The Palestine Chronology

Secy. of State Warren Christopher, at press conference, refuses to state whether U.S. considers East Jerusalem to be occupied. Stating "there is no shift at all in the United States' policy," he characterizes debate on the issue as "an almost theological discussion."

Fateh Revolutionary Council completes 10th regular session in Tunis. Communique reiterates Palestinian support for peace process and claim to Jerusalem, supports continuation of national dialogue with other factions. (Algiers VOP 7/23 in FBIS 7/26)

UN Secy.-Gen. Butrus-Ghali issues report calling on UNSC to take "whatever measures are necessary" to make Israel comply with res. 799 (calling for the return of the 12/17 Palestinian deportees), and discussing plans to station UN observers in the o.t. (NYT, WT 1/27)

U.S. Secy. of State Warren Christopher calls PM Rabin, emphasizes need to solve the deportations issue to reinvigorate the peace process. (NYT 1/26; Qol Yisra'el 1/26 in FBIS 1/26)

PM Rabin calls format of peace talks "not a successful one," as Israel has never reached agreements when it negotiates with more than one Arab party, but adds that it would be a "waste of time" to try and change it. (MM 1/25; NYT 1/26)

Palestinian delegation to bilateral peace talks, reps. of Saudi Palestinian community send separate cables of thanks for continuing support to King Fahd, receive cables of thanks from the king. (Saudi Arabian TV 1/25 in FBIS 1/26; MM 1/27)

Five-mbr. World Bank comm. meets with Palestinian chambers of commerce heads, as part of research for the economic and regional devt. multilateral talks. (MM 1/26)