The Palestine Chronology

Iranian FM Kamal Kharrazi arrives in Amman fr. Lebanon for talks with Jordanian FM `Abdallah Khatib on expanding bilateral political, economic relations. This is the 1st high-level visit by an Iranian to Jordan in 30 yrs. (IRNA, RL 6/19, IRNA, JTV, RMC 6/20 in WNC 6/21; WT 6/20; `Ukaz 6/23 in WNC 6/28)

In Cairo, Egypt, Yemen sign 12 cooperation agmts. (MENA 6/19 in WNC 6/21)

In Cairo, Egypt, Slovenia discuss expanding political, defense, economic relations. (MENA 6/19 in WNC 6/21)

PA Planning M Nabil Shaath arrives in Amman on 4-day visit, holds talks with Jordanian FM Anani on economic cooperation, creation of free trade zone. (RJ 5/19 in WNC 5/23; RJ 5/22 in WNC 5/27)

PA Elections Appeals Court cancels the Gaza by-election set for 5/29 to fill Haidar `Abd al-Shafi's seat on the Palestinian Council (PC). (PCHR 5/21; PR 5/29)

Israeli DM Yitzhak Mordechai discusses with Russian special envoy Viktor Posuvalyuk Israel's conditional withdrawal proposal for s. Lebanon, Russian military assistance to Iran. Posuvalyuk then heads to Amman for talks with Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan. (IDF Radio, QY, RJ 5/19 in WNC 5/21; JTV 5/19 in WNC 5/27)

The American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC) holds rally on Capitol Hill to commemorate Israel's 50th anniversary. Speakers addressing the rally include Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS), Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA), House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO). (MM 5/20; Near East Report 6/1)

Kuwait releases last 3 of 13 Jordanian detainees pardoned 4/26. (JTV 5/19 in WNC 5/21) (see 5/13)

Jordanian court pardons opposition leader Laith Shubailat, sentenced 5/12 to 9 mos. in prison for inciting anti-U.S. riots in Ma'an in 2/98, pending withdrawal of his appeal. Shubailat is already free on appeal. (RJ 5/19, JT 5/20 in WNC 5/21)

Roadside bomb explodes in s. Lebanon, killing 2 civilians. SLA, Hizballah blame each other. (RL 5/19 in WNC 5/21)

In Washington, Secy. Albright meets with PM Netanyahu but fails to overcome differences keeping Israel fr. reaching an FRD agmt., resuming talks with the PA. Netanyahu again raises escrow idea. In a couched criticism of Israel, Clinton expresses suspicions that "some of the actors in th Middle East drama" are carrying out "a deliberate strategy of delay." Netanyahu is at the start of a 5-day U.S. visit to meet with congressional leaders, attend AIPAC, American Jewish Comm. mtgs. (MM, NYT 5/13; NYT, WP, WT 5/14; MA 5/14 in WNC 5/15)

Russian special envoy Posuvalyuk arrives in Beirut for 2 days of talks with PM Hariri on peace process, Israel's s. Lebanon withdrawal offer. (RL, VOL 5/13 in WNC 5/14; RL 5/14 in WNC 5/15)

Kuwait releases 4 of the 13 Jordanian detainees pardoned 4/26. (JTV 5/13 in WNC 5/15) (see 5/7)

In Jerusalem, a Palestinian is stabbed to death by an Ultraorthodox Jew. He is the 6th Palestinian to be stabbed in Jerusalem since 2/17, the 1st to die of his injuries. (NYT, WP 5/14)

In the deadliest attack in more than 2 yrs., Israeli air force (IAF) bombards Fatah-Uprising training camp in s. Lebanon, killing 10 Palestinians, wounding 26. IAF also targets nearby PFLP-GC camp, causing damage but no injuries. France condemns the attacks. (MM 5/13; AFP, RL, VOL 5/13 in WNC 5/14; NYT, WP, WT 5/14)

Russian FM Primakov meets with Arafat in Gaza, leaves for Jordan for 3-day official visit. (MM 11/1; JTV 11/1, ITAR-TASS [Moscow], JTV, RJ, VOA 11/2, RJ 11/3 in WNC 11/5; PR 11/8)

Israeli authorities charge Nahum Korman, security chief of Hadar Beitar settlement, with murdering Palestinian boy beaten to death 10/28. (MM 11/1; WP, WT 11/2; WT 11/3; NYT 11/4)

IDF extends general closure on West Bank, Gaza. (HA 11/1 in IL 11/1)