The Palestine Chronology

At the UN Security Council (UNSC) in New York, U.S. vetoes a 14-1 decision to reelect Secy. Gen. Butros Butros-Ghali to a 2d, 5-yr. term. This vote is expected to be the 1st in a series btwn. now and 1/97, when the final decision on the secy. gen. must be made. U.S. amb. to the UN Madeline Albright says the U.S. is prepared to use its veto indefinitely; if African nations want a secy. gen. fr. their continent, they should begin looking for another person. (MM 11/19; RE 11/19 in WNC 11/21; MM, WP, WT 11/20; RE 11/20, al-Dustur, al-Ra'i 11/21 in WNC 11/22; MM 11/21; al-Quds al-Arabi 11/21, al-Dustur 11/22 in WNC 11/25; NYT 11/22; RE 11/22 in WNC 11/26; WJW 12/5)

King Hussein says that the only way to break the logjam in current PA-Israeli talks is for Israel to fully implement its original agmts. with the Palestinians, says Jordan would support Palestinians in their quest for a an independent country. (WT 11/20)

Israel's mayor of Jerusalem Ehud Olmert presents Housing M Meir Porush with a plan to build 2,200 housing units btwn. Pisgat Ze'ev and al-Za'im junction in a bid to link French Hill in East Jerusalem with Ma'ale Adumim. (IDF Radio 11/19 in WNC 11/20; CSM 1/9)

Some Jewish settler leaders say that they have received death threats fr. extremist settlers for suggesting that the shrine-like grave of Baruch Goldstein, who massacred 29 Arabs in Hebron 2/25/94, be dismantled. Goldstein's grave has become a pilgrimage site, with gardens, a fountain, and benches, where visitors meditate, read religious texts. (WT 11/20)

2 Israeli border policemen are arrested after Israeli television airs amateur videotape showing them beating Palestinian workers who were caught in Jerusalem without permits. Justice Min. says it is investigating another incident in which 3 border guards are accused of beating 8 Palestinians caught trying to cross into Israel nr. Qalqilya. (MM 11/19; CSM, WP, WT 11/20; WJW 1128; JP 11/30)

Palestinian human rights activist Iyad Sarraj says that Israel has refused to issue him a visa to attend a conference in Norway, saying he must stay in Gaza for security reasons. (WT 11/20)

German court sentences Palestinian woman to 12 yr. in jail for participation in 1977 hijacking of a Lufthansa airliner in Mallorca, Spain. She was arrested in 1994 in Oslo and extradited to Germany. (WP 11/20)

In Jarju', s. Lebanon, an Israeli shell filled with nails hits a residential home, causing damage but no injuries. (RL 11/21 in WNC 11/22)

Israel, PA agree to raise the level of Hebron talks in a bid to complete negotiations. Israeli chief of staff Shahak and Arafat adviser Abbas are chosen to lead discussions. (MM 11/12, 11/13)

3-day Cairo Economic Summit opens. (IGPO, MM 11/12; RE 11/12 in WNC 11/13; SATN 11/1, MA, RJ 11/13 in WNC 11/14; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 11/13; RJ 11/13 in WNC 11/15; WP, WT 11/14; CSM, MM 11/15; MA 11/15 in WNC 11/15; MM 11/18; MEI 11/22; JP 11/23; WT 12/4)

In Amman, Jordan's PM Kabariti, Turkey's FM Ciller discuss bilateral trade relations, ways of increasing Turkey's influence in the peace process, possibility of Turkey selling Jordan water. Ciller's 2-day trip began 11/11. (RJ 11/12 in WNC 11/13; JT, JTV, RJ 11/12 in WNC 11/14; MM 11/13)

King Hussein grants amnesty to those who took part in the 8/16+n18 bread riots. (RJ 11/12)

In New York, Egypt nominates Butros-Ghali for a 2d term as UN secy. gen., setting the stage for an expected veto by the U.S. (NYT 11/14; MEI 11/22)

In Ankara, PM Erbakan, Iraqi PM Tariq Aziz discuss bilateral relations. (INA 11/12 in WNC 11/13, 11/14)

IDF bans Palestinians fr. traveling btwn. West Bank cities, villages; warns it will reenter Palestinian cities (zone A) to disarm PA security forces if the forces fire on IDF again. Tanks remain outside zone A areas. More IDF checkpoints are set up along West Bank roads. PA-Israeli joint patrols resume in Gaza. In Jerusalem, the archaeological tunnel is reopened (see 9/27), leading to some stone-throwing incidents. 4 wounded Palestinians have died in the past 2 days, raising the death toll since 9/25 to 70. (IDF Radio, ITV 9/29 in WNC 10/1; NYT, WP, WT 9/30; NYT 10/1; MEI, PR 10/4; JP 10/5)

