The Palestine Chronology

After several days of talks with Syrian, Lebanese delegations but stand-off with Palestinian, Jordanian delegates, Israeli negotiators end current round of talks and leave Washington. New round scheduled for January. (MM 12/19)

As friction between IDF, settlers escalates over how to respond to Palestinian attacks on settlers, DM Arens meets with settlement leaders in Jerusalem, calls for halt to violent responses to such attacks. In a separate incident, representatives from settlements meet and decide to defy IDF roadblocks recently established to forestall intercommunal violence. Meeting also decided to establish "security patrols" to guard settlers. (Qol Yisra'el, HaAretz 12/18 in FBIS 12/18)

IDF troops encounter masked suspect amid large gathering of demonstrators in Gaza. Ensuing chase leaves one IDF officer, at least 10 Palestinians wounded. (NYT 12/19)

Turkey announces intent to improve diplomatic relations with Israel by replacing its charge d'affaires with an ambassador. Turkey also states intent to exchange ambassadors with Palestine. (MM 12/19)

Syrian, Lebanese, and joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegations arrive at State Dept. in Washington for peace talks; Israel holds fast to its decision not to attend. (NYT 12/5)

U.S. State Dept. criticizes 12/2 establishment of new settlement in W. Bank. (MM 12/5)

IDF lifts round-the-clock curfew of Ramallah-Bira region [see 12/1] for four hours to allow residents to buy supplies. IDF officials tell Knesset it has seized homes it claims from which gunmen killed settler. (MM 12/5)

Undercover Israeli agents kill resident of Zawiya, W. Bank, after entering village looking for another man. (MM 12/5)

Islamic Jihad releases Terry Anderson, last and longest-held American hostage in Lebanon. Since escalation of UN-brokered negotiations for comprehensive hostage-prisoner exchange in August, 91 Arab prisoners have been released by Israel or the SLA in return for 10 Western hostages, body of one Israeli soldier, confirmation of deaths of two other Israelis. (NYT 12/6)

In Washington, PM Shamir discusses upcoming bilateral peace talks with Secy. of State Baker, expresses reservations about holding talks in Washington. Israel continues to push for holding talks in the Middle Est. (LAT 11/22)

Labor party adopts new party platform at its convention, dropping opposition to negotiations with PLO [see 11/19]. Platform also calls for one-year freeze on settlement building, recognizes Palestinian "national rights." But document states that Labor opposes creation of an independent Palestinian state, affirms that party does not oppose expansion of existing settlements. (MM 11/12; NYT 11/22)

Shamir, referring to creation of a Palestinian state, tells annual gathering of Council of Jewish Federations in Baltimore that there is "no room for two states in such a small area." Poll of Council members indicates 85% disagree with Shamir's policy of not surrendering any territory at all to Arabs as part of peace negotiations. (MM 11/21)

Debate breaks out in Lebanese parliament over UNIFIL's request that Lebanon withdraw army units deployed 11/18 in Tayr Diba, S. Lebanon. Most ministers argue army should remain to reestablish control over country. UNIFIL spokesman insists UNIFIL does not oppose this policy but merely seeks an orderly transfer of power. (MM 11/22)

Islamic Jihad releases British hostage Terry Waite and American hostage Thomas Sutherland in Beirut. Israel states it will not release any more Arab prisoners until it receives word about airman Ron Arad. (NYT 11/19)

Israeli police and border guards raid offices of Islamic court in E. Jerusalem, reportedly seizing hundreds of documents in search of "subversive" literature. Documents allegedly include court records documenting Palestinian land and property rights, some of which date from 12th century. (MM 11/19, 11/20)

Palestinian sources claim families of 350 Palestinians detained at Ansar-3 detention camp will be allowed to visit their relatives today, first time Israel has allowed such visits since Ansar-3 was established in March 1988. Visits will be coordinated by the Red Cross. (MM 11/18)

70-year-old Shaykh Radi Anis Bustami, imam of Jabal al-Shimali area mosque in Nablus, dies of wounds suffered 11/15 when Israeli troops fired on worshippers leaving the mosque. (MM 11/19)

