The Palestine Chronology

In Istanbul for the 11/18+n19 Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mtg., U.S. Pres. Bill Clinton, Israeli PM Ehud Barak meet to discuss resuming the Syrian-Israeli track, progress on the PA-Israeli track. (MM 11/17, 11/18; SA 11/18 in WNC 11/22; NYT 11/20)

Mbrs. of the Palestinian Bar Assn. hold a sit-in to protest the Palestinian Council's (PC) approval of the Bar Association Law no. 3 of 1999, which lawyers believe restricts their work. (LAW 11/18)

Mauritania sends its 1st official delegation to Israel since establishing diplomatic ties on 10/28. (AFP 11/17 in WNC 11/22)

In Tehran, Iran, Qatar discuss expanding bilateral economic, political, security relations. (IRNA 11/17 in WNC 11/22)

Lebanese PM Huss meets with Islamic Jihad reps. to discuss their resistance activities in s. Lebanon. Jihad reps. agree not to take actions that "conflict with Lebanese government's stance." (RL 11/17 in WNC 11/22; al-Safir 11/19 in WNC 11/23) (see 11/16)

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) convenes in Lisbon. 54 mbr.-states attend. PM Netanyahu says that Israel will expand settlement construction in the West Bank; refuses Arafat's request to meet on sidelines of conference (Arafat does not attend mtg.); does meet with U.S. VP Al Gore, French Pres. Jacques Chirac. (MM 12/2; ITV 12/2, IDF Radio 12/3 in WNC 12/4; MM 12/3, 12/5)

PA releases Hamas's Shaykh Ahmad Nimr after a 9-mo. detention in Gaza Central Prison. (MEI, PR 12/13) (see 3/5)

Iranian FM `Ali Akbar Velayati arrives in Syria for talks on bilateral relations. Israel says it is concerned by the visit. (IRNA 12/2 in WNC 12/3; SATN 12/2, VIRI 12/3 in WNC 12/4; MA 12/5 in WNC 12/6)

UK FM Rifkind proposes establishing an organization in the Middle East for regional security and cooperation modeled after the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe. Arab League protests that regional peace must be achieved before such a body could be established. (RE 11/6 in WNC 11/7; MM 11/8)

In Ankara, Turkey's Pres. Demirel, Iranian Oil M Gholam-Reza Aqazadeh discuss timetable for implementing 8/12 gas deal (expected to be completed in 1998), possibility of further expanding energy cooperation. (IRNA 11/4 in WNC 11/6; IRNA 11/6 in WNC 11/8)

In s. Iraq, U.S. jet fires on a 2d missile battery after the site's radar appeared to be targeting it. U.S. Defense Secy. Perry is uncertain if plane was really threatened. Iraq says it has not been aiming at U.S. aircraft. (WP, WT 11/5) (see 11/2)