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  • October 17, 2019

    In the West Bank, al-Ibrahimi Mosque was closed to Muslim worshipers due to Israeli restrictions during the Jewish Sukkot holidays. Israeli settlers with military escort toured Solomon’s Pool...

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  • October 9, 2019

    In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron. Israeli forces closed al-Ibrahimi Mosque for Palestinians, allowing settlers access throughout the day...

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  • August 13, 1999

    PM Barak phones Pres. Clinton for 2d time this wk. to discuss Secy. of State Albright's upcoming visit. (WT 8/15) (see 8/11)

    In his 1st coalition battle, PM Barak faces losing his Knesset...

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  • May 31, 1999

    Without any security guarantees from Lebanon, SLA forces begin unilateral pullout fr. Jazzin, an area n. of Israel's self-declared security zone that the SLA has occupied on behalf of the IDF...

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  • April 18, 1999

    PA chief negotiator Mahmud Abbas, Local Government M Saeb Erakat arrive in Washington for talks with U.S. officials regarding the end of the Oslo interim period. (al-Ayyam 4/19...

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  • April 9, 1999

    Arafat arrives in Vietnam for consultations on unilateral declaration of Palestinian state, then heads to Bangladesh for similar talks. (AFP 4/9 in WNC 4/14)

    In...

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  • March 19, 1999

    Libya tells the UN that it will turn over by 4/6 the 2 suspects in the 1988 Pan Am 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. (MM 3/19; NYT, WP, WT 3/20; MM 3/22, 3/24; MEI 3/26) (see 10/...

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  • February 18, 1999

    In Rome, the UN Comm. for the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People opens 2-day conference in support of the PA's Bethlehem 2000 tourism, development plan. (Reuters [Internet]...

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  • February 17, 1999

    Israel's Labor party holds its primary in advance of the 5/17 elections. Party Chmn. Ehud Barak takes top position on the slate. (MM, NYT 2/17; CSM 2/18)

    ...

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  • February 16, 1999

    In Washington, the U.S.-Palestinian Bilateral Comm. opens its 2d mtg., focusing on economic issues. (al-Quds 2/16 in WNC 2/18; al-Ayyam 2/17 in WNC 2/19; PR 2/19; al-...

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  • November 20, 1998

    Israel carries out 1st stage of FRD. (MM 11/20; YA 11/20 in WNC 11/23; NYT, WT 11/21; RE 11/22 in WNC 11/24; MEI, PR 11/27)

    Israel releases the 1st 250 Palestinian prisoners. (MM 11/20; NYT...

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  • November 8, 1998

    Turkey sends 20,000 troops into n. Iraq in pursuit of Kurdish rebels expelled fr. Syria since the 10/20 Turkish-Syrian security agmt. (WT 11/11)

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  • October 20, 1998

    At Wye, Pres. Clinton, King Hussein meet with Arafat, Netanyahu. Talks break at 1 a.m., having made little progress. On the sidelines, FM Sharon meets with reps. of Victims of Terror (see 10/18)....

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  • July 18, 1998

    In Tehran, EU, Iran hold 1st talks since Iran suspended dialogue in 4/97 after a German court implicated the Iranian government in the 1992 murder of Kurdish dissidents in Berlin. (WP 7/19; see...

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  • September 20, 1996

    Turkey urges Iraqi Pres. Saddam Hussein to impose his authority over the Kurdish enclave in n. Iraq; say if Hussein could drive the PKK out of n. Iraq, Turkey would drop plans to create a "...

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  • September 12, 1996

    Egypt says it will host economic summit in Cairo in 11/12-14 as planned. (MM, WP 9/13; al-`Arabi 9/16 in WNC 9/27) (see 8/22)

    Acting on a tip (possibly fr. the U.S.), Hong Kong...

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  • September 11, 1996

    In an article in Ma'ariv Youth, Israeli rock singer Aviv Geffen advises his fans to leave Israel in protest over Netanyahu's election as PM, says Israelis should be embarrassed to be...

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  • September 10, 1996

    In Paris, Israeli FM Levy discusses peace process with Pres. Chirac, FM Hervé de Charette. (France-Inter Radio Network [Paris], ITV 9/10 in WNC 9/12; MM 9/11)

    In New York, Israeli PM...

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  • September 5, 1996

    As right-wing Jews stunned by Netanyahu-Arafat mtg. protest outside the PM's office, Netanyahu faces hecklers in the Knesset who also oppose the mtg.; tells MKs meeting Arafat "wasn't easy" but he...

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  • August 17, 1996

    In 2d day of bread riots in Jordan, demonstrations spread fr. Karak to Amman, Ma'an, Tafila, where 1,000s of protesters clash violently with police, burn buildings. King Hussein visits Karak,...