Occupation authorities announce plan to encourage Palestinians inside o.t. and abroad to invest in development projects in o.t. The plan, which includes tax relief for new industries established and infrastructural development at government expense, will begin 1/1/92. (MM 11/19)

PLO exec. comm. mbrs. Mahmud Abbas, Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh, Sulayman al-Najab arrive in Amman for talks with Jordanian officials. Syrian delegates to peace talks also arrive to coordinate positions prior to second stage, bilateral negotiations. (Radio Monte Carlo, al-Ray, Radio Jordan 11/18 in FBIS 11/19)

Saudi Ambassador to U.S. Prince Bandar bin Sultan meets with some 60 American Jewish leaders in New York in first public meeting between American Jews and a Saudi official. Bandar states that if Israel freezes settlement building, Palestinians will halt intifada, Arab states will lift boycott of Israel. (MM 11/19)

Lebanese army deploys in village of Tayr Diba, S. Lebanon, to intervene inclashes between Amal, Hizballah fighters; first time in a decade Lebanese army has taken up positions within an area patrolled by UNIFIL troops. (MM 11/22)

Secy. of State Baker criticizes 11/4 opening of Israeli settlement in Golan, calling it "provocative." (NYT 11/6)

Chmn. Arafat arrives in Amman for discussions with King Hussein in advance of return of Palestinian, Jordanian delegates from Madrid. The two cochair a committee overseeing activities of the joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation to the peace talks. (MEM 11/6)

Five Palestinians are injured when violent confrontations break out between Palestinians, Israeli security forces in Jenin following assassination of Fateh activist Mahdi Abu al-Hasan by Israeli undercover agents. Abu al-Hasan, whom security forces had been seeking for some time, was reportedly ambushed in his car without warning. (MEM 11/6)

First direct Moscow-Tel Aviv flight transporting Jewish immigrants carried out by Aeroflot arrives with 125 Soviet Jews. Flight was operated by Transair, an Aeroflot subsidiary. (Qol Yisra'el 11/5 in FBIS 11/6)

Israel, South Lebanon Army shell targets outside of Israel's "security zone" in S. Lebanon for tenth consecutive day. Gen. Antoine Lahad, commander of the South Lebanon Army, states Israeli-Lebanese peace talks will not lead to dismantling of SLA or of the "security zone." (MEM 11/6)

Israeli DM Arens makes secret trip to China. (ITV 11/8 in FBIS 11/17)

Less than 12 hours after concluding bilateral talks with Syria, Israel inaugurates Qela', new settlement in Golan. Present at the ceremony are three cabinet ministers, Rafael Eytan, Yuval Ne'eman, Anel Sharon. (MEM, WP 11/5)

Elections for Gaza chamber of commerce, first such elections since 1964, return thirteen pro-PLO candidates, two Hamas supporters, and one independent. Elections were viewed as a surprisingly strong turn of Palestinian public support away from Hamas, which opposes the peace conference, toward the PLO. (NYT 11/6)

Israeli army announces it will ban all demonstrations in the o.t., citing instances where some of the pro-peace conference demonstrations of recent days allegedly turned violent. (Ha'Aretz 11/4 in FBIS 11/4)

Soviet pres. Gorbachev holds talks with PM Shamir in Madrid, the first summit meeting ever held by leaders of Israel, USSR. (WP 10/30)

Israel concedes to U.S. decision to allow 45 minutes to both Palestinian, Jordanian sections of Palestinian-Jordanian delegation for opening remarks at peace conference. (MEM 10/29)

PFLP claims responsibility for 10/28 attack on bus carrying Israeli settlers. (AFP 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Some 1,000 supporters of Fateh stage propeace conference demonstration in Gaza city, shaking hands with Israeli soldiers and handing them olive branches. Another pro-peace conference march held in Jenin. (MEM 10/29)

Roadside bomb kills three Israeli soldiers, injures a fourth near 'Aramta, S. Lebanon; Islamic Resistance coalition (led by Hizbullah) claims responsibility. In a separate incident, guerrillas attempting to infiltrate into Israel near town of Biranit ambush Israeli patrol, wounding five; two are killed. Islamic Jihad Movement of Palestine [Fathi Shaqaqi] claims responsibility. Israeli helicopters attack area near Rashidiyya refugee camp, Hizbullah office in Nabatiyya. (Qol Yisra'el 10/29 in FBIS 10/30; MEM 10/29; WP, MEM 10/30; NYT 11/2)