Arafat, Netanyahu agree to meet in Washington 10/1-2 to discuss recent violence, peace process. Jordan's King Hussein accepts invitation to attend; Egypt's Pres. Mubarak declines, sends FM `Amr Musa to observe. (IDF Radio, MBC, RMC 9/29, IGPO 9/30 in WNC 10/1; RE 9/29 in WNC 10/2; JTV 9/29 in WNC 10/3; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 9/30; MEI 10/4)

PM Netanyahu arrives in London on 1st stop of 3-day EU tour to garner support for his hard-line attitude toward the peace process; meets with PM John Major. (MM 9/24; LPR 9/24 in WNC 9/27; MM, WP, WT 9/25)

Under heavy police guard, Israel undertakes a surprise predawn excavation to complete a long disputed archeological tunnel that runs along the al-Aqsa mosque compound. The 12-yr.-old project was completed only on the personal orders of PM Netanyahu, who intended it as a message to Palestinians that Israel is the sole sovereign in Jerusalem. PA denounces tunnel work, calls for general strike 9/25. During the day, Palestinians at the mosque clash with police, hurl stones at Jews at the Western Wall. Jordan's King Hussein is furious that Gold did not warn him of the tunnel opening in their mtg. 9/22. (MM 9/24; JTV, RJ 9/24 in WNC 9/27; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/25; WJW 10/3; MEI, PR 10/4; MM 10/9; WT 10/11)

In Hebron, IDF orders 6-mo. closure of 2 charity organizations allegedly linked to Hamas. Palestinians clash with IDF over reopening the central market (see 9/16). (HA 9/24 in IL 9/24; RMC 9/24 in WNC 9/27)

Following Israel's Yom Kippur holiday, ILMG reconvenes in Naqura to discuss complaints filed by Lebanon, Israel. (ITV, RL 9/24 in WNC 9/27; NYT, WT 9/25; JP 10/5) (see 9/22)

IDF, Amal clash in s. Lebanon, leaving 2 Amal mbrs. dead. (RL 9/24 in WNC 9/27; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 9/25; RL 9/25 in WNC 9/27; JP 10/5)

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)

Israeli government orders IDF to draw up an operational concept for s. Lebanon for increased "initiated actions" outside the self-declared security zone, for possible implementation if attacks by Hizballah increase. (MM 8/16; CSM 8/23)

In Karak, Jordan, 1,000s of Jordanian riot against IMF-backed increases in bread prices, stone cars, burn buildings. Army deploys to enforce curfews to restore clam. King Hussein immediately suspends extraordinary session of parliament until 10/96. (NYT 8/16; WT 8/17; JTV 8/16, RMC 8/17, JT 8/19 in WNC 8/21; JT 8/17 in WNC 8/22; CSM, MM 8/19; MEI 9/6) (see 8/13)

Jordan's King Hussein arrive in Damascus for 1st time in 2 yrs.; holds "very successful" reconciliation mtg. with Pres. Asad. (JTV, RJ, SARR 8/3, al-Dustur 8/4, JT 8/5 in FBIS 8/5; WP, WT 8/4; WP 8/6; WJW 8/8)

In wake of riot 8/2, Fatah holds pro-Arafat rally in Tulkarm, PA releases 23 Hamas mbrs. to stem anger. (QY 8/3 in FBIS 8/5; MM 8/5) (see 7/7)

In Jericho, PA military court sentences 3 PA police officers to prison terms for torturing Jumayil to death. 2 men are given 15-yr. terms, 1 is given 10 yrs. (VOP 8/3, AFP 8/4 in FBIS 8/5; NYT 8/4; CSM, Houston Chronicle, NYT 8/5; PR 8/9; MEI 8/16; WP 8/20) (see 8/1)

PC opens weekly 2-day session in Gaza. (VOP 6/26 in FBIS 6/27)

In his strongest attack on Syria since the 5/29 elections, Israeli PM Netanyahu accuses Syria of being a base for terror, says peace efforts with Damascus depend on its ending its "indirect war" with Israel; warns he may seek international economic sanctions against Syria. (MM 6/26; QY 6/26 in FBIS 6/27; CSM, WT 6/27)

In Cairo, U.S. Secy. of State Christopher meets separately with Arafat, Pres. Mubarak. In mtg. with Mubarak, Christopher acknowledged Palestinians right to self-determination as laid out in UN Res. 242 (see 6/25). (CSM, MM 6/26; MENA, RE 6/26 in FBIS 6/26; RE 6/26 in FBIS 6/27; CSM 6/27; MEI 7/5)

Alleged Palestinian assailants infiltrate border fr. Jordan, ambush IDF patrol nr. Jericho, killing 3 soldiers, wounding 2. Jordan permits IDF to cross border in pursuit; coordinates search for wanted men btwn. IDF, Jordanian army. Jordan's King Hussein calls PM Netanyahu to express his condolences. DM Mordechai blames the Jordanian army for not preventing the attack. Syrian-based group Fatah-Uprising takes responsibility, says its West Bank cell carried out the attack. (QPAR 6/26 in FBIS 6/26; JTV, QY, RMC 6/26, JP, YA 6/27 in FBIS 6/27; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/27; JP 7/6)

