The Palestine Chronology

In speech marking 42nd anniversary of Israeli statehood Shamir says he will not "accept every proposal or idea of an American secretary of state." U.S. State Dep't. spokesperson Margaret Tutwiler responds: "saying yes to Sec. Baker's questions meant saying yes to the gov't. of Israel's plan" [WP, WT, LAT 5/1].

Plans to build road in Cairo through ancient Jewish cemetery has provoked outcry. Pres. Mubarak, eager to preserve relations with world Jewish community, agrees to study alternatives that would keep Al Basatin cemetery intact [WT 5/ 1].

Yasir Arafat arrives in Cairo to seek Pres. Mubarak's support for an Arab summit in May [MET 5/8-14].

U.S. hostage Frank Reed is freed in Beirut after 43 months of captivity [NYT, WP, WT, LAT 5/1].

Pres. Bush thanks Syria and Iran for help in securing freedom for 2 Americans in past 9 days. Robert Pohill delivers private message from his captors to Pres. Bush [WP, WT, LAT 5/1].

U.S. State Dep't. releases annual report "Pattern of Global Terrorism," which lists Syria and Iran as chief sponsors of state terrorism [WP, WT 5/1].

Bethlehem Mayor Elias Freij, visiting New York, says 4/11 occupation of St. John's Hospice by Jewish settlers was "not an isolated incident" but "the beginning of a premeditated effort" by Jewish settlers to obtain control of Christian properties [NYT 5/6].

Interim P.M. Shamir accuses foreign gov't.s of trying to force him into negotiations with PLO. Shamir does not name foreign gov'ts., says intifada is merely "the tip of the iceberg" of Arab-Israeli conflict [NYT, WT 4/20].

Organization of Islamic Dawn announces it will release U.S. hostage Frank Reed within 48 hours [NYT, WP, WT, LAT 4/30].

Pope John Paul II expresses "profound concern" over recent attempt to create Jewish settlement in Jerusalem's Christian quarter; seems to suggest Israel needs to be more sensitive, pointing out Jerusalem is sacred to 3 religions, and all rights must be respected [NYT 4/30].