Some 5,000 Islamists, leftists, Nasirists demonstrate against peace conference at Cairo University in wake of police crackdown on anti-conference activists. (MEM 10/30)

U.S. announces that both Jordanian and Palestinian delegates will each be able to deliver a 45-minute opening speech at peace conference. Israel, Lebanon, Egypt, and Syria will also talk for 45 minutes. Israel protests to Washington that this violates conditions for Israeli attendance by treating the Palestinians as a separate delegation. (NYT 10/29)

London-based Mideast Mirror publishes list of Syrian delegates (MEM 10/28)

Demonstrators for, against peace conference clash at anti-conference rally in Amman. (MEM 10/29)

West Bank gunmen open fire on a bus carrying Israeli settlers from Shilo to an anti-peace conference rally in Tel Aviv, killing two and injuring five, bringing total number of Israelis killed since beginning of intifada to 74. (NYT, WP 10/29)

German authorities state police in Hamburg discovered 14 Soviet T-72 tanks aboard an Israeli ship destined for Israel. The tanks, formerly belonging to the E. German army and subsequently handed over to the German secret service BND, were to be delivered to Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, which sought to learn more about the tanks' design. (NYT, WP 10/29)

Israeli, South Lebanon Army forces launch artillery barrages directed at area surrounding Nabatiyya, S. Lebanon. Attacks continue into early morning hours of 10/29. (MEM 10/30)

Prime Min. Shamir indicates he will head Israeli delegation to the peace conference, not FM David Levy. Invitations sent to the parties by the U.S., USSR had called for talks at the "ministerial level," a diplomatic phrase usually interpreted to mean participation by officials holding rank of foreign minister or below. (NYT 10/24)

Arab foreign ministers representing Syria, Egypt, Jordan, along with representative of Lebanon's foreign ministry and head of PLO political department meet in Damascus to discuss strategies for peace conference. They were later joined by foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, representing the Gulf states, and Morocco, representing North African states (except Libya). (MEM 10/23)

Strike called for 10/22 by three groups in o.t. partially observed in E. Jerusalem, elsewhere in West Bank, but not in Nablus, Jenin. Residents of Gaza city observe strike, but not those in the refugee camps. (MEM 10/25)

Members of the Jewish Ateret Cohanim seminary move into a house in the Muslim quarter of E. Jerusalem. Group claims the house was owned by Jews driven out by Palestinian rioting in 1929. Settlers occupying a building in Silwan seized 10/9 from Palestinian residents petition Israeli high court of justice to allow them to remain. Group also seeks permission to move into four other buildings from which they had been evicted by police. (MEM 10/24)

European Community official announces EC, Israel have reached agreement over long-standing dispute over status, place of residence of EC official who will be sent to monitor EC economic aid to Palestinians in the o.t. EC had sough to post the official in the territories; Israel objected, seeking to place the representativen Tel Aviv instead. The EC has set aside $100 million in aid for Palestinians in the o.t. (MEM 10/24)

Human rights organization Middle East Watch issues report on condition of 18,000-20,000 stateless Palestinians in Kuwait. The Palestinians, who were either born in Gaza during the British Mandate, during the period of Egyptian administration of Gaza (1948-67), or who are descendants of those born there, have lived in Kuwait for decades but do not hold citizenship in any country. They do not carry Israeli Gaza identity cards but merely hold Egyptian travel documents, and are thus unable to legally live anywhere. According to the report, Kuwait intends to expel these persons to Iraq 11/15. (MEM 20/24)

Jerusalem city council condemns 10/9 invasion of several Palestinian homes in Silwan by Israeli settlers and right-wing Knesset members. (MEM 10/14)

In Tunis, PLO Exec. Comm. approves principle of joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation to peace conference. PLO, Jordanian officials had earlier agreed to form a joint delegation, not a unified delegation which included both Jordanian and Palestinian delegates [see 10/6]. Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh is dispatched to Amman for more talks with Jordanian officials. (al-Ra'i 10/14 in FBIS 10/15)

