The Palestine Chronology

PLO Chmn. Arafat condemns 10/29 killing of settler Haim Mizrachi by 5 Palestinians later identified as mbrs. of Fateh. Statement says operation "carried out without the knowledge of the [Fatehl leadership," demands "everyone comply with what was agreed on and stop violent acts to safeguard the peace process." Israeli PM Rabin says test of PLO pledges "will be in ceasing all terror and violent activities by this organization." U.S. Pres. Clinton calls Arafat statement "a very positive sign." (NYT, WP 11/14)

Turkish FM Hikmet Cetin starts 3-day visit to Israel, 1st ever by a Turkish FM. Cetin meets FM Peres, invites Pres. Ezer Weizman to visit Ankara. (MM 11/15)

PLO rejects U.S. draft joint statement as "a copy of the Israeli plan"; Palestinian delegation meets with U.S. State Dept. officials, Israelis to discuss changes to it. Arab delegations hold joint news conf., reporting no progress in talks. Ninth round ends. (IDF Radio, RMC, SARR 5/13 in FBIS 5/14; MM, WP 5/14)

Ten Palestinian rejectionist factions issue statement denouncing talks. (QPAR 5/13 in FBIS 5/14)

Ezer Weizman is sworn in as Israel's 7th president. (MM 5/13; WP 5/14)

Knesset elects Ezer Weizman president of Israel, 66 to 53. (Qol Yisra'el 3/24 in FBIS 3/24; NYT, WP 3/25)

Egypt turns over Mahmud Abu Halima (arrested 3/14 in roundup of Islamic militants) to U.S. officials. The 4th suspect in 2/26 World Trade Center bombing is then flown to New York. Bilal al-Kaisi, Jordanian national living in New Jersey, turns himself in and is charged with aiding and abetting the bombing. (MM 3/24, 3/26; NYT 3/25)

IDF shoots 2 Palestinians dead in o.t. Two other Palestinians die of wounds inflicted 3/22, 3/23. (MM 3/24, 3/25)

IDF soldier who shot boy 3/22 receives 14-day jail sentence pending further investigation. (MM 3/25; WT 3/31)

Israeli planes raid Hizballah target north of "security zone" in first such air raid of the year. (Radio Lebanon 3/24 in FBIS 3/25)