10 / 15150 Results
  • August 29, 1996

    Palestinians observer 4-hr. general strike in West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem. (MM 8/29; CSM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 8/30; MEI 9/6)

    To dispel tensions with the PA, Israeli PM Netanyahu dispatches...

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  • April 8, 1991

    European Community leaders, including P.M. Major, call on UN to create safe haven in northern Iraq where Kurdish refugees could be protected from further repression. EC offers $180 million in...

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  • January 7, 1991

    U.S. officials say 6 Iraqi helicopter pilots flew to Saudi Arabia in one of most significant defections since crisis began; Iraq denies defections occurred (cf. 1/8) [INA 1/7 in FBIS 1/8; NYT, LAT...

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  • November 22, 1990

    Beset by challenges from within Conservative party, British P.M. Margaret Thatcher announces her resignation [NYT, LAT, WP 11/23; CSM 11/26].

    Pres. Bush visits U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia,...

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  • August 29, 1990

    White House formally announces sale of 24 jet fighters, 150 tanks, other hardware worth $2.2 billion to Saudi Arabia; sale causes concern among pro-Israel lobby and its congressional allies [MEM 8...

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  • August 27, 1990

    Pres. Mubarak meets with U.S. Senate delegation headed by Robert Dole (R-KS) and including Nunn (D-GA), Warner (R-VA), Garn (R-UT), D'Amato (R-NY), Nickles (R- OK), Symms (R-ID), and Mack (R-FL)...

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  • August 6, 1990

    Arafat returns to Alexandria and meets with Pres. Mubarak to try to persuade Egyptian leader to accept Iraqi-backed plan that would mean virtual capitulation by Kuwait in exchange for withdrawal...

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  • August 5, 1990

    Washington Post reports Gulf crisis is boosting Israeli confidence over its relations with U.S.; Jerusalem sees crisis as Israeli windfall as Arafat is pushed further away from...

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  • July 15, 1990

    Pres. Asad says he is ready to move forward on "a serious initiative toward peace," but that both he and Pres. Mubarak are waiting for Israel and Washington to take first step [WP, LAT, WT, MEM 7/...

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  • June 5, 1990

    Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze tells Sec. Baker in Copenhagen that USSR will not curtail or halt emigration of Soviet Jews [WP, WIT 6/7].

    Soviet legislature postpones final approval of law...

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Palestinians observer 4-hr. general strike in West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem. (MM 8/29; CSM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 8/30; MEI 9/6)

To dispel tensions with the PA, Israeli PM Netanyahu dispatches his personal atty. Yitzhak Molho to meet with Arafat in Ramallah; authorizes adviser Gold to meet later in day with Arafat adviser Abbas. Senior Israeli negotiator IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. Dan Shomron holds 1-hr. talk with PA counterpart PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat in Jerusalem, agrees to resume PISMC mtgs. next wk. (RMC 8/29 in WNC 8/30; NYT, WP, WT 8/30; MBC 8/30 in WNC 9/4; MM 9/2)

In Rome, Egypt's Baz, Italy's FM Lamberto Dini discuss peace process, 8/27-28 mtgs. in Paris. (RE 8/29 in WNC 9/3)

Israeli government approves construction of 2,000 new housing units in West Bank settlements around Jerusalem. (CSM, WP 8/30)

Deputy Jerusalem Mayor Shmuel Meir says the government has issued demolition orders for 70 Palestinian homes in the city that have been constructed without permits. (YA 8/30 in WNC 9/5; PR 9/6)

Israel blames Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) for shooting at bus 8/28, arrests 1 suspect. (HA 8/29 in IL 8/29)

Jordanian police raid JPD headquarters in Karak, arrest a number of party leaders. (SATN 8/29 in WNC 9/3) (see 8/18)

Hizballah ambushes IDF patrol in s. Lebanon, killing 1 soldier. Both sides then exchange gunfire, wounding 2 Lebanese civilians. (RL 8/29 in WNC 9/3; MM 8/30; QY 8/30 in IL 8/30; JP 9/7)

U.S.-brokered cease-fire goes into effect in n. Iraq. PUK, KDP agree to hold peace talks in London 8/30. (MM 8/29) (see 8/28)

European Community leaders, including P.M. Major, call on UN to create safe haven in northern Iraq where Kurdish refugees could be protected from further repression. EC offers $180 million in humanitarian aid to help Kurds [NYT, WP, LAT 4/9].