Secy. of State Baker arrives in Cairo for eighth trip to Middle East since Gulf war. (MEM 10/14)

Soviet airlines Aeroflot, Jewish Agency, sign agreement to establish direct, regular flights of Soviet Jewish immigrants to Israel from Leningrad and Moscow. Flights will be conducted by Aeroflot and El Al, the Israeli state airline. (MEM 10/14)

Four Israeli F-15 fighter planes fly on a reconnaissance mission over western Iraq. Iraqi officials claim the planes entered from Syrian airspace and left over Saudi airspace. U.S. strongly protested the action. One U.S. official claimed the planes traveled over Jordan, not Syria and Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials claim U.S. is not providing enough information on Iraqi missile sites in Iraq, that Israel must gather such information itself. (NYT, WP 10/9; WP 10/10)

Israeli newspaper Qol Ha'ir reports Sharon and the militant religious Ateret Cohanim movement have prepared a plan to establish 26 "settlement points" within Palestinian neighborhoods in the Jerusalem area, including 200 housing units in Silwan on eastern outskirts of East Jerusalem (HaAretz 10/4 in FBIS 10/4)

Settlers from Golan present PM Shamir a five-year plan for increased Israeli settlement on the Golan Heights. The plans call for expenditures of $200 million in roads, infrastructure, and for increasing number of settlers from present figure of 11,500 to 40,000 within four years. Shamir accepts plan by noting there was "no shadow of doubt" about Israel's future control of Golan. (MEM 10/4)

Israeli newspaper HaAretz reports that Israel, Germany have failed to reach an understanding over Israel's request for DM10 billion in credito assist settling Jewish immigrants. Among other reasons, Israel's request was based upon the fact that the former East Germany never paid reparations to Israel as did West Germany [see 8/28]. (HaAretz 10/4 in FBIS 10/8)

Israeli defense ministry announces Israel will control export of anti-ballistic missile technology in response to pressure from the U.S., which reportedly included threat to stop accepting Israeli bids for U.S. defense contracts. U.S. is pushing for Israeli compliance with the Convention for the Limitation of the Spread of Missile Technology, adopted in 1987 by the U.S. and other industrialized nations. Israel has been pursuing a research program for developing the Arrow anti-ballistic missile. Most of the funding for the program has been provided by the U.S. (WP 10/4)

PLO delegation led by Exec. Comm. Mbrs. Mahmud 'Abbas, Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh, 'Abdullah al-Hawrani, and Sulayman al-Najjab arrives in Amman to brief Jordanian officials on decisions of PNC and discuss formation of a joint delegation. Jordanians participating in the talks include PM Tahir al-Masri, FM Kamil Abu Jaber, Royal Political Advisor 'Adnan Abu 'Awda. PLO is demanding right to name Palestinian delegates to the joint delegation, and is pushing for adoption of a joint negotiating point demanding end to Israeli settlement building in o.t. Jordan had previously indicated it would accept PLO appointment of Palestinians to joint delegation and that Palestinians could address their own issues at peace conference. (Radio Jordan 10/4 in FBIS 10/4; Jordan Times 10/5 in FBIS 10/9)

More than 100 American Jewish leaders, part of Project Nishma, call on Israel to stop settling Jews in o.t. (MEM 10/3, 10/4)

U.S. administration denies Secy. of State Baker linked future U.S. decision to grant Israel loan guarantees with freeze of Israel settlement building, stating reporters erred when reporting on Baker's 9/17 meeting with PM Shamir, but denial does little to assuage Israeli leaders, who were angered by the comment. (WP 9/19)

After arriving in Damascus, Baker is warned by Syrian FM al-Sharaa that U.S. loan guarantees to Israel would affect Arabs' attitude toward peace process. Baker also delivers draft U.S. assurances on the peace conference, including pledge to Syria that U.S. considers UN resolutions calling for Israeli withdrawal from the o.t. applied to "all fronts," including the Golan Heights. (WP, MEM 9/19)

