Sunday, December 20, 1992

Hamas accepts Chmn. Arafat's 12/19 invitation to attend Palestinian leadership meetings in Tunis beginning today, is prepared to "transcend all previous disagreements" to close Palestinian ranks over the deportations issue. (RMC 12/20 in FBIS 12/21; al-Sharq al-Awsat 12/21 in FBIS 12/23)

PLO begins meetings with Palestinian peace talks delegation in Tunis. PLO issues statement criticizing Israel, the U.S. in the wake of 7 Palestinian deaths. (MM 12/21)

Hamas and pro-PLO UNLU issue firstever joint statement in o.t. canceling their independently called strike days, urging cooperation in "comprehensive escalation" against Israel to ensure return of the 12/17 deportees. Hamas and PLO activists hold joint rally in East Jerusalem. (MM 12/21; AFP 12/20 in FBIS 12/21; WP 12/21; Qol Yisra'el 12/20 in FBIS 12/22)

Ten Palestinian factions and Islamic Jihad issue separate statements condemning the deportations, as well as current peace talks. (QPAR, Voice of the Oppressed 12/20 in FBIS 12/21)

Meretz faction ministers meet with PM Rabin, urge him to open dialogue with the PLO, ease restrictions in the o.t. (WP 12/21)

U.S. Secy. of State Eagleburger terms the deportations "a terrible mistake." (MM 12/21