Thursday, August 15, 1996

Israel, PA hold mtg. on Rafah airport. (QY, VOP 8/14 in FBIS 8/15; VOP 8/15 in FBIS 8/16)

Israeli DM Mordechai presents U.S. special envoy Ross with proposal to start parallel negotiations with Syria in Beirut (on s. Lebanon), the U.S. (all other issues). Ross is pessimistic Syria will agree to formula. (IDF Radio 8/15 in FBIS 8/16)

IDF presents to the DMin. for review plans to pave at least 300 mi. of roads in the West Bank, linking Jewish settlements. Palestinian lands will be confiscated to complete the project. (NYT 8/16)

PA military court sentences 5 Palestinians to jail for taking part in Tulkarm demonstration 8/2. 2 receive 12-yr. sentences; 1 gets 5 yrs.; 2 get 2 yrs. 50 others arrested during the protests have been released. (MM 8/15)

Israeli High Court votes 6-1 to keep Bar Ilan Street open during Sabbath until a comm. is formed to review the dispute, present findings. (NYT 8/16; HA 8/19 in IL 8/19; WJW 8/22; JP 8/24) (see 7/20)

ILMG meets in Naqura at Israel's request, following the death of a Lebanese civilian during a clash with Hizballah in s. Lebanon. (RL 8/15 in FBIS 8/15; QY 8/15 in FBIS 8/16; JP 8/17, 8/24)

Pollard's wife ends hunger strike after PM Netanyahu promises to lobby U.S. for Pollard's release. (WT 8/16; JP 8/24) (see 7/28)