Informed sources indicate secret U.S.- PLO talks carried out in Amman by PLO Exec. Comm. Mbr. Mahmud Abbas (Abu Mazin) and three officials from U.S. state department. Talks reportedly centered on Palestinian participation in peace talks. Americans reportedly tell Abbas that U.S. hopes PNC meeting in Algiers will allow Chmn. Arafat to authorize such participation and that Palestinians' only chance for representations as part of a joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation. (MEM 9/23)

In Amman, PNC Speaker Shaykh 'Abd al-Hamid al-Sa'ih states Israel has rejected a UN request  to allow PNC delegates living in o.t. permission to travel to Algiers to attend PNC meeting. PLO had earlier requested UN assistance in arranging Israeli permission. (Radio Jordan 9/18 in FBIS 9/18)

Al-Sa'ih also announces that PNC members Edward W. Said and Ibrahim Abu-Lughod, both professors at American universities, have resigned from PNC for personal reasons. (Radio Monte Carlo 9/18 in FBIS 9/19)

U.S. Defense Secy. Richard Cheney signs 10-year U.S.-Kuwaiti defense agreement with Kuwaiti Def. Min. Shaykh 'Ali al-Sabah in Washington. (MEM 9/20)

PM Shamir states U.S. has a "moral obligation" to provide Israel with loan guarantees, that Israel would continue to build settlements in the occupied territories. (NYT, WP 9/9)

PLO Ex. Comm., Fateh Central Comm., and general-secretaries of other PLO groups meet in Tunis to prepare agenda for upcoming PNC meeting in Algiers. (Sawt al-Sha'b 8/9 in FBIS 9/9)

Israeli security forces kill Fateh activist Muhammad Mukaskas, wound two others, during gun battle in Jenin. Mukaskas was the second Fateh official recently killed whom Israeli forces had long been seeking to arrest. (MEM 9/10)

U.S. Secy. of State Baker appeals to U.S. Congress to delay considering request for loan guarantees to Israel until after the proposed peace conference. (NYT 9/5)

Israeli cabinet votes sharp increase in 1992 defense budget. Some Israeli officials state that the 6% increase might heighten the difficulties in obtaining U.S. loan guarantees. Budget will also cut settlement building in 1992. Defense ministry pushed for increased military budget while finance ministry sought cuts in def. spending to help balance the budget. (MEM 8/29; NYT WP 9/5)

Israeli press notes 24 Soviet Jewish families will move to Qela', a settlement in Golan Heights, as part of a move to convert the settlement from a paramilitary settlement to a civilian town. (Davar 9/4 in FBIS 9/5)

U.S. Secy. of State Baker telephones PM Shamir, requests Israel to delay anticipated request for $10 billion in loan guarantees from the U.S. for settlement of Soviet Jews. Israel had indicated it would be approaching the U.S. for the guarantees so that it can approach commercial banks for loans. Bush administration has been sharply critical of Israeli settlement activity, and fears money could go toward settling Soviet Jews in the o.t. Administration officials have urged Israel not to bring up the question of loan guarantees until after the proposed peace conference is underway. In March 1991, Israel agreed to delay requests for more U.S. aid until September, in attempt to secure U.S. aid to cover Israeli expenses in the Gulf war. (NYT, WP 9/5; WP 9/12)

Irish UNIFIL contingent protests to Israel over continued SLA shelling of UNIFIL troops in Bra'shit, one of several villages subjected to recent SLA attacks. (HaAretz 9/2 in FBIS 9/3)

Israeli army extends closure of Bir Zeit University for additional three months. (Qol Yisra'el 9/1 in FBIS 9/6)

Chmn. Arafat agrees to Palestinian participation in peace conference if four conditions are met: recognition of Palestinian right to self-determination; PLO must determine Palestinian participation in conference; Palestinians from E. Jerusalem must be allowed to participate and question of Jerusalem must not be deleted from conference agenda; Israeli settlement activity in occupied territories must be halted and international protection extended to Palestinians. Arafat also praises democratic reforms underway in USSR, amidst increasing criticism of Palestinian stance vis-a-vis the Soviet coup. (MEM 8/28)