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  • May 25, 1996

    Syria accuses Turkey of waging a disinformation campaign against Syria, blaming it for supporting the Kurdish opposition. (SANA [Damascus] 5/25 in FBIS 5/29) (see 5/23)

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  • May 20, 1996

    In Washington, France, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the U.S. resume talks on the function of the Israeli-Lebanese cease-fire monitoring group; agree U.S., France will be group's cochairs. (MM 5/20; MM...

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  • November 16, 1993

    Alleged Hamas mbr. Shadi Muslih 'Isa, 18, attacks Israeli police officer, civilian at Erez crossing point, Gaza Strip, and is shot dead. (MM 11/16)

    16-yr.-old Palestinian student Rami...

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  • April 5, 1991

    Under intense pressure to help Kurdish refugees fleeing Iraqi anny, Pres. Bush orders Air Force transports to begin, on 4/7, dropping food, blankets, and clothing to refugee stations along...

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  • April 3, 1991

    UN Sec. Council votes 12-1 with 2 abstentions to approve resolution 687 outlining strict terms and timetable of cease-fire in Gulf war. Cuba votes against; Yemen and Ecuador abstain. Resolution...

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  • March 14, 1991

    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...

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In the West Bank, al-Ibrahimi Mosque was closed to Muslim worshipers due to Israeli restrictions during the Jewish Sukkot holidays. Israeli settlers with military escort toured Solomon’s Pool south of Bethlehem, closing the area for Palestinians. Elsewhere, near Nablus, Israeli settlers and military escort toured Joseph’s Tomb, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; 51 Palestinians were injured including 3 by live ammunition, 14 by rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian was shot after allegedly ramming his car into an undercover Israeli officer’s car in al-Am‘ari refugee camp. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Turmus ‘Ayya, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work near Jenin. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 during raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp, Jaba, ‘Azun, Anabta, and Bayt Awa; the Palestinian accused of ramming his car into the undercover Israeli officer’s car was also arrested. In East Jerusalem, hundreds of Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and Palestinian-owned property in Issawiyya; Israeli forces arrested 7 of the perpetrators. Some 400 Israeli settlers also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire and used water hoses on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles northwest of Gaza City, causing damage but no injuries were reported. (WAFA 10/15; HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; PCHR 10/24)

The PA blocked access to some 50 websites to crack down on opposition voices and critique of PA president Mahmoud Abbas. (HA 10/22; MDW 10/23)

In Lebanon, thousands of protesters demonstrated against the Lebanese government’s plans to raise a new tax for WhatsApp calls and for the country’s economic crisis. (AJ, AJ 10/18)

The U.S. and Turkey agreed to a 5-day ceasefire in northern Syria to allow Kurdish fighters to leave the area. (HA 10/17)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron. Israeli forces closed al-Ibrahimi Mosque for Palestinians, allowing settlers access throughout the day. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmland; no injuries were reported. (PCHR 10/10)

Turkey and its Syrian rebel allies launched a military operation in northeast Syria attacking Kurdish forces. (HA 10/9; AJ, 10/10)

PM Barak phones Pres. Clinton for 2d time this wk. to discuss Secy. of State Albright's upcoming visit. (WT 8/15) (see 8/11)

In his 1st coalition battle, PM Barak faces losing his Knesset majority as the Shas party threatens to resign in protest of a government decision to transport a large electrical turbine by vehicle on the Sabbath, when roads are relatively empty. (MM 8/13; WP 8/14; NYT 8/15; MEI 8/20)

Iran, Turkey end 4 days of security talks in Ankara, agree to set up a hot line to coordinate their attacks on Kurdish rebels. The teams fail to reach other agmts., such as Turkish compensation for the 7/19 border strike on Iran. (IRNA 8/13, TT, VIRI 8/14 in WNC 8/16; NYT, WP 8/14)

Without any security guarantees from Lebanon, SLA forces begin unilateral pullout fr. Jazzin, an area n. of Israel's self-declared security zone that the SLA has occupied on behalf of the IDF since 1985. This is the 1st major Israeli retreat in 14 yrs. 1 SLA mbr. is killed when a roadside bomb goes off soon after the pullout begins. (VOL 5/30 in WNC 6/1; RL 5/31 in WNC 6/2; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/1; MEI 6/4; JP 6/11)

Turkey opens treason trial against PKK leader Ocalan, who asks court to spare his life, says he is willing to work for peace with the government. PKK supporters are divided over whether to support Ocalan's statement or view it as a betrayal of the Kurdish cause. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/1; NYT 6/2; AFP 6/2 in WNC 6/3; MM 6/3; MEI 6/4; MM 6/8; WP 6/16; MEI 6/18)

In s. Lebanon, an Irish UN peacekeeper is killed, 2 are wounded when a shell fired by the SLA lands inside a UN compound. (LPA, RL 5/31 in WNC 6/1; NYT 6/1; Irish Times 6/1 in WNC 6/2; Interfax, RL 6/3 in WNC 6/8)