Sec. Baker visits Iraq-Turkish border to witness plight of refugees; spending just 7 minutes there, Baker speaks with refugees, says it is up to international community and not just U.S. to help Kurds [NYT, WP, LAT, CSM 4/9].

Palestine National Salvation Front, loose alliance of PFLP-GC, Fateh Uprising, and Saiqa factions based in Damascus, put forward Syrian-backed initiative for reconciliation with mainstream PLO after 8-year split. Move is seen by analysts as continuing effort on part of Pres. Asad to strengthen his influence over PLO [NYT, LAT 4/9].

Israeli Defense Ministry announces it will free more than 1,000 of approximately 14,000 Palestinian prisoners. Those to be released are Palestinians who were not involved in intifada violence and who have served most of their sentences. Official says timing has to do with end of Ramadan rather then Sec. Baker's upcoming visit (cf. 4/10) [NYT, WP, LAT 4/9; JDS 4/8, JPD 4/9 in FBIS 4/9].

First major element-about 100,000 troops-of U.S. Army's VII Corps in southern Iraq begins withdraw back into Saudi Arabia; move is expected to take weeks [NYT 4/9].

Kurdish leaders say U.S. used Voice of Free Iraq radio station to incite anti-Saddam rebellion [WP 4/9].

Kuwaiti opposition leaders refuse to sign on to new interim gov't., saying emir is not committed to speedy restoration of parliament [LAT, CSM 4/9].

Kuwait reports that 628 people, including high-ranking Iraqi officers, will stand trial soon on charges of war crimes [AFP 4/8 in FBIS 4/9; LAT 4/9; MET 4/16].

Yasir Arafat is quoted as saying Palestinian fighters in Lebanon should be allowed to keep their weapons to defend refugee camps in defiance of Lebanese gov't. order to disarm [MEM 4/8].

Israeli Army Col. Yehuda Meir is convicted of ordering his soldiers to break the bones of Palestinians during early days of intifada [MET 4/16; JPI 4/20]. 

U.S. officials say 6 Iraqi helicopter pilots flew to Saudi Arabia in one of most significant defections since crisis began; Iraq denies defections occurred (cf. 1/8) [INA 1/7 in FBIS 1/8; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/8].

Sec. Baker meets with F.M.s of Britain, Spain, Luxembourg, and Sec.-Gen. of NATO; says that coalition will hold firm even in event of war [LAT, WP 1/8]; adds that UN deadline will not be extended [WT 1/8].

White House says it will work with Congress to draft measure on use of force that can be passed before 1/15 deadline [LAT 1/8].

In Baghdad, Yasir Arafat says PLO would side with Iraq in event of Gulf war, and that idea of linking Gulf crisis to Palestinian issue was his and not Saddam's [MEM, LAT 1/8]; PLO says in event of war, o.t. Palestinians would create internal disruption for Israel if Jewish state becomes involved [WT 1/8].

FBI agents, seeking to deter possible terrorist attacks resulting from any allied military action against Iraq, begin interviewing Arab-American business leaders (cf. 1/11, 1/14) [LAT 1/8; WP 1/9].

Israeli gov't. votes down 3 motions of noconfidence brought about by decision to resume deportations. Vote is 56 to 21 with 12 abstentions [JPD 1/8 in FBIS 1/14].

Beset by challenges from within Conservative party, British P.M. Margaret Thatcher announces her resignation [NYT, LAT, WP 11/23; CSM 11/26].

Pres. Bush visits U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia, says they may have to face "some pain now to avoid even worse pain later," then flies to Cairo [NYT, LAT, WP 11/23; MET 12/4].

D.M. Tom King says Britain will send 14,000 more troops and additional tanks, aircraft, and ships to the Gulf by the end of the year, bringing total number of British troops there to more than 30,000 [NYT, LAT, MEM 11/23].

Visiting Sanaa, Yemen, Sec. Baker is rebuffed in efforts to persuade Yemen, only Arab country on UN Sec. Council, to support resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq. Pres. Saleh criticizes buildup of foreign forces in Gulf [SDS 11/22 in FBIS 11/23; SDS 11/23 in FBIS 11/26; NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 11/23]; Baker then flies to Jeddah [SPA 11/22 in FBIS 11/23].

PLO leader Yasir Arafat arrives in Baghdad, says he strongly supports Saddam Hussein's assertions that Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait must be tied to overall settlement of conflicts in region; adds there is no alternative to negotiations between Iraq and U.S. [BVP 11/22 in FBIS 11/27; NYT 11/26].

D.M. Moshe Arens instructs IDF to expand enlistment of Bedouins into its ranks [MAA 11/23 in FBIS 11/23].

Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek and E. Jerusalem Arabs praise Jerusalem district planning committee's decision to build 7,500 new apartments for Palestinians northwards from French Hill junction towards Ramallah [JPD 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; MEM 11/23; JPI 12/1].

Kuwaiti gov't.-in-exile extends $550 million medium-term loan to the Soviet Union on favorable terms; "observers" point to "political aspect" of loan [MEM 11/23]. 

Soviet Union and Israel sign agreement on scientific cooperation and exchanges of scientific information [TASS 11/22 in FBIS 11/28].

White House formally announces sale of 24 jet fighters, 150 tanks, other hardware worth $2.2 billion to Saudi Arabia; sale causes concern among pro-Israel lobby and its congressional allies [MEM 8/29; LAT, CSM 8/30; WT 8/31; MET 9/11].

On tour of Gulf states, British defense secretary Tom King says he's sending 4 additional warships - 3 mine-hunters and 1 destroyer - to the Gulf [LAT 8/30].

U.S. C-5 military transport aircraft carrying supplies to Gulf troops crashes shortly after takeoff in W. Germany, killing 12 soldiers [MEM 8/29; NYT, LAT, WT, CSM, WP 8/30].

10 of 13 OPEC nations, meeting in Vienna, endorse temporary production increase to make up for supplies lost because of Gulf crisis; Iran opposes agreement, Libya and Iraq are absent [AFP 8/29 in FBIS 8/29; NYT, WP 8/30; CSM 8/31].

21-member World Islamic Council denounces Saudi Arabia for inviting "anti-Islamic U.S. troops" into Middle East [INRA 8/29 in FBIS 8/30].

Speech read on behalf of Yasir Arafat to meeting of UN nongovernmental organizations in Geneva says PLO does not take sides in Gulf crisis, links Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait to other "occupied" lands-Lebanon, Golan, and Palestine [AVP 8/29 in FBIS 8/30].

Qatar has expelled 20 PLO officials since beginning of Gulf crisis, according to Yasir Abd Rabbo [AFP 8/29 in FBIS 8/30]; Abd Rabbo also states that breaking the economic blockade against Iraq is an Arab responsibility [RAY 8/30 in FBIS 8/31].

Hamas distributes leaflet in O.T. calling for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait and Kuwaiti self-determination; UNLU also issues leaflet continuing its demand for withdrawal of foreign troops from Saudi Arabia and calls for strike on 9/26 "in solidarity with the Iraqi people" [JPD 8/30 in FBIS 8/30].

Japan unveils aid package to help finance international effort against Iraq, but package  draws criticism from U.S. because of absence of tangible aid to military buildup. Japanese program offers loans to Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan; sending 100 doctors, refrigeration equipment, and water to region (cf. 8/31) [MEM 8/29; NYT, WT 8/30].

Bethlehem Mayor Elias Freij says he supports UN formula for unconditional Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait, believing it to be the only way to head off a new disaster for Palestinians [WP 8/301.

Pres. Mubarak meets with U.S. Senate delegation headed by Robert Dole (R-KS) and including Nunn (D-GA), Warner (R-VA), Garn (R-UT), D'Amato (R-NY), Nickles (R- OK), Symms (R-ID), and Mack (R-FL)
[MENA 8/28 in FBIS 8/28]; Sen. Nunn calls for more Arab military involvement in Gulf [WP 8/28].

Saddam meets with Arafat at Arafat's residence in Baghdad to discuss Gulf crisis [BADS 8/27 in FBIS 8/28]; PLO reports Arafat and Saddam have agreed on plan to solve Gulf crisis within Arab framework [MET 9/4].

Sources says P.M. Shamir is "concerned" and "astonished" over Washington's refusal as of yet to give Israel $400 million in loan guarantees for housing Soviet immigrants. U.S. wants assurances that no immigrants will be settled beyond the green line [HAM 8/27 in FBIS 8/28].

Jerusalem Post reports Gaza lawyers are informed by Civil Admin. that all prisoners under age 16 will be released from detention centers [JPD 8/28 in FBIS 8/30].

Bush admin. expels 36 of Iraq's 55 embassy staffers in Washington, urges 34 other nations with embassies in Kuwait to take similar steps [LAT, WT, WP 8/28; MEM 8/29; MET 9/11].

State Dep't white paper supports Israeli charges that Libya gave "crucial support" to PLF attempted raid on 5/30, but concludes the operation was directed primarily at Tel Aviv beaches and not at military targets, as Israel had claimed [LAT 8/28].