Arafat meets Pres. Mubarak in Libya for first time since Gulf war. (MEM 8/29)

PFLP denounces U.S.-led peace plan, criticizes PL-0 for conditional agreement. (MEM 8/28)

Israeli press announces Israel recently requested aid from Germany to assist settlement of immigrants inIsrael. Finance ministry requested $5.74 billion in aid during secret negotiations held several weeks ago. (MEM 8/29)

Kuwait announces U.S. will build military base at Sabiyya, 40 km. from Kuwait-Iraq border. (MEM 8/28)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh states PLO hopes coup d'etat in USSR will help "solve" question of Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel. (AFP 8/19 in FBIS 8/19)

Israel, Albania establish diplomatic relations. (IDF Radio 8/19 in FBIS 8/19)

King Hussein, Pres. al-Asad meet in Syria on peace talks, Palestinian representation to conference. (AFP 8/19 in FBIS 8/20)

Israeli settlement leader sentenced to four month's community service in return for pleading guilty to a lesser charge in case involving death of a Palestinian youth [in Jan. 1988] whom the settler "accidentally" shot. (JP 8/20 in FBIS 8/20)

Israel again indicates willingness to release Lebanese prisoners in return for release of Israeli soldiers held in Lebanon or documented information their demise. Offer includes release of Shaykh 'Abd al-Karim 'Ubayd, kidnapped by Israeli troops in June 1989. In connection with recent release of two Western hostages held in Lebanon [on 8/8, 8/11] and international efforts to secure a comprehensive exchange of Lebanese, Israeli prisoners as well as Western hostages, Israeli officials indicate no Lebanese will be released in return for hostages unless Israeli captives are also released. (WP 8/12)

Syrian For. Min. Faruq al-Shar' states peace conference cannot take place unless Israel halts settlement building in occupied territories. (WP 8/13)

Kuwaiti cabinet establishes six-person committee todevelop long-range "population policy." Move comes in wake of flight or expulsion of some 270,000 Palestinians from Kuwait since Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. 50,000 of the remaining 90,000 Palestinians in Kuwait are expected to leave for Jordan. (MEM 8/12, 8/14)

U.S. officials arrive in Amman for talks with Jordanian leaders on U.S.-Jordan "memorandum of understanding." Americans earlier met with Israel officials, Palestinians, concerning similar bilateral memoranda with those parties. (MEM 8/12)

PLO Executive Committee begins open-ended meetings in Tunis, awaiting response from U.S.-Soviet summit in Moscow to demands put forward in letter to Soviet Pres. Mikhail Gorbachev. Demands include: guarantees that peace conference will result in Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories, including Jerusalem, and granting of Palestinian self-determination; halt to Israeli settlement activity; and composition of Palestinian delegation by representatives chosen by PLO, including Jerusalem residents. (MEM 7/30)

Following meeting with Palestinian activist Faisal Husseini, French For. Min. Roland Dumas calls on Israel to accept E. Jerusalem Palestinians as part of Palestinian delegation to peace conference. Dumas states he was in contact with Secy. of State Baker, but did not claim U.S. or PLO support for his call. (MEM 7/25)

As Secy. of State Baker prepares to leave Amman for Jerusalem, King Hussein announces Jordan will participate in peace conference, support end to Arab League boycott in return for halt in settlement-building. Hussein states he has contacted Palestinians about joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation. Action brings together Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan in support of U.S.-led efforts to convene Middle East peace conference. Baker meets with Palestinian delegation (Faisal Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi, and Zakariya al-Agha) in E. Jerusalem concerning formation of joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation to peace talks. Baker tells them PLO can have no direct relationship with Palestinian delegation to peace talks, nor can Palestinians from E. Jerusalem participate in initial stages of talks because of categorical Israeli refusal to accede to any gesture which might suggest that sovereignty of Jerusalem negotiable. Baker reaffirmed U.S. belief that E. Jerusalem is part of occupied territories, and that Palestinians alone have right to choose their own representatives. (NYT, WP, 7/22; MEM 7/23)