PA chief negotiator Mahmud Abbas, Local Government M Saeb Erakat arrive in Washington for talks with U.S. officials regarding the end of the Oslo interim period. (al-Ayyam 4/19, al-Quds 4/20 in WNC 4/21; al-Quds 4/21 in WNC 4/22; PR 4/23; al-Ayyam 4/24 in WNC 5/3; SA 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM 4/28, 4/29)

PA releases 8 Hamas prisoners in Gaza, 5 of whom have been held without trial for 3 yrs. (MEI 4/23)

Israeli cabinet adopts a compromise proposal to resolve Christian-Muslim dispute in Nazareth, which it will present to Nazareth residents shortly. The plan would allow a small mosque to be built next to a scaled-down plaza for millennium pilgrims. (MM 4/19; NYT 4/20) (see 4/7)

Turkey holds elections to replace caretaker government. Far-right Nationalist Action party makes gains, Islamic Virtue party suffers setback, Kurdish People's Democratic party has strong showing in south. Democratic Left head Bulent Ecevit will stay on as PM, but will be forced to form a coalition with at least 1 other party, a process that could take several wks. (Sabah 4/18 in WNC 4/20; MIL 4/18 in WNC 4/22; MM, WP, WT 4/19; MM, NYT, WT 4/20; MM, NYT 4/21; WP 4/22; MEI 4/23)

In s. Lebanon, a civilian is wounded by IDF shelling. (RL 4/18 in WNC 4/19)

Arafat arrives in Vietnam for consultations on unilateral declaration of Palestinian state, then heads to Bangladesh for similar talks. (AFP 4/9 in WNC 4/14)

In Washington, U.S. Secy. of State Madeleine Albright meets with Israeli FM Sharon, condemns Israeli settlement expansion since Wye, criticizes Israeli overtures toward Russia, which vehemently opposes U.S. policy toward Yugoslavia. (MM 4/9; al-Quds 4/11 in WNC 4/14; MM 4/12; PR 4/16; MM 4/19; JP, MEI 4/23)

Israeli DM Moshe Arens announces that Israel is reducing its presence in s. Lebanon, noting that 80% of its posts are already controlled by its proxy, the SLA. (NYT 4/10)

A Turkish court sentences 114 intellectuals, human rights activists to a yr. in prison for signing a 1993 declaration calling for a peaceful solution to Turkey's Kurdish conflict. (WP 4/10)

Libya tells the UN that it will turn over by 4/6 the 2 suspects in the 1988 Pan Am 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. (MM 3/19; NYT, WP, WT 3/20; MM 3/22, 3/24; MEI 3/26) (see 10/26)

In Kurdish-controlled Turkey, a bomb explodes, rupturing the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, Iraq's main outlet for exporting oil under the UN Oil-for-Food program. (WP 3/22; AFP 3/22 in WNC 3/23; NYT 3/24)

In Rome, the UN Comm. for the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People opens 2-day conference in support of the PA's Bethlehem 2000 tourism, development plan. (Reuters [Internet] 2/18)

Kurdish demonstrations against Ocalan's capture abate in Europe, escalate in Turkey. In the past 3 days, Turkey has sent 10,000 troops into n. Iraq to attack Kurdish rebels, has arrested 750 Kurdish activists in Turkey. To contain the scandal over their involvement in Ocalan's arrest, Greece replaces its FM, 2 cabinet mbrs.; Kenya reshuffles its cabinet. (MM 2/18; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/19; MM 2/23) (see 2/18)

IDF fences off the Lebanese village of Arnun to expand its self-declared security zone; says action is meant to protect residents fr. Hizbullah attacks. Lebanon accuses Israel of testing its limits under the 1996 April understandings, aiming to convince the Israel-Lebanon Monitoring Group (ILMG) that occupation is legitimate if it prevents Hizballah fr. using civilian populated areas staging points for attacks, which is prohibited under the understandings. (VOL 2/18 in WNC 2/19; NYT, WP 2/19; SAPA [Johannesburg] 2/19 in WNC 2/22; WP 2/20; MM 2/25; JP, MEI 2/26; MM 4/21)

Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yassin enters a Gaza hospital with chest pains, high fever. (WT 2/19)

Israel's Labor party holds its primary in advance of the 5/17 elections. Party Chmn. Ehud Barak takes top position on the slate. (MM, NYT 2/17; CSM 2/18)

Netherlands FM Van Aartsen says Turkey's handling of the Ocalan trial should be a test for Turkey's membership in the European Union (EU). Kurds continue protests in Europe (home to 850,000 Kurdish refugees), Turkey over Ocalan's 2/16 capture. In Berlin, Israeli security guards fire on 100s of protesters who storm the Israeli consulate, killing 3, wounding 16. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/18; De Volkskrant, al-Rayah 2/18 in WNC 2/19; Frankfurter Rundschau 2/19 in WNC 2/22; MM 2/22; WJW 2/25)