Arafat returns to Alexandria and meets with Pres. Mubarak to try to persuade Egyptian leader to accept Iraqi-backed plan that would mean virtual capitulation by Kuwait in exchange for withdrawal of Iraqi troops [MENA 8/6 in FBIS 8/6; WP 8/7].

UN Sec.Council votes to impose worldwide trade embargo on Iraq and Kuwait [WP, LAT, WT, NYT 8/7].

Two teenage Israeli boys, missing since 8/4, are founded stabbed to death near E. Jerusalem, triggering rampage by hundreds of Jews seeking vengeance against Arabs; 4 Palestinians are wounded in attacks. Police believe Palestinian nationalists are responsible for the deaths JDS 8/6 in FBIS 8/7; WP, LAT, WT, NYT 8/7]; Israeli Arabs denounce killings and reprisal violence [JPD 8/7 in FBIS 8/8; JPI 8/18].

Washington Post reports Gulf crisis is boosting Israeli confidence over its relations with U.S.; Jerusalem sees crisis as Israeli windfall as Arafat is pushed further away from rapprochment with U.S. and Egypt [WP 8/6].

Arafat meets with Saddam Hussein in Baghdad [BVP, INA 8/5 in FBIS 8/6].

Islamic Conference Organization concludes Cairo meetings, issues statement supporting intifada, denouncing Israeli policy in O.T. [MENA 8/5 in FBIS 8/7].

16 Knesset members meet with pro. PLO Palestinian notables in Jerusalem, groups agree to work for peace; action is furthest any high-ranking group of elected Israeli officials have gone toward recognizing PLO as legitimate rpresentative of Palestinians [JDS 8/5, JPD 8/7 in FBIS 8/8; WT, MEM 8/6].

New York Times reports Israelis are among world's most heavily taxed people; that for economic reasons more than half the Americans who move to Israel give up and move back within 2 years [NYT 8/6].

Pres. Asad says he is ready to move forward on "a serious initiative toward peace," but that both he and Pres. Mubarak are waiting for Israel and Washington to take first step [WP, LAT, WT, MEM 7/16].

Arab League opens "foreign ministers" meeting in Tunis (but only 3 F.M.s, from Tunisia, Algeria, and Iraq, attend; others are ambassadors); PLO rep. warns that U.S. has given Israel "the green light" to crack down on Palestinians in O.T. [AFP 7/15 in FBIS 7/17]; at meeting, Yasir Arafat rejects renewed U.S. demands that PLO discipline Abul Abbas before restarting U.S.-PLO dialogue; Arafat accuses U.S. of "supporting Israel without limit" (cf. 7/19, 7/23) [WP, WT, MEM 7/16].

B'Tselem issues report "Firing by the Security Forces in the Territories," which states a "considerable percentage" of shooting deaths and injuries occur because IDF soldiers open fire in violation of army regulations. IDF categorically rejects report [JPD 7/16 in FBIS 7/17; MEM 7/17].

Israeli committee dealing with immigrant absorption takes measures granting, as of 8/1, immigrants the use of police and army barracks, hotels and youth hostels, and boarding and recreational homes as temporary residences [SOR 7/ 17 in FBIS 7/18; MEM 7/17].

Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze tells Sec. Baker in Copenhagen that USSR will not curtail or halt emigration of Soviet Jews [WP, WIT 6/7].

Soviet legislature postpones final approval of law relaxing emigration restrictions which was condition for Congress to ratify new U.S.-Soviet trade agreement [WP 6/6].

PLO rep. Hakam Balawi meets in Tunis with U.S. ambassador Robert Pelletreau, who delivers letter to Arafat from Bush admin. explaining U.S. 5/31 UN veto [TDS 6/5 in FBIS 6/6].

Israeli army and intelligence officials tell Knesset For. Affairs and Defence Committee that they believe 5/30 attempted raid by PLF members was directed at military, not civilian, targets (cf. 6/6) [JDS 6/5 in FBIS 6/6].

General strike called for by UNLU to commemorate 23d anniversary of 1967 war is observed in W.Bank; 2 Palestinian youths in Nablus are killed by IDF bullets [IDF, JDS 6/5 in FBIS 6/7; WT, LAT 6/6].

IDF lifts collective bans on travel to Jordan that had been imposed on some 25 W.Bank communities for periods up to 2 years [JPD 6/5 in FBIS 6/6].

Clashes in S.Lebanon between Shiite militiamen and SLA and Israeli soldiers; no injuries reported [BVL 6/5 in FBIS 6/6].