Baker next begins talks with Prime Min. Shamir in Jerusalem on peace talks in wake of numerous Arab commitments to agree to U.S.-proposed terms for such negotiations. Baker states that Arab assent to attend conference means willingness to engage in face-to-face negotiations with Israel. Pres. Bush again calls on Israel to curb settlement building, urges Israel to accept Arab offer to end economic boycott in return for settlement freeze. Seven Arab nations have now agreed to such linkage. (NYT, WP, MEM 7/22)

In interview with Egyptian press, British Prime Min. John Major calls Israeli settlements "illegal," "damaging" to peace process, including those in E. Jerusalem. (MEM 7/22) 

At economic summit in Britain, Group of Seven leaders (U.S., Canada, France, Italy, Britain, Japan, and Germany) endorse U.S.-led peace efforts, call for end to both Arab boycott of Israel and Israeli settlement-building. Prime Min. Shamir reacts to linkage of two issues with "disgust." (LAT 7/17; WP 7/20)

Fateh central committee mbr. Khalid al-Hasan criticizes PLO leadership for supporting Iraq in recent Gulf war, urges formation of provisional government comprised of Palestinian independents. He urged restoration of Palestinian-Arab relations. (MEM 7/17)

Hizballah fighters ambush Israeli troops in Kufr Huna, north of Israel's "security zone" in S. Lebanon. Three Israelis killed, including two officers; four others were wounded. One Hizballah fighter died. Clash was most lethal for Israeli troopsince Nov. 1990. Israel has recently begun dispatching patrols north of the "security zone" to engage anti-Israeli forces before their arrival in zone. (WP, MEM 7/18)

Lebanese Def. Min. Michel al-Murr accuses PLO of hiding medium and heavy weapons in refugee camps near Tyre, vows continued blockade of camps until weapons are surrendered. PLO denies it holds such weapons. Issue centers on definition of "medium" weapon: Lebanese army considers rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) as medium weapons; PLO does not. Lebanese army now has some 10,000 troops deployed in S. Lebanon. (MEM 7/16, 7/18)

PLO committee meeting in Tunis agrees to convene Palestine National Council (PNC) within three months, urges PLO executive committee to seek rapprochement with Hamas, Palestinian National Salvation Front groups, which boycotted the meeting after PLO invited only those PNSF groups which had membership in the Palestine National Council before 1983 to participate. PNSF, Islamic Jihad, Fateh-Revolutionary Council (Abu Nidal) later call on committee to "reconsider" call for convening PNC in order to preserve "unity of Palestinian ranks." Committee also urged greaterepresentation from occupied territories within PNC. PNC currently has 637 seats, including 186 allocated to representatives from the occupied territories. PNC meeting would be first since August 1988, when it declared existence of independent Palestinian state, accepted U.N. Security Council resolution 242. (MEM 7/18, 7/26)

Egyptian-Syrian commission agrees to formulate joint foreign policies between the countries. (LAT 7/18)

Meeting of 6 March Damascus Declaration signatoriesnds. The eight states indicate "total agreement" about amendments to declaration but refuse to state what they are. Observers see move as signalling the effective end of the Syrian-Egyptian-led Gulf security plan. (MEM 7/17)

Pres. Bush states U.S. aid to assist resettlement of Soviet Jews in Israel should not be linked with freeze in Israeli settlement building, but calls such building "counterproductive," adding that U.S. is "not giving one inch on the settlements question." Statement comes in wake of continued controversy over Israeli refusal to halt settlement activity in face of American pressure. U.S. anxious to obtain Israeli pledge to cease building settlements prior to proposed peace conference. (NYT, MEM 7/2; WP 7/3)

Lebanese army moves into Sidon and surrounding area as scheduled, establishing its first presence in area since 1975. Army's action comes as continuation of central government policy of disarming militias and deploying army throughout Lebanon. Thousands of residents flee, fearing PLO army clash. PLO, army commanders confer near Sidon over ways to avoid conflict. PLO refuses to disarm as long as Israel still controls parts of S. Lebanon: also seeks discussions on Palestinians' rights in Lebanon. Government welcomes talks, but only after deployment of army in Sidon area. (MEM 7/1, 7/4)

Cmdr. of Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army Antoine Lahad states willingness to release 300 Lebanese prisoners held by SLA in return for Israelis held by Islamic, Palestinian factions. (NYT 7/4)