Iraqi security forces arrest, allegedly execute 100 INA mbrs. in n. Iraq. (WP 9/10) (see 6/23)

EA, PLO Exec. Comm. conclude mtgs., issue statement stressing that the PA signed agmts. with Israel, not a single party; encouraging Netanyahu to implement those agmts. (VOP 6/1 in FBIS 6/3)

Jordan's King Hussein says Netanyahu's win signals no fundamental change in peace process. (NYT, WP 6/2; MA 6/2 in FBIS 6/3; MM 6/3; WP 6/4; CSM 6/5)

Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC) calls on Arafat to step down in light of the Netanyahu election win. Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), PFLP-GC call for armed struggle against Israel to be stepped up. (AFP, Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran [Tehran] 6/1 in FBIS 6/3)

In Amman, Laith Shubailat, pres. of the Jordan Engineers Association, is sentenced to 3 yrs. in prison for slandering King Hussein. (JT 3/18 in FBIS 3/18) (see 12/9/95)

At close of a 2-day mtg. in El Arish, Egypt, PLO Exec. Comm. mbrs. delay indefinitely setting date for PNC mtg. to amend 12 articles of the PLO charter. (MM 2/6; MENA, RE, RMC 2/6 in FBIS 2/6; VOP 2/6 in FBIS 2/7; CSM, WP 2/7; WT 2/8)

In Damascus, Secy. of State Christopher, Pres. Asad hold 3 hrs. of talks after which Asad agrees to hold 3d round of talks with Israel in Maryland 2/26. (MM 2/6; SARR 2/6 in FBIS 2/6; SARR 2/6 in FBIS 2/7; NYT, WP, WT 2/7; WT 2/8)

PM Peres visits SLA Cmdr. Lahd in Marja'uyun, s. Lebanon, to check on the status of troops in the self-declared security zone. (QY 2/6 in FBIS 2/7; MM, WT 2/7) (see 1/23)

Lebanese military prosecutor files lawsuit against 89 fmr. Lebanese army soldiers for collaborating with Israel. (WT 2/7) (see 1/16)

Jordan's state security court sentences Atta Abu Rushteh, spokesman of the banned Islamic Liberation Party, to 3 yrs. in jail for slandering King Hussein by giving a statement critical of Jordan's normalization with Israel. (WP 2/7) (see 12/19)

FM Barak meets with NSA Anthony Lake, senior mbrs. of Congress, then heads to New York to meet with the CPMAJO. (MM 1/23; WJW 1/25; MM 1/30)

Arafat calls elections important springboard for establishing a Palestinian state that will unite with Jordan in a confederation, says he is waiting for "a sign" fr. King Hussein to begin the confederation process. (VOP 1/23 in FBIS 1/23)

PSF arrests Hebron lawyer Hussayn Shuyukhi for "spreading false information and claiming that the elections were rigged." Earlier, Shuyukhi had claimed that 49 ballot boxes were lost for 36 hrs. before being found unattended in various places in Hebron. The independent Palestinian Domestic Monitoring Comm. confirmed his allegations. (MEI 2/2)

PM Peres tells Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Comm. that the PA has been exerting admirable efforts to stop attacks fr., collect weapons in the self-rule areas. (QY 1/23 in FBIS 1/24)

Fmr. Arafat aide Bassam Abu-Sharif returns to the West Bank after 28 yrs. in exile. (ITV 1/23 in FBIS 1/24; CSM 1/25)

Lebanese First Military Investigating Judge Tali` seconds death sentence for SLA Cmdr. Lahd. (RL 1/23 in FBIS 1/24) (see 1/18)

Amir trial on charges of assassinating PM Rabin begins in Tel Aviv. (QY 1/23 in FBIS 1/23; NYT 1/24) (see 12/5)

Palestinian campaign period officially ends. (WT 1/17)

Israeli o.t. coordinator Shahor assures Jerusalem Palestinians that they will not lose their ID cards if they vote in the 1/20 elections. (VOP 1/18 in FBIS 1/19)

Jordan, Israel sign last 4 bilateral agmts. required by their peace treaty to normalize relations. (IGPO 1/18; JTV 1/18 in FBIS 1/19; MM 1/29; JP 1/27)

In Ramallah, PSF arrests prominent PFLP activists Ahmad Sadat for security reasons, says he will be released after elections. (QY 1/18 in FBIS 1/18)

IDF begins to bar Israelis fr. travelling on roads through Hebron, forcing them to use bypass roads until Palestinian elections are held. (WP 1/18; QY 1/18 in FBIS 1/18)

In Amman, King Hussein meets with Iraqi oppositionists at close of a symposium on the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. (SA 1/18 in FBIS 1/19)

Lebanese military judge Nasri Lahhud recommends death penalty for SLA Cmdr. Lahd, refers case to First Military Investigating Judge Riyad Tali` for indictment. (AFP, VOL 1/18 in FBIS 1/19) (see 1/17)