Syria agrees to pay $500,000 to the U.S. to repair the U.S. emb. in Damascus, damaged 12/19 during protests against the U.S.-led attack on Iraq. U.S. says it considers diplomatic tensions over, will begin resuming visa services (suspended 12/22) on 2/28. (NYT, WP, WT 2/18; MM 2/25)

UN says it will hand over $84 m. to Kuwait for reparations to victims of the 1990 Iraqi invasion. Funds will be taken fr. Iraqi oil exports, which have produced $2.7 b. in compensation payments to date. (NYT 2/18; MEI 2/26)

Israel Defense Force (IDF) blocks Jewish settlers fr. occupying a building in East Jerusalem, which they claim to have bought fr. a Palestinian family. The family denies it sold the building. (JP, PR 2/26)

In Washington, the U.S.-Palestinian Bilateral Comm. opens its 2d mtg., focusing on economic issues. (al-Quds 2/16 in WNC 2/18; al-Ayyam 2/17 in WNC 2/19; PR 2/19; al-Hayat al-Jadida 2/21 in WNC 2/22; MEI 2/26)

Overnight, Abdallah Ocalan, head of the Turkish separatist group the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), who has been searching for a safe haven since he left Italian custody 1/16, is seized by Turkish commandos in Kenya after the Greek emb. in Nairobi denies him refuge. Kurdish demonstrators stage protests in Turkey and anti-Greek rallies across Europe and in Scandinavia, Russia, Armenia, Australia, Canada. Israel, U.S. deny charges that they aided in the capture. (CSM, MM, WP, WT 2/16; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/17; Le Soir 2/17 in WNC 2/18; MM 2/18; YA 2/18 in WNC 2/19; JP, MEI, PR 2/26)

Israel carries out 1st stage of FRD. (MM 11/20; YA 11/20 in WNC 11/23; NYT, WT 11/21; RE 11/22 in WNC 11/24; MEI, PR 11/27)

Israel releases the 1st 250 Palestinian prisoners. (MM 11/20; NYT, WP 11/21; AFP, RE, YA 11/22 in WNC 11/24; YA 11/26 in WNC 11/30; MEI 11/27)

Israel, Britain sign a 10-yr. military cooperation pact aimed at facilitating joint research in defense technologies, especially naval high-tech, unmanned aerial vehicles. (JP 11/30)

Italian court rejects Turkey's request for extradition of Kurdish separatist leader Abdallah Ocalan, citing law that bars extradition to country that has the death penalty. Ocalan, head of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), is freed fr. custody but ordered to stay in Rome. Turkey orders boycott of Italian goods in protest. (RAI Televideo Teletex 11/20 in WNC 11/23; NYT 11/21; ATL 11/21 in WNC 11/24; WP, WT 11/22; MM 11/23; NYT 11/24; CSM 11/30) (see 11/12)

Turkey sends 20,000 troops into n. Iraq in pursuit of Kurdish rebels expelled fr. Syria since the 10/20 Turkish-Syrian security agmt. (WT 11/11)

At Wye, Pres. Clinton, King Hussein meet with Arafat, Netanyahu. Talks break at 1 a.m., having made little progress. On the sidelines, FM Sharon meets with reps. of Victims of Terror (see 10/18). Clinton phones Egyptian pres. Mubarak to brief him on talks. (MM 10/20; AFP, RJ 10/20 in WNC 10/21; ITV, MENA 10/20, al-Ahram, MA, RJ 10/21 in WNC 10/22; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/21; al-Quds 10/21 in WNC 10/23; al-Ra'i 10/21 in WNC 10/26; NYT, WP 10/25)

Israeli Finance M Yaakov Neeman says that Israel will not pay the costs of redeployment fr. the West Bank, money "should come from abroad." (WT 10/21)

Hamas claims responsibility for 10/19 grenade attack in Beersheba. PSF detains 20 alleged Hamas mbrs. in PA-controlled Hebron. (AFP 10/20 in WNC 10/22; NYT, WP, WT 10/21; LAW 10/22; PR 10/23)

Overnight, shots are fired, Molotov cocktails thrown at IDF post in Hebron, causing no damage or injuries. (IDF Radio 10/20 in WNC 10/21)

After 2-days of talks, Syria, Turkey reach agmt. under which Syria promises to halt all support to the PKK; arrest, bring to court any Kurdish rebels found in its territory; deny entry to PKK leader Ocalan, who, according to Turkish PM Yilmaz, has been in Russia for over a wk. (ATL 10/20, ATL, HUR, MENA 10/21 in WNC 10/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/21; MM, NYT, WP 10/22; al-Ahram, MENA, RJ 10/22 in WNC 10/23; SATN 10/22, MIL 10/23 in WNC 10/26; MIL 10/23 in WNC 10/27; MEI 10/30) (see 10/19)