Secy. of State Baker modifies 5/22 statement concerning Israeli settlement-building as an obstacle to peace, notes that "other obstacles" present equal difficulties. Baker was criticized by American Jewish organizations, some U.S. senators, for singling out Israel in his remarks. Pres. Bush backs Baker's criticism of Israeli settlement building. (NYT, WP 5/24)

Israel begins airlifting remaining 16,000 Ethiopian Jews in Ethiopia to Israel in "Operation Solomon" following secret talks with the collapsing government of Ethiopia. 5/22 letter from Pres. Bush to acting Ethiopian Pres. Lt.-Gen. Tesfaye Gebre-Kidan promising U.S. mediation efforts in Ethiopian civil war in return for unrestricted Jewish emigration paved way for airlift. Bush had earlier written Ethiopian Pres. Mengistu Haile Mariam in April urging release of the Jews. Unnamed U.S. official states Bush asked Israeli Prime Min. Yitzhak Shamir not to settle the Ethiopians in the occupied territories. Aide to Shamir confirmed Israel told U.S. it had "no intention" of settling immigrants on what he termed "occupied land." Simha Dinitz, Israel'senior immigration official, confirmed that none would be placed in occupied territories. Western relief workers complained that valuable resources expended on operation could have been used to aid Ethiopian famine victims remaining in Ethiopia. Airlift comes as Israel is struggling to absorb nearly 250,000 Soviet Jewish immigrants who arrived in past 20 months. 12,000 Ethiopian Jews were airlifted to Israel in "Operation Moses" in 1984 before Arab criticism prompted Ethiopian government to halt exodus. 8,000 others came to Israel after emigration resumed on small scale in 1989. By beginning of 1991, more than 20,000 Ethiopian Jews were living in Israel. (NYT, WP 5/25, 5/26; LAT 5/27; NYT 6/6)

U.S. state department issues cautious statement on 5/22 Syrian-Lebanese treaty, noting that it will monitor events to determine if Lebanon's independence is respected. (WP 5/25)

Israeli Def. Min. Spokesman Danny Naveh states that Israel will release all Lebanese prisoners held by Israel, including alleged Hizballah spiritual leader Shaykh 'Abd al-Karim 'Ubayd, in exchange for Israeli prisoners held in Lebanon. Hizballah spokesman added that Israel must release Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners, that Hizballah could only release those Israelis it holds and not those held by other groups. A total of seven Israelis were captured or reported missing in Lebanon since 1982 Israeli invasion, of whom only two are believed to be alive. Hizballah admits to holding two Israelis. Hizballah is seeking release of Shi'ites held both by Israel and Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army. Agreement came in wake of statement earlier in the week by Shaykh 'Abbas al-Musawi, new leader of Hizballah, that Hizballah would release the two Israelis if Israel freed Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners it held. The proposed exchange could lead to release of Western hostages held in Lebanon as well. (WP 5/25; NYT 5/26)

U.S. joins other 14 members of U.N. Security Council in voting to deplore 5/18 deportation of four Palestinians from Gaza. (WP, LAT 5/25; see JPS 80, doc. A5) 

Sec. of State Baker, in testimony before U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs subcommittee, calls continued building of Israeli settlements "largest obstacle" to convening proposed Middle East peace conference. Remarks come in wake of four new settlements established in occupied territories since Baker began his recent peace initiative. (See JPS 80, doc. D2)

More than 200,000 Israelis now live in occupied territories. (NYT, WP, LAT 5/23)

Pres. al-Asad and Lebanese Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi sign a "Treaty of Brotherhood, Cooperation and Coordination" in Damascus. (See JPS 80, doc. B9). Treaty establishes joint Syrian-Lebanese institutions for coordinating defense, security, foreign and economy policy, under authority of higher council comprising the two country's presidents, prime ministers and parliamentary speakers. Treaty transforms Syrian influence in Lebanon into formal role.

Treaty calls for Syria to redeploy its 40,000 troops in Lebanon in Biqa' valley. Syrian troops currently effectively control two-thirds of Lebanon.

Lebanese Maronite Catholