RFI 11/13 in WNC 11/15)

    In Beirut,...

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  • November 10, 1999

    Israeli cabinet approves plan for 2d stage of Wye II FRD. (MM, NYT 11/11)

    In Beirut, Syrian heir apparent Bashar al-Asad, Lebanese pres. Lahoud reaffirm the unity of the Syrian and Lebanese...

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  • November 9, 1999

    Barak, Arafat hold generally positive mtg. on the sidelines of the Socialist International congress in Paris, but Barak sparks controversy afterward by saying that Israel no longer sees UN Res....

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  • November 8, 1999

    In Ramallah, PA, Israeli teams start talks on a framework agmt. on final status. Mtg. focuses on procedures for future talks, which will be held 2-3 times per wk., alternating btwn. Jerusalem,...

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  • November 6, 1999

    PM Barak extends until 11/9 the deadline for settlers to voluntarily evacuate all 10 enclaves ordered removed on 10/13, or face ejection by the IDF. The enclaves were to have been dismantled by 11...

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  • November 4, 1999

    Barak signs the map for the 2d stage of the Wye II redeployment, which is set for 11/15. Israel is set to transfer 3% fr. area C to area B; 2% fr. area B to area A. (MM 11/4, 11/5)

    Barak...

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  • November 3, 1999

    U.S. Secy. of State Albright phones Egyptian FM Musa to brief him on the 11/1+n2 Oslo mtgs. (MENA 11/3 in WNC 11/4)

    Jordan Press Association reverses its 10/19 decision to expel 3...

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  • October 30, 1999

    U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Indyk arrives in Cairo to discuss the peace process with Egyptian FM Musa. (MENA 10/30 in WNC 11/2)

    Nr. Tarqumiyya, in an Israeli-controled section of the West...

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  • October 29, 1999

    Heads of the Israeli, PA final status teams hold their 1st mtg. since the 9/13 official ceremony reopening talks, set 11/7 as the start date for permanent status negotiations. (AFP 10/29 in WNC 11...

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  • October 27, 1999

    U.S. special envoy Ross meets with PM Barak in advance of the Oslo mtg. 11/2. (MM 10/29; JP 11/5)

    Israeli-PA ad hoc economic comm. meets to discuss economic requirements of the Wye II agmt...

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  • October 18, 1999

    In Cairo, Arafat briefs Pres. Mubarak on developments in the peace process, particularly implementation of Wye II, settlements, 10/14+n15 donor mtg. (MENA 10/18 in WNC 10/19; MENA 10/18, 10/19 in...

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  • September 29, 1999

    At the invitation of the White House, Syrian FM Shara` takes time out fr. the UNGA session York to meet with Pres. Clinton in Washington. Shara` then returns to New York to meet with Albright. (MM...

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  • September 26, 1999

    Egyptian FM Musa says that Egypt is of the opinion that the resumption of multilateral talks should be conditioned on Israel's resumption of bilateral negotiations with Syria, Lebanon, and the PA...

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  • September 22, 1999

    In Paris, PM Barak discusses with Pres. Chirac the role of France, the EU in restarting the peace process. Chirac stresses that he has conveyed no messages btwn. Barak and Syrian pres. Asad, whose...

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  • September 21, 1999

    Arafat holds brief talks on the peace process with Egyptian pres. Mubarak in Alexandria before departing for the UNGA session in New York. (MM 9/21; MENA 9/21 in WNC 9/24)

    PM Barak arrives...

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  • September 20, 1999

    UN General Assembly (UNGA) opens its annual session in New York. UN Secy. Gen. Kofi Annan names Terje Larsen of Norway as UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace effort and as his...

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  • September 12, 1999

    2-day Arab League session opens in Cairo; will discuss the peace process, reconciliation btwn. Iraq and the Gulf states. Arafat gives an address, calling on Arab states to oppose resettlement of...

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  • September 7, 1999

    King Abdallah of Jordan ends 2-day visit to Kuwait, officially marking a new stage in bilateral relations, which soured during the 1990+91 Gulf War. On his way home, he stops in Sharm al-Shaykh to...

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  • September 4, 1999

    Before attending the Wye II signing, Secy. of State Albright makes a quick trip to Damascus for talks with Pres. Asad on resuming negotiations with Israel. (AFP, MENA, RL, VOL, XIN 9/4, JT, MENA,...

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  • September 3, 1999

    After further shuttling btwn. Arafat, Barak by Secy. of State Albright, Israel, the PA reach agmt. on revised Wye accord (Wye II). A signing ceremony is planned for 12/4 in Sharm al-Shaykh, Egypt...

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  • September 2, 1999

    Secy. of State Albright meets with Egyptian pres. Mubarak in Alexandria. Albright, Mubarak had hoped to host the signing of a revised Wye agmt., but Israel, the PA still differ over the prisoner...

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  • September 1, 1999

    After 2-wk. delay, U.S. Secy. of State Albright arrives in Morocco on her 1st tour of the Middle East since the 5/17 Israeli elections. State Dept. bills the tour as a "taking stock" trip, with no...

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  • August 31, 1999

    Erakat, Sher continue talks on Wye implementations. (MM 8/31; WT 9/1)

    Arafat goes to Cairo to discuss with Pres. Mubarak the outstanding issues blocking an agmt. with Israel on Wye...

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PM Barak says Israel will not accept PA demands to redraw the maps for the 2d stage of the 2d FRD. (al-Quds 12/3 in WNC 12/7)

In Cairo, Orient House head Faisal Husseini holds talks with FM Musa on the final status talks, Jerusalem. (MENA 12/2 in WNC 12/6)

Israel approves construction of another 493 new housing units in 2 West Bank Jewish settlements. (WP 12/6) (see 11/26)

In Haifa, 42 Palestinian companies hold a trade fair to market their goods to Israeli businessmen and consumers, to promote joint projects. (AYM 12/3 in WNC 12/8)

Overnight, settlers fr. Kiryat Arba uproot 400 grape vines on nearby Palestinian land. (NYT 12/3)

On his way home fr. Moscow, Arafat stops in Cairo for a 2-day visit to brief Pres. Mubarak on the peace process, discuss increasing bilateral trade exchange. (MENA 11/30 in WNC 12/1; MENA 11/30, 12/1 in WNC 12/2)

King Abdallah of Jordan begins a 5-day visit to Japan for talks on boosting bilateral cooperation, economic assistance to the kingdom. (JT 12/2 in WNC 12/3)

In New York, the UN Comm. on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People meets to observe the annual International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. (WT 12/1)

PA intelligence officers detain for questioning another signatory of the Petition of the 20, bringing to 11 the number who have been detained. The other 9 are PC mbrs. (all Fatah mbrs.), who are immune from prosecution. Arafat has reportedly asked the PC to lift their immunity so they may be arrested. PA police also arrest 2 Palestinians suspected of distributing the leaflet. (LAW 11/30; AFP, SA 11/30 in WNC 12/1; WP 12/1; AYM 12/2 in WNC 12/6)

In Moscow for a 2-day visit, Arafat holds talks with Russian PM Vladimir Putin on the peace process; bilateral relations in education, culture, communications, transportation; developing a regular flight route btwn. Gaza, Moscow. (Interfax, ITAR-TASS 11/29 in WNC 11/30; Interfax, ITAR-TASS 11/30 in WNC 12/1)

PM Barak says that he will insist that the FAPS, due to be completed by 2/00, contain a PA promise that the refugees' right of return will not be raised again at a later time; reiterates that no refugees will be allowed to return to inside the Green Line. (MM 11/30; MM, WT 12/1)

In Jerusalem, Israeli, PA final status teams hold their 6th mtg. PA team hands Israelis a letter urging PM Barak to end Jewish settlement expansion. (AFP 11/30 in WNC 12/1; AYM 11/30 in WNC 12/2; MM, WT 12/1; MENA 12/4 in WNC 12/6) (see 10/26)

As the final status mtg. is taking place, the IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes, a store in al-Khader, in the West Bank, apparently as part of the expansion of Efrat settlement. (LAW 11/30; WT 12/1; MM 12/2) (see 11/26)

PA intelligence officers arrest another 3 Palestinians who signed the 11/27 statement criticizing PA corruption. (CSM, NYT, WP 11/30; SA 12/1 in WNC 12/2; MEI 12/10)

In Gaza, 35 opposition leaders representing the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine hold mtg. in support of the Petition of the 20, call on the PA to release the detainees and allow the freedom of expression. (AFP 11/29 in WNC 11/30; SA 12/3 in WNC 12/6)

Israel's Ministerial Comm. on Jerusalem announces plans to set aside an area within the city to serve as a future "embassy row," to begin work on a ring road around Jerusalem. (NYT 11/26; AYM 11/26 in WNC 11/30; JP 12/3)

In Cairo, Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak, PM Atif Ubayd receive Israel's Regional Cooperation M Shimon Peres for talks on the peace process, economic issues. Peres urges Egypt to convene MENA economic conference. (MENA 11/25 in WNC 11/26)

Outside the PM's office in Jerusalem, 2,000 Israeli Arabs demonstrate for more state funds, an end to discrimination against them by the Jewish population. Police clash with demonstrators injuring several, including MKs Azmi Bishara, Talab al-Sane', Ahmad Tibi. (MM, NYT 11/25; WJW 12/2)

Israel's chief rabbi bans crucifixes, Christmas trees fr. Israeli hotel lobbies during the millennium holidays "because they are offensive to Jews." (WP 11/25; JP 12/3; WP 12/24)

The Lebanese army arrests Fatah cmdrs. Brig. Taha Muhammad `Abd al-Qadir (also known as Khalid Arif), Col. Khalid Shayib nr. Tyre. The PA views the arrests of the men, who have been wanted for yrs., as an attempt to pressure Palestinian refugees in final status talks. (RL 11/24 in WNC 11/26; MM 11/25; AFP 11/25 in WNC 11/29; al-Safir 11/30 in WNC 12/1; AYM 12/1 in WNC 12/2; MM 12/3) (see 10/27)

At the close of their 4th joint economic commission session in Tehran, Iran and Syria sign a memorandum of understanding on economic cooperation, agree to form a joint council of trade officials to expand private sector ties. (IRNA 11/25 in WNC 11/26)

In Cairo, Egyptian FM Musa, PA Planning M Nabil Shaath end 2 days of consultations on the peace process. Shaath also meets with Arab League secy. gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid to request that the Arab League intervene with Lebanon to ease tensions regarding Palestinian refugees (see 11/20). (MENA, 11/21, MENA, al-Nahar 11/22 in WNC 11/23)

Israeli Education M Yossi Katz, who handles Labor party relations with the PA, says Israel bears some responsibility for the Palestinian refugee problem, should allow 100,000 Palestinian refugees to return to areas inside the Green Line. Labor says it may remove Katz fr. his party posts because of his comments. PM Barak says no refugees will be allowed to return to Israel in a final settlement. (MM 11/23, 11/24; al-Quds 12/1 in WNC 12/3; MM 12/2; JP, MM 12/3)

Jordan "suspends" cases against all Hamas mbrs. detained since 8/30; sends 4 senior Hamas leaders (Ibrahim Ghawshah, Musa Abu Marzuq, Khalid Mishal, and Muhammad Nazzal, who were arrested 9/22) to Qatar; and releases the remaining 20 Hamas activists. (SA 11/21, AFP, DUS 11/22 in WNC 11/23; MENA 11/21, JT, SA 11/23 in WNC 11/24; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/22; MM 11/25; MEI 11/26; AYM 11/27 in WNC 12/1; JP 12/3)

The Israeli cabinet asks the Knesset to renew the state of emergency law for 6 mos. rather than 1 yr. as has been the case since the law was adopted in 1948. The 6-mo. extension would be the 1st legislative step toward abolishing the state of emergency, under which Israel may legally hold Arabs without charge or trial and confiscate civilian goods for military use. (MEI 11/22)

Israelis living along the n. border with Lebanon hold a 1-day strike to show concern for their safety following a withdrawal of IDF troops fr. s. Lebanon. (MM 11/22)

Turkish officials arrive in Israel for 4 days of talks on joint tourism programs. (ATL 11/21 in WNC 11/23)

In Jerusalem, the Israeli, PA final status teams hold their 4th round of talks, begin detailing their positions on issues that will be addressed in the framework agmt. on permanent status (FAPS). The PA demands that Israel compensate Palestinians damages suffered due to yrs. of occupation, stresses that Oslo agmts. do not give Israel the right to unilaterally decide the FRDs. (AYM 11/19 in WNC 11/23; WJW 11/25)

On the sidelines of OSCE talks, Egyptian FM `Amr Musa discusses with U.S. Secy. of State Madeleine Albright, Israeli PM Barak, Israeli FM Levy the possibility of resuming Syrian-Israeli talks; complains that implementation of Wye II is moving too slowly. (MENA 11/18 in WNC 11/22; MENA 11/19 in WNC 11/23)

At the OSCE talks, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey sign several agmts. to build an oil pipeline fr. Baku to Ceyhan. The U.S. pressed hard for the agmt., which is economically inviable yet will not be financed by the U.S., because it provides a route to move Caspian oil to the West that bypasses Iran, Russia. (ATL, Interfax, ITAR-TASS 11/18 in WNC 11/22; NYT, WP 11/19; Turan [Baku] 11/19, Iran News, Rossiyskaya Gazeta [Moscow] 11/20, Interfax 11/22 in WNC 11/23; NYT 11/21; MM 11/24)

In Cairo, Egyptian, Turkish officials discuss promoting bilateral trade, establishing free trade zone. Egypt agrees in principle to export gas to Turkey. (MENA 11/18 in WNC 11/22)

In Jerusalem, U.S. spedal envoy Dennis Ross meets with Israeli FM David Levy to discuss progress on final status talks. Although they discuss differences btwn. Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) delaying the 2d stage of the 2d further redeployment (FRD) outlined in Wye II, Ross says the problem should be worked out btwn. the 2 sides. Later in the day, Ross meets with PA head Yasir Arafat (MM 11/16; WP 11/17; MEI 11/26)

In Amman, the PA-Jordanian joint Technical Comm. ends a 2-day mtg. on bilateral trade and economic ties. (al-Quds 11/16 in WNC 11/22)

Algeria says it will agree to establish diplomatic relations with Israel as soon as it withdraws fr. the Golan Heights, s. Lebanon, the occupied territories. (ANSA (Rome] 11/16; MM 11/19)

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expels 300 Palestinians fr. the caves in which they reside nr. Yatta on the West Bank, after declaring the area a closed military zone. (Gush Shalom press release 1/25; NYT 2/22)

IDF troops clash with Islamic Jihad mbrs. in s. Lebanon, killing 2 mbrs. On 11/15, Lebanese PM Salim al-Huss warned Palestinian groups that it is not in Lebanon's interest for them to stage attacks on Israeli targets in or fr. Lebanese territory. (APP 11/16 in WNC 11/21; al-Quds, al-safir 11/16 in WNC 11/22; RL 11/19 in WNC 11/23)

In Cairo, Egypt, Saudi Arabia close 2 days of higher comm. mtgs., agree to reduce barriers to bilateral trade. (MENA 11/16 in WNC 11/21) 

On the last leg of his regional tour, French FM Vedrine meets with Egyptian FM Musa in Cairo. Talks focus on resuming talks btwn. Israel, Syria. (MENA, RFI 11/13 in WNC 11/15)

In Beirut, Iranian, Lebanese officials hold talks on expanding bilateral relations. (IRNA 11/13 in WNC 11/15)

In the 3d such incident in a month, a bomb explodes in a church in Tripoli, Lebanon, causing damage but no injuries. No one claims responsibility. (RL 11/14 in WNC 11/15)

Israeli cabinet approves plan for 2d stage of Wye II FRD. (MM, NYT 11/11)

In Beirut, Syrian heir apparent Bashar al-Asad, Lebanese pres. Lahoud reaffirm the unity of the Syrian and Lebanese tracks of the peace process, discuss resuming ties with Israel. (MM 11/11; RL 11/11 in WNC 11/12)

In Cairo, PSF West Bank head Jibril Rajub briefs Egyptian FM Musa on PA security concerns in the occupied territories. (MENA 11/10 in WNC 11/12)

Before dawn, the IDF moves into Havat Maon, forcibly evicts settlers fr. the enclave. (MM 11/10; MM, NYT, WT 11/11; CSM, MM 11/12; WJW 11/18)

First Lady Hillary Clinton arrives in Israel on a 2-day visit intended to boost her chances of winning a Senate seat in New York. (NYT, WP 11/12)

In s. Lebanon, an SLA soldier is wounded in a clash with Amal. (RL 11/10 in WNC 11/12)

Barak, Arafat hold generally positive mtg. on the sidelines of the Socialist International congress in Paris, but Barak sparks controversy afterward by saying that Israel no longer sees UN Res. 242, one of the bases of the Oslo process, as fully applicable to the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In his speech to the congress, Barak says that while Israel wants political separation fr. the Palestinian areas, "economic cooperation between us must and will continue"; calls on Syrian pres. Asad to resume bilateral negotiations. (MM 11/9; AFP 11/9 in WNC 11/10; AYM 11/9 in WNC 11/12; MM, WT 11/10; MEI 11/12)

Following the Socialist International mtg., Arafat heads to London to brief British PM Tony Blair on the status of the peace process. (LPA 11/9 in WNC 11/10)

In Paris, Egyptian pres. Mubarak holds talks on the peace process with Israeli PM Barak, condemns the PM's position on UN Res. 242. (MENA 11/9 in WNC 11/10; AFP 11/11 in WNC 11/12)

With the passage of the 2d deadline for the voluntary evacuation of 10 West Bank settlement enclaves, Israel announces that the IDF will forcibly evacuate the remaining occupied outpost, Havat Maon. Over the past few days, some 300 ultranationalist settlers have joined the 4 families originally encamped at the site, set up prefabricated houses in protest, hoping to make it impossible for the government to remove the settlement. A group of rabbis for the settlements issues a ruling forbidding the use of force against soldiers, but also calling the eviction a "crime against the Torah and the homeland." Barak cuts his trip to Paris short to return home to deal with the evacuation. (MM 11/9; NYT, WP 11/10; al-Quds 11/10 in WNC 11/12)

In Moscow, Russian FM Igor Ivanov discusses the peace process with EU special envoy Moratinos. Ivanov says Russia is willing to host a multilateral steering comm. mtg. whenever the parties agree that talks should resume. (Interfax, ITAR-TASS 11/9 in WNC 11/10)

In Ramallah, PA, Israeli teams start talks on a framework agmt. on final status. Mtg. focuses on procedures for future talks, which will be held 2-3 times per wk., alternating btwn. Jerusalem, Ramallah. (MM 11/8; AFP 11/8 in WNC 11/9; al-Quds 11/8, 11/9 in WNC 11/10; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/9; ITAR-TASS 11/10 in WNC 11/12; MEI 11/12)

In Paris, Arafat holds separate mtgs. on the peace process with French pres. Chirac, Egyptian pres. Mubarak. PM Barak discusses Syrian track with French PM Jospin. Arafat, Barak are in France to attend the 21st congress of the Socialist International. (MM 11/8; AFP, MENA 11/8 in WNC 11/9)

Israel's Atomic Energy Commission, which rarely makes public statements, releases a announcement saying "an employee died in a 12-foot fall while preparing scaffolding for a welding job at the nuclear research center [Dimona] in the Negev." The agency may have been seeking to prevent speculation about the cause of death. (NYT 11/9)

Jordan arrests leading Hamas activist `Abd al-Aziz Umary (also known as Izzat Rushuq), the 22d Hamas mbr. to be detained since the government crackdown began in 8/99; 2 other individuals are arrested, released on $5,000 bail each for "harboring" Umary. Hamas considers the arrests an escalation of hostilities. (MM, WP, WT 11/10; JT 11/10 in WNC 11/12; NYT 11/11; DUS 11/12 in WNC 11/15)

PM Barak extends until 11/9 the deadline for settlers to voluntarily evacuate all 10 enclaves ordered removed on 10/13, or face ejection by the IDF. The enclaves were to have been dismantled by 11/5, but some were not. (WP 11/7; MM 11/8)

PA accuses Israel of fueling the dispute btwn. Muslims, Christians over planned construction of a mosque nr. the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth so as to disrupt millennial celebrations. (WT 11/7, 11/10)

Arafat chairs the 1st mtg. of the Fatah Emergency Comm., established to review the organizations daily operations in the occupied territories. (al-Quds 11/8 in WNC 11/10)

In Ramallah, Arafat, Greek DM Akis Tsohatzopoulos discuss the peace process, the Greek-Israeli military cooperation agmt. signed on 10/14. (Athens News Agency 11/7 in WNC 11/8)

In Cairo, Egyptian, Iranian official discuss expanding bilateral economic cooperation, boosting bilateral trade, possibly opening direct flights btwn. Cairo and Tehran. (MENA 11/6 in WNC 11/8)

Barak signs the map for the 2d stage of the Wye II redeployment, which is set for 11/15. Israel is set to transfer 3% fr. area C to area B; 2% fr. area B to area A. (MM 11/4, 11/5)

Barak says that by 11/5 settlers must dismantle all 10 settlements that he ordered removed on 10/13 or the IDF will do the job. (MM 11/4, 11/5)

Barak phones Egyptian pres. Mubarak to brief him on the Oslo talks. (MENA 11/4 in WNC 11/8)

Congress, the White House reach a tentative agmt. on a FY 2000 foreign aid bill that includes $1.8 b. in funds to implement the Wye accord. (WP, WT 11/5; WP 11/6; WJW 11/11) (see Peace Monitor)

After strong protests from the U.S., Israel halts broadcasts on its Amos-1 satellite of Yugoslavian pres. Slobodan Milosevic's government television channel. (BETA [Belgrade] 11/4 in WNC 11/5; WP, WT 11/5)

U.S. Secy. of State Albright phones Egyptian FM Musa to brief him on the 11/1+n2 Oslo mtgs. (MENA 11/3 in WNC 11/4)

Jordan Press Association reverses its 10/19 decision to expel 3 journalists for having visited Israel. (JT 11/3 in WNC 11/4; NYT 11/4; MEI 11/12)

Israeli Roman Catholic, Orthodox Christian leaders say they will close their churches in Israel 11/22-23 to protest the government's approval of plans to construct a mosque nr. the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. They will keep churches in PA-controlled areas open, because "the Palestinians have proved that they are better at protecting minority rights." (NYT 11/4; WT 11/6)

U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Indyk arrives in Cairo to discuss the peace process with Egyptian FM Musa. (MENA 10/30 in WNC 11/2)

Nr. Tarqumiyya, in an Israeli-controled section of the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on a bus, injuring 5 Israelis fr. Kiryat Arba settlement. (NYT, WT 10/31; JP 11/5)

Heads of the Israeli, PA final status teams hold their 1st mtg. since the 9/13 official ceremony reopening talks, set 11/7 as the start date for permanent status negotiations. (AFP 10/29 in WNC 11/2; WP 10/30; NYT 10/31; AYM 11/1 in WNC 11/3)

PM Barak reinstates a ban, lifted 4 days ago, on DFLP leader Hawatimah's return to the occupied territories after he voices support for armed struggle against Israeli occupation. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/30; AYM 10/31, 11/2 in WNC 11/4; MM 11/2; JP 11/5)

The PC's Refugee and Displaced Persons Affairs Comm. warns Lebanon against arresting Fatah official Abu al-`Aynayn, who was sentenced to death in absentia by a military court on 10/27. (AYM 10/30 in WNC 11/3; DUS, al-Nahar, SA 11/6 in WNC 11/8; al-Quds 11/7, al-Safir 11/8 in WNC 11/9; al-Safir 11/11 in WNC 11/12; MEI 11/26)

In Irbid, Jordanians emerging fr. Friday prayers gather to express solidarity with Hamas mbrs. detained by the government. (DUS 10/30 in WNC 11/2)

Some 300 Iranian businessmen attend an Iranian exhibition in Cairo, marking a boost in Iranian-Egyptian economic relations. (MENA 10/29 in WNC 11/2)

In New York, the Iraqi National Congress (INC; an opposition umbrella organization set up in 1992, many of whose member groups have since broken away) opens 4-day assembly mtg., funded with $3 m. fr. Congress, to elect a new leadership to serve as a credible alternative to the Saddam Hussein regime. The mtg. opens with an address by U.S. Amb. at Large for War Crimes Issues David Scheffer, will close 11/1 with a speech by Asst. Secy. of State Pickering. (NYT 11/1; WP, WT 11/2)

U.S. special envoy Ross meets with PM Barak in advance of the Oslo mtg. 11/2. (MM 10/29; JP 11/5)

Israeli-PA ad hoc economic comm. meets to discuss economic requirements of the Wye II agmt., adjourns without taking any decisions. (al-Quds 10/29 in WNC 11/2)

In Gaza, the PA-Egypt-Jordanian trilateral comm. on displaced persons meets to discuss implementation of Wye II, upcoming final status talks; calls for convening quadripartite comm. (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, PA) on displaced persons. Under Wye II, the quadrilateral comm., which has not met since 1997, was to have resumed mtgs. by 10/1. (MM 10/27; MENA, al-Quds 10/27 in WNC 10/28; DUS 10/28 in WNC 11/2) (see 10/6)

Iranian pres. Khatami arrives in France for 3 days of talks on improving bilateral relations, meets with Pres. Chirac. (MM, WT 10/27; CSM, NYT, WP 10/28; MM, WP 10/29; WT 11/3; MEI 11/12)

Clashes in Bethlehem btwn. Palestinian demonstrators, IDF continue for 3d day, leaving 12 Palestinians injured. (MM 10/27; NYT, WP 10/28)

A Lebanese military court issues a death sentence in absentia against Sultan Abu al-Aynayn, a senior Fatah official who has lived in Lebanon for yrs., for heading a subversive armed group. Abu al-Aynayn was unaware he was under prosecution until the verdict was announced. (AFP 10/27 in WNC 10/28; RL 10/28 in WNC 10/29; AFP 10/28, RL 10/29, 10/31 in WNC 11/2; WT 10/29; AYM 10/30 in WNC 11/3)

The Clinton administration authorizes the 1st direct military training for Iraqi opposition forces, which will begin next wk. (NYT 10/28; WT 10/29)

In Cairo, Arafat briefs Pres. Mubarak on developments in the peace process, particularly implementation of Wye II, settlements, 10/14+n15 donor mtg. (MENA 10/18 in WNC 10/19; MENA 10/18, 10/19 in WNC 10/20)

Fmr. South African pres. Nelson Mandela, on his 1st visit to Israel, says that his talks with Syrian pres. Asad have convinced him that Syria is committed to peace with Israel. (MM 10/18; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/19; WP 10/20; PANA [Dakar] 10/20 in WNC 10/21; MM 10/26)

In Amman, DFLP head Hawatimah meets with 3 Israeli Arab MKs to discuss his request to return to the occupied territories, says he is ready to meet with Israeli officials. (JT 10/19 in WNC 10/20)

At the invitation of the White House, Syrian FM Shara` takes time out fr. the UNGA session York to meet with Pres. Clinton in Washington. Shara` then returns to New York to meet with Albright. (MM 9/30; JT 10/2 in WNC 10/4; JP, MEI 10/15; JP 10/22)

Israeli DM Ephraim Sneh says that Israel may not withdrawal fr. Lebanon by early next summer as PM Barak has promised, because the PM's time line assumed that Israel would be well into negotiations with Syria by that time, but there has been no movement on the track thus far. (MM 9/30)

In his address to the UNGA, Israeli FM Levy says that UN intervention in the peace process would be detrimental, that Syria should restart talks quickly. Nasser al-Kidwa, head of the PLO mission to the UN, walks out during Levy's speech. (MENA 9/29 in WNC 9/30; MM, WJW 9/30; JP 10/8; MEI 10/29)

Jordanian police release fmr. MP Abu Zant on bail, but arrest Azzam Yunis, editor of al-Arab al-Yawm, on incitement charges for publishing Abu Zant's articles. Later in the day, police rearrest Abu Zant. (MM, NYT 9/30; JT 9/30 in WNC 10/3; JT 10/3 in WNC 10/4; JP 10/8; MEI 10/15) (see 9/28)

Israeli amb. Zalman Shoval addresses opening of Israeli exhibit at Disney World; praises Disney for not bending to Arab, Muslim demands to remove Israel's Jerusalem display. The content of the exhibit is unchanged, though the title is no longer "Jerusalem, Capital of Israel." (CSM, WJW, WT 9/30, 10/1; NYT 10/2; MENA 10/2 in WNC 10/4; al-Ahram 10/4 in WNC 10/8; MM 10/6; WJW 10/7; JP 10/8; CSM 10/20) (see 9/17)

Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, killing 1 SLA mbr., wounding 2. (RL 9/29 in WNC 9/30)

Egyptian FM Musa says that Egypt is of the opinion that the resumption of multilateral talks should be conditioned on Israel's resumption of bilateral negotiations with Syria, Lebanon, and the PA. (MENA 9/26 in WNC 9/27) (see 9/22)

In reaction to recent attacks by Israeli Arabs (i.e., 9/5), Israel says that it will intensify scrutiny of publications, organizations, individuals, funding linked to the Islamic Movement, and increase involvement in the appointment of imams. Some Israeli security authorities criticize the government proposal as "far too weak," recommend extensive clampdown. (MM 9/27; WP 9/29; WJW 9/30; HA 10/1; JP 10/8)

In Paris, PM Barak discusses with Pres. Chirac the role of France, the EU in restarting the peace process. Chirac stresses that he has conveyed no messages btwn. Barak and Syrian pres. Asad, whose FM was in Paris on 9/18. (MM 9/22; AFP, France-Info Radio, LCI Television 9/22 in WNC 9/25; MM, NYT 9/23; MA 9/23 in WNC 9/26)

On the sidelines of the UNGA mtg. in New York, Secy. of State Albright holds a breakfast mtg. with Egyptian FM Musa to discuss the peace process, Iraq, bilateral ties; urges Egypt to take the lead in resuming multilateral talks now that Wye II has been signed and final status talks formally resumed. Egypt has not decided whether the time is right for multilateral working groups to restart mtgs. (MM 9/22; MENA 9/22 in WNC 9/25; MM, WT 9/23; MEI 10/1)

Later in the day, Albright meets with Syrian FM Shara` to discuss resuming Israeli-Syrian negotiations. (MM 9/22; MENA 9/22 in WNC 9/25; MM, WT 9/23; MM 9/24; RMC 9/25 in WNC 9/27; MEI 10/1)

This evening, Albright hosts a reception for Israeli FM Levy. 12 Arab, several EU reps. attend. Lebanese PM Huss, Syrian FM Shara` stay away. The U.S. and Russian cohosts urge attendees to resume multilateral talks regardless of the degree of progress in other negotiations. (MM 9/22; MENA 9/22 in WNC 9/25; MM, WT 9/23; MM 9/28; WJW 9/30; MEI 10/1, 10/29)

Jordan arrests 3 Hamas leaders (Abu Marzuq, Ghawshah, Mishal), 4 bodyguards on their return to Amman fr. Iran, charging them with membership in an illegal organization and possession of handguns. Abu Marzuq, a Yemeni-passport holder, is deported to the UAE, his point of departure for Jordan. (MM 9/22; AFP 9/22 in WNC 9/25; MM, NYT, WP 9/23; AFP, RMC 9/23 in WNC 9/26; CSM, MM 9/24; WT 9/26; MM 9/27; WJW 9/30; JP, MEI 10/1; NYT, WP 10/7; MEI 10/15) (see 9/13)

In s. Lebanon, a Lebanese soldier is killed, 6 are wounded by IDF shelling. (WP 9/23; RL 9/23 in WNC 9/26; WP 9/24)

Arafat holds brief talks on the peace process with Egyptian pres. Mubarak in Alexandria before departing for the UNGA session in New York. (MM 9/21; MENA 9/21 in WNC 9/24)

PM Barak arrives in Berlin for talks with German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. Barak is on the 1st leg of a tour of Germany and France to discuss Israel's position on final status negotiations. Israel hopes that the EU nations, which provide the PA with much of its donor assistance, will press the PA to accept Israel's positions. (MM 9/21; Bild 9/21 in WNC 9/24; NYT, WT 9/22; NYT 9/23; WJW 9/30)

On the sidelines of the UNGA mtg. in New York, the FMs of Iran, Lebanon discuss the Israeli presence in s. Lebanon, the peace process, economic issues. (IRNA 9/21 in WNC 9/24)

In s. Lebanon, 2 SLA mbrs. are killed by Amal sniper fire. Most attacks on the IDF, SLA in s. Lebanon are by mortars or antitank missiles; sniper fire is rare and may mark a tactical shift. (RL 9/21 in WNC 9/24; MA 9/22 in WNC 9/25)

UN General Assembly (UNGA) opens its annual session in New York. UN Secy. Gen. Kofi Annan names Terje Larsen of Norway as UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace effort and as his personal envoy to the PLO/PA. Israel protests the appointment. (MM, WT 9/21; MENA, YA 9/21 in WNC 9/24; MM, WP 9/22)

On the sidelines of the UNGA mtg., Secy. of State Albright meets with a delegation of 16 Iraqi opposition leaders who are in New York to lobby for support of their efforts to overthrow Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein. Albright urges other UN delegates to "join us in listening to these brave, free voices of Iraq." Of the 16, 13 are mbrs. of Iraqi National Congress (INC), 3 represent Kurdish groups. (MM 9/21, 9/24, 10/4)

Israel announces approval of some 14 military orders to seal off large areas of agricultural land belonging to some 79 Palestinian villages in the West Bank. (LAW 9/30; MEI 10/15; AYM 10/21 in WNC 10/25)

2-day Arab League session opens in Cairo; will discuss the peace process, reconciliation btwn. Iraq and the Gulf states. Arafat gives an address, calling on Arab states to oppose resettlement of Palestinian refugees in their host countries. (MENA 9/12 in WNC 9/13; MM 9/13; QA 9/13 in WNC 9/14; HJ 9/13 in WNC 9/16; MM 9/16)

Barak says that if Israel, the PA fail to agree on an outline for a final status agmt. by 2/00, as planned, they may have to forgo a final peace accord and instead, by mutual consent, negotiate long-term interim agmts. on most issues. (JP [Internet] 9/14)

King Abdallah of Jordan ends 2-day visit to Kuwait, officially marking a new stage in bilateral relations, which soured during the 1990+91 Gulf War. On his way home, he stops in Sharm al-Shaykh to meet with Pres. Mubarak. (MM, NYT, WP 9/7; MENA, Radio Kuwait 9/7 in WNC 9/8; WP, WT 9/8; JT 10/18 in WNC 10/19)

Israel confirms that the 3 bombers who staged the 9/5 suicide attacks were Israeli Arabs, marking the 1st time that Arab citizens have taken part directly in such attacks. Israeli security forces arrest 7 Israeli Arabs in connection with the bombings, as part of a hunt for an Islamist network inside Israel. (MM, NYT, WT 9/8; CSM 9/10; JP 9/17; MEI 9/22; JP 9/24) (see 9/6)

For unknown reasons, the IDF fires missiles at a hill nr. Chouwaghir village, deep inside Lebanon, nr. the border with Syria, causing no injuries. (WP 9/8)

Before attending the Wye II signing, Secy. of State Albright makes a quick trip to Damascus for talks with Pres. Asad on resuming negotiations with Israel. (AFP, MENA, RL, VOL, XIN 9/4, JT, MENA, SA, XIN 9/5, Interfax 9/6 in WNC 9/7; NYT, WP, WT 9/5; MM 9/6; RL 9/7 in WNC 9/8; al-Nahar 9/8 in WNC 9/9; MM 9/9; MEI 9/17)

On her way fr. Damascus to Sharm al-Shaykh, Secy. Albright stops in Lebanon, where she reportedly presents Pres. Emile Lahoud with a draft proposal on s. Lebanon. (AFP, MENA, RL, VOL, XIN 9/4, JT, MENA, SA, XIN 9/5, Interfax 9/6 in WNC 9/7; NYT, WP, WT 9/5; MM 9/6; RL 9/7 in WNC 9/8; al-Nahar 9/8 in WNC 9/9; MM 9/9; al-Ittihad 9/11 in WNC 9/13; MEI 9/17; al-Watan al-Arabi 9/17 in WNC 9/25)

In Sharm al-Shaykh, Egypt, Arafat, Barak sign Wye II accord. Secy. of State Albright, Pres. Mubarak of Egypt, King Abdallah of Jordan also sign as witnesses. Palestinian opposition groups denounce the agmt. for containing more "gratuitous concessions" to Israel, further weakening the Palestinian negotiating position. (NYT, WP, WT 9/5; MM 9/6; AYM 9/6 in WNC 9/10; WJW 9/9; JP 9/10; AFP 9/11 in WNC 9/13; MEI 9/17)

In Amman, Jordan arrests 4 mbrs. of the Muslim Brotherhood--including Islamic Action Front parliament mbr. Muhammad Khalil Aqil--attending a mtg. expressing solidarity with Hamas. (AFP 9/13 in WNC 9/14)

After further shuttling btwn. Arafat, Barak by Secy. of State Albright, Israel, the PA reach agmt. on revised Wye accord (Wye II). A signing ceremony is planned for 12/4 in Sharm al-Shaykh, Egypt. PA negotiator Erakat says that a U.S. letter of guarantees to the PA attached to this agmt. reiterates U.S. support for the Palestinians "to determine their future on their own land." (MM 9/3; AFP, MENA 9/3 in WNC 9/7; NYT, WP, WT 9/4; PCHR 9/9; JP 9/10)

Secy. of State Albright meets with Egyptian pres. Mubarak in Alexandria. Albright, Mubarak had hoped to host the signing of a revised Wye agmt., but Israel, the PA still differ over the prisoner release issue. Albright phones Barak in Israel, meets with Arafat in Alexandria, then flies to Jerusalem to meet with Barak for 3 hrs. Despite her efforts, Israeli officials say talks are over: "We're looking for . . . answers. It's not a negotiation." Barak issues statement again saying that if the PA does not accept Israel's terms by 9/3, Israel will implement Wye "as written." (AFP, MBC, MENA 9/2 in WNC 9/3; CSM, MM, WP, WT 9/3; WT 9/4)      

Fmr. Israel FM Ariel Sharon wins as position as head of Likud with 53% of the vote, beating Jerusalem mayor Ehud Olmert, MK Meir Shitreet. (MM 9/3; WJW 9/9) (see 5/27)

Israeli police arrest an Israeli Arab for the murder of 2 Jews nr. Megiddo on 8/30. (MM, WP 9/3)

In exchange for a 24-yr. sentence, American Jewish teenager Samuel Sheinbein pleads guilty in an Israeli court to murdering another teenager in Maryland. Sheinbein, who fled to Israel and claimed citizenship through his father, who was born in Mandatory Palestine, could be tried in the U.S. if he were ever to return. (WP 9/2-3; see also NYT, WP, WT 8/25-26; WJW 8/26; JP 9/3, 9/10; WP 10/12; NYT, WP, WT 10/25; WJW 10/28) (see 4/19)

Hizballah fires rockets toward n. Israel in retaliation for IDF shelling that killed Lebanese civilians. (MM 9/2)

After 2-wk. delay, U.S. Secy. of State Albright arrives in Morocco on her 1st tour of the Middle East since the 5/17 Israeli elections. State Dept. bills the tour as a "taking stock" trip, with no specific goals. (WP 9/1; NYT, WJW, WP, WT 9/2; MM 9/3)

In Jerusalem, Erakat, Sher continue prisoner release talks. The PA is now demanding that Israel release 400 prisoners, while Israel is saying that it would release no more than 350. Midday, Barak announces that, in his opinion, the talks have ended in failure. Later, he allows talks to continue, apologizes to Arafat by phone for the statement. Arafat cuts short a trip to Holland to go to Alexandria to meet with Mubarak. At the end of the day, Erakat says that the sides have agreed to begin final status talks on 9/10. (MM 9/1; MENA 9/1 in WNC 9/2; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 9/2; al-Istiqlal 9/2 in WNC 9/9)

In Damascus, Jordanian, Syrian trade officials agree to expand the list of tax-exempt goods traded btwn. their countries, increase overall volume of trade. (Petra-JNA 9/1 in WNC 9/2)

In s. Lebanon, 1 Hizballah mbr. is fatally wounded by IDF shelling. (VOL 9/2 in WNC 9/3)

Erakat, Sher continue talks on Wye implementations. (MM 8/31; WT 9/1)

Arafat goes to Cairo to discuss with Pres. Mubarak the outstanding issues blocking an agmt. with Israel on Wye implementation. After Arafat leaves, Egyptian FM `Amr Musa phones French FM Hubert Vedrine to brief him on the peace process. (NYT 8/31; MENA 8/31 in WNC 9/1)

Jordan issues arrest warrants for 4 senior Hamas officials (Ibrahim Ghawshah, Musa Abu Marzuq, Khalid Mishal, Muhammad Nazzal). Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin condemns Jordan's crackdown on Hamas as appeasement of Israel, the U.S. in advance of Secy. of State Albright's visit to the region. (AFP 8/31 in WNC 9/1; WP, WT 9/1; JT, SA 9/1 in WNC 9/2; Tehran Times 9/1, AFP, QA 9/2 in WNC 9/3; AYM 9/1, 9/2, 9/4, al-Sabil 9/7 in WNC 9/8; MM 9/2; MEI 9/3; QA, SA 9/3 in WNC 9/7; MM 9/6; QA 9/8 in WNC 9/9; WJW 9/9; SA 9/10 in WNC 9/13)

PLO Exec. Comm. convenes national unity mtg. in Ramallah, attended by reps. of the Arab Liberation Front (ALF), DFLP, Fatah, FIDA, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Hamas, Islamic Jihad do not attend. PFLP urges PA to halt negotiations with Israel. DFLP recommends that all groups agree on "red lines" that the PA would not cross in final status negotiations. (AYM 9/1 in WNC 9/8; al-Istiqlal 9/2 in WNC 9/9; al-Ra'i 9/5 in WNC 9/7) (see 8/28)

In s. Lebanon, Amal shells an SLA post, wounding 1 SLA mbr. (RL 8/31 in WNC 9/1)