In s. Lebanon, SLA opens fire on a civilian car, injuring 1. In a separate incident, a child is injured by IDF shelling. (RL 10/20 in WNC 10/21)

In Tehran, EU, Iran hold 1st talks since Iran suspended dialogue in 4/97 after a German court implicated the Iranian government in the 1992 murder of Kurdish dissidents in Berlin. (WP 7/19; see also MM 6/29) (see 9/6/97)

In Hebron, Israeli authorities arrest 6 mbrs. of the Israeli Human Rights Defenders Team who came to the city to paint over anti-Arab graffiti. The 6 are released 5 hrs. later after signing a statement promising not to return to Hebron for 1 mo. (PR 7/24)

Turkey complains that Syria's damming of the Asi river is preventing adequate water flow to the Hatay/Alexandretta province, threatening crops there. (Anatolia 7/18 in WNC 7/21)

Turkey urges Iraqi Pres. Saddam Hussein to impose his authority over the Kurdish enclave in n. Iraq; say if Hussein could drive the PKK out of n. Iraq, Turkey would drop plans to create a "security zone" there. Though this policy clashes with U.S. attempts to limit Hussein's power in the n., Turkey says it will continue to allow the U.S. to patrol the n. no-fly zone fr. bases in its territory. (NYT 9/21) (see 9/13)

U.S. troops begin arriving in Kuwait. (NYT, WT 9/20)

Egypt says it will host economic summit in Cairo in 11/12-14 as planned. (MM, WP 9/13; al-`Arabi 9/16 in WNC 9/27) (see 8/22)

Acting on a tip (possibly fr. the U.S.), Hong Kong customs impounds Syria-bound, N. Korean cargo shipment marked "finished goods," found to contain heavy artillery (incl. Howitzers, Russian made M-46 field guns). It is legal to ship arms through Hong Kong but illegal to falsely declare goods. (Kong Standard, South China Morning Post 917, 9/18 in WNC 11/12)

Iraq again fires surface-to-air missiles at U.S. warplanes in the expanded s. no-fly zone, causing no damage. U.S. announces it will position stealth bombers at airfields in Kuwait. Turkey agrees to allow 2,500 Iraqi oppositionist transit through Turkey as part of U.S. plan to evacuate its allies fr. the Kurdish enclave, provided none were connected with the CIA, PKK; U.S. says if those sponsored by the CIA can escape fr. Iraq, it will "certainly look sympathetically" on their appeals for asylum. U.S. dispatches 2d aircraft carrier to the region. (MM 9/12; NYT, WP, WSJ 9/13; WP 9/17, 9/18; al-Ahram 9/19 in WNC 9/30; MEI 9/20) (see 9/11)

Hatzofe reports that changes to Oslo II maps were agreed to and signed in 1/96 but have been kept secret. The 5 changes were only of several dozen meters. 3 favored the Israelis: moving the access road for Qedar settlement and the forests west of Ma'ale Adumim fr. zone B to C; moving the Ashkenazi Jewish cemetery of Hebron fr. zone A to C; moving the Ramallah and Bir Nabala oxidation pools, which incl. parts of the land designated for the Psagot-Kokhav Yi'aqov bypass road, fr. zone A to C. 2 changes favored the PA: moving a strip of land n. of Janin fr. zone C to A; expanding the zone B area of Abu-Dis e. to the Israeli municipal boundary of Jerusalem. (Hatzofe 9/12 in WNC 9/16)

 

In an article in Ma'ariv Youth, Israeli rock singer Aviv Geffen advises his fans to leave Israel in protest over Netanyahu's election as PM, says Israelis should be embarrassed to be represented by the right-wing government. In response, mbrs. of the Israeli broadcast authority call for a ban on his music, politicians fr. Pres. Weizman on down condemn him, 100s of parents cancel their children's subscriptions to the magazine. (WP 9/12; JP 9/21)

Israeli court convicts Yigal and Hagai Amir, Dror Adani on charges of conspiracy to kill PM Rabin. (NYT, WSJ 9/12; JP 9/21)

Iraq fires surface-to-air missiles at U.S. warplanes patrolling the expanded s. no-fly zone, causing no damage. U.S. begins moving stealth bombers into the region for a potential strike against fortified command bunkers, military facilities. Pres. Clinton vows to take military action protect troops if necessary; says U.S. is prepared to airlift 2,000 Kurds, Iraqis who worked for the U.S./CIA into Turkey, but Turkey is reluctant to accept them (see 9/9). (MM 9/11; NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 9/12; Yeni Gunaydin [Istanbul] 9/12 in WNC 9/17; MM 9/13; MEI 9/20) (see 9/10)

Arab League Secy. Gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid, Turkish amb. to Cairo discuss Turkey's plan for a "security zone" in n. Iraq. The amb. stresses Turkey has no designs on Iraqi territory. `Abd al-Majid emphasizes Arab states' desire to present unified rejection to all attempts to divide Iraq. (RE 9/11 in WNC 9/13) (see 9/10)

In Paris, Israeli FM Levy discusses peace process with Pres. Chirac, FM Hervé de Charette. (France-Inter Radio Network [Paris], ITV 9/10 in WNC 9/12; MM 9/11)

In New York, Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with mbrs. of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, visits Lubavitcher Hasidic spiritual leader Rebbe Menachem Schneerson's grave. (ITV 9/10 in WNC 9/12; MM 9/11; MA 9/11 in WNC 9/13; WJW 9/12, 9/19)

In implementation of cabinet decision 8/2, IDF Central Commander Maj. Gen Uzi Dayan signs order setting procedures for authorization of settlement construction, expansion in the West Bank, Gaza. The order requires local planning comms. to obtain permission of DM Yitzhak Mordechai at every stage of most construction projects. Settlers term procedures needlessly cumbersome. (HA 9/11 in IL 9/11)

Israel's Prime Minster's Office announces new "Israel 2000" program intended to make development towns and regions economically self-sufficient. Program will be implemented in 19 communities. Residents will be given housing subsidies, loans, stipends; municipal boundaries of these locations will be expanded. (HA 9/11 in IL 9/11)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers break into 4 Palestinians stores, confiscate their goods, occupy them. The IDF sealed the stores in the city center after the al-Ibrahimi mosque massacre in 2/94. (PR 9/20)

South Africa says it will not renew existing defense, economic contracts with Israel; though relations remain good, South Africa is adjusting to a peacetime domestic economy. (IDF Radio 9/10 in WNC 9/12)

Jordanian officials release al-Ahali editor Usama al-Rantisi after he is charged with "publishing material deemed as instigating public disorder" during the 8/16-17 riots. The 4 al-Bilad journalists detained 8/20, 1 fr. al-Majd, another fr. al-Aswaq are still in custody awaiting trial. ASB Secy. Gen. Tayseer Homsi is arrested for alleged involvement in the riots. (MM 9/11; JT 9/11 in WNC 9/12)

Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood (JMB) denounces self-described "West Bank JMB official" Sa'id Bilal for requesting that the PA license, and thereby legalize, JMB activities in the self-rule areas; says Bilal is not a JMB mbr. Hamas concurs, claims attempts to form a JMB branch in the territories is an attempt by the PA to divide the Islamist opposition. (al-Ra'i 9/10 in WNC 9/12; VIRI 9/16 in WNC 9/18)

U.S. publicly redefines its strategic interest in Iraq for the 1st time in 5 yrs., saying it is interested solely in containing Saddam Hussein's military operations nr. the Kuwaiti, Saudi oil fields, rather than curbing his influence in n. Iraq and assuring humanitarian aid to the Kurds. (NYT, WP 9/11) (see 9/9)

Iraqi delegation arrives in Ankara for 2 days of talks with PM Erbakan, FM Ciller regarding bilateral relations, establishment of "security zone" in n. Iraq. Iraq proposes instead that Turkey conclude a border security arrangement with the KDP to prevent PKK mbrs. fr. crossing into Turkey. (MM 9/10; INA [Baghdad], TDN 9/11 in WNC 9/13; Milliyet [Istanbul] 9/12 in WNC 9/17 MEI 9/20) (see 9/6)

As right-wing Jews stunned by Netanyahu-Arafat mtg. protest outside the PM's office, Netanyahu faces hecklers in the Knesset who also oppose the mtg.; tells MKs meeting Arafat "wasn't easy" but he will fire fr. his cabinet any M who can't accept it; also announces he has directed the Finance Ministry to permit the sale, occupation of 3,000 housing units in West Bank settlements kept vacant by the Labor government since 1992. (MM 9/5; ITV 9/5 in WNC 9/9, WNC 9/10; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/6; JT 9/8 in WNC 9/10; YA 9/8 in WNC 9/12; WJW 9/12; JP 9/14)

Jordanian government announces it will try 145 persons in connections with 8/96 bread riots. (NYT 9/6)

Turkey sends planes to bomb the Turkish separatist Kurdish Worker Party (PKK) in n. Iraq; announces plans to create a 10-km. wide "security zone" in the Kurdish enclave, similar to Israel's self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon. In Irbil, KDP forces attack PUK outposts to secure their hold in the city. In s. Iraq, U.S. begins to patrol expanded no-fly zone. France, which helps patrol the original no-fly zone, refuses to send planes above the 32d parallel (see 9/3). (MM 9/5; TDN 9/5 in WNC 9/6; al-Ra'i 9/5 in WNC 9/9; NYT, WP, WT 9/6; al-Dustur, VIRI 9/7 in WNC 9/10) (see 8/17, 9/4)

In 2d day of bread riots in Jordan, demonstrations spread fr. Karak to Amman, Ma'an, Tafila, where 1,000s of protesters clash violently with police, burn buildings. King Hussein visits Karak, blames Iraq for instigating the protests. Iraq denies the accusation. (JTV, RJ 8/17, MBC 8/18 in WNC 8/21; RMC 8/17, 8/18 in WNC 8/22; NYT, WP, WT 8/18; JT 8/18 in WNC 8/22; CSM, MM 8/19; MEI 9/6)

In Hebron, IDF arrests 19 mbrs. of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) for having knowledge of armed attacks in Israel. (PR 8/23)

In Alexandria, Pres. Mubarak, Kuwaiti heir apparent Shaykh Sa`d Abdullah al-Sabah discuss peace process, implementing decisions taken at Arab Summit 6/22-23. (RE 8/19 in WNC 8/22)

Syrian PM Mahmud al-Zu'bi arrives in Tehran with delegation for 3-days of talks on political, economic, cultural, technical relations with Iranian officials. Syrian, Iranian Trade Ms discuss expanding economic ties. (VIRI 8/17, IRIB Television [Tehran] 8/18 in WNC 8/21; IRNA 8/18 in WNC 8/22; Tehran Times 8/18 in WNC 8/29; MM 8/19; CSM 8/23)

Israel fortifies IDF, SLA positions in s. Lebanon. (RL 8/17 in WNC 8/21)

Worst fighting since 1995 erupts btwn. rival Kurdish factions, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), in n. Iraq. At issue are border trade with Turkey (currently worth $250,000/day in tariffs) and informal taxes, which are expected to increase dramatically when the 5/20 UN oil-for-food deal goes into effect in 9/96; control of the provincial administrative center of Irbil, considered the capital of Kurdish Iraq. The PUK accuses the KDP of collaborating with the Saddam Hussein government, initiating clashes. KDP accuses Iran of backing the PUK, starting the fighting. (MM 8/19, 8/20, 8/27)

Syria accuses Turkey of waging a disinformation campaign against Syria, blaming it for supporting the Kurdish opposition. (SANA [Damascus] 5/25 in FBIS 5/29) (see 5/23)

In Washington, France, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the U.S. resume talks on the function of the Israeli-Lebanese cease-fire monitoring group; agree U.S., France will be group's cochairs. (MM 5/20; MM, WT 5/21) (see 5/19)

Cmdr. of the Turkey's navy, Adm. Guven Erkaya, arrives in Israel for an official visit. (MM 5/20, 5/21)

Arafat adviser Faisal Husseini holds talks with Moroccan businessmen. (PR 5/31)

IDF arrests 13 Palestinians nr. Nablus, Tulkarm, Janin in connection with attacks on Israelis. (QY 5/20 in FBIS 5/21)

Turkish PM Mesut Yilmaz accuses Syria of backing the Kurdish Worker's Party. Syrian denounces the accusation. (SARR 5/20, 5/21 in FBIS 5/21; JP 6/1)

UN signs deal with Iraq, allowing Iraq to sell $2 b. of oil over 6 mos.; use money to buy food, medicine. (CSM, MM 5/22; JP 5/22 in FBIS 5/22; JP 6/1)

In Beirut, fmr. Lebanese Forces militia leader Samir Ja`ja` is convicted of murdering Phalange faction rival Ilyas al-Zayik in 1992, is given death sentence commuted to life in prison. (NYT 5/21) (see 6/24/95)

Alleged Hamas mbr. Shadi Muslih 'Isa, 18, attacks Israeli police officer, civilian at Erez crossing point, Gaza Strip, and is shot dead. (MM 11/16)

16-yr.-old Palestinian student Rami Ghazzawi killed when IDF fires on youths stoning settler cars in al-Birah. 3 other students wounded. (MM 11/16)

Settlers in Hebron riot, overturning stalls at fruit and vegetable market and attacking Palestinian cars. (MM 11/16)

Israeli Justice M. David Libai, at Maale Ephraim settlement, warns settlers that no one could "take the law into his own hands," says govt. "will have to subdue any attempt to have influence by illegal means." IDF states it will act "firmly and aggressively" to stop settler assaults, will use "reasonable force." (MM 11/16; NYT 11/17)

PM Rabin tells Secy. of State Christopher 12/13 deadline for implementation of DoP may not be met. (MM 11/16, 11/17)

Israeli-Palestinian talks on implementation of Gaza-Jericho provisions of DoP resume in Cairo. Israeli delegation led by IDF Dep. Chief of Staff Amnon Shahak, Palestinian by PLO official Nabil Shaath. (Cairo TV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Israel-PLO economic talks in Paris chaired by Fin. M. Avraham Shohat and PEDRA DG Ahmad Qurai' establish 3 subcomms. on trade and labor, taxation and banking, and currency. Subcomms. are to meet 11/23-25 in Paris, heads of delegations on 11/25. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Gov. Muhammad al-Nabulsi says agreement reached with Palestinians to retain Jordanian dinar as o.t. currency, have CBJ supervise and monitor banking. (JTV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Multilateral talks on Middle East environment end in Cairo with Israeli-Arab agreement on Gulf of Aqaba oil spills, dispute on Israeli nuclear waste, Jordan Valley land reclamation. Delegates fr. 40 countries, in 4th mtg., agree on 20 environmental projects. (MENA 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Palestinian leaders in o.t., Jordan, "and elsewhere" submit memorandum to PLO Chmn. Arafat criticizing PLO performance, demanding reforms. (MM 11/17, al-Ray 11/18 in FBIS 11/18)

Knesset Golan caucus considers bill fr. Likud and NRP mbrs. to amend law annexing Golan to require majority of 80 MKs for any change in law. Labor mbrs. of caucus express sympathy with bill, which given current Knesset divisions would effectively bar negotiations with Syria. (MM 11/17)

Syrian VP Khaddam tells foreign correspondents PLO Chmn. Arafat "fell into a big trap" in signing DoP, notes "There are 4 million Palestinian refugees living outside the territories covered by the 'Gaza-Jericho First' agreement." Khaddam claims Arafat "abandoned coordination with the Arab parties," states "I believe the majority of the Palestinian people do not support the agreement." (MM 11/16; SARR 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Hizballah offensive on IDF and SLA; Katyusha barrages fired in "security zone," assaults on 2 IDF, 6 SLA posts. 12 SLA mbrs. taken prisoner, at least 2 IDF soldiers and 2 SLA mbrs. wounded. 1 Hizballah mbr. killed in attack. IAF bombs 3 Hizballah bases nr. Ba'labakk, knocks out radio antenna. "Black September 13 Brigades," Fateh group opposed to DoP, claims responsibility for katyusha barrage on Qiryat Shemona. (MM 11/16, 11/17; IDF Radio, AFP 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Turkish FM Hikmet Cetin, in interview with JP, says Syria behind Kurdish attacks in Turkey, Israel and Turkey should cooperate on counter-terrorism. (MM 11/16)

Israel Archaeologists Society calls for end to govt. Antiquities Authority search for scrolls in West Bank ("Operation Scroll"), saying search aims at denying Palestinian scholars access to materials and will complicate future Israeli cooperation with Palestinians and Jordan. (WT 11/17)

Under intense pressure to help Kurdish refugees fleeing Iraqi anny, Pres. Bush orders Air Force transports to begin, on 4/7, dropping food, blankets, and clothing to refugee stations along northern border. Bush says he expects Iraq to "permit this effort to be carried out without interference." Other aid is promised by Bush to Turkey and Iran (cf. 4/7) [NYT, WP, LAT 4/6].

Iraq offers 1 week of amnesty for Kurds and army deserters (cf. 4/11) [MEM 4/5; NYT, WP 4/6; MET 4/16].

Taking up issue of rebels in Iraq, UN Sec. Council votes 10-3, with 2 abstentions to condemn Saddam Hussein's oppression of Kurds and other civilians, and to ask Sec.- Gen. to investigate their plight. Cuba, Zimbabwe, and Yemen vote against resolution, while China and India abstain [NYT, WP, LAT 4/6].

GCC nations, laying groundwork for aid program for Egypt and Syria that will tie the countries economically, allocates $5 billion as initial installment; GCC officials say as much as $15 billion could be spent [WP 4/6].

IDF shoots dead Nablus youth during stone throwing clash; 3 Gazans are wounded in separate clash [LAT 4/6; MEM, FJ 4/8].

UN Sec. Council votes 12-1 with 2 abstentions to approve resolution 687 outlining strict terms and timetable of cease-fire in Gulf war. Cuba votes against; Yemen and Ecuador abstain. Resolution becomes effective once it is accepted by Iraq [NYT, WP, LAT 4/4; BADS 4/4 in FBIS 4/5; MET 4/16].

Kurdish leaders continue to appeal for international help as failed rebellion causes mass exodus towards Turkish and Iranian borders. Senior State Dep't. official meets with Iraqi dissident intellectuals in Washington in show of sympathy for Kurds; Ankara says it will not permit mass entry of Kurds into Turkey; Iran says it will accept refugees, and asks for international aid [NYT, LAT 4/4].

Jewish Agency head Simcha Dinitz reports Soviet Jewish immigrants to Israel reached almost 15,000 during March and is expected to climb to 25,000 during April [NYT 4/4].

U.S. military officials proclaim emergency relief program for Kuwait nearly complete, but express concerns about Kuwait gov't.'s ability to continue reconstruction after Americans leave [WP 4/4].

Spokesperson for DFLP in Amman states that Sec.-Gen. Nayif Hawatimah has dismissed his deputy, Yasir Abd Rabbo, and replaced him with Taysir Khalid; DFLP wing in Tunis proclaims Abd Rabbo its leader [MEM 4/4; RAY, KUNA, DUT 4/5 in FBIS 4/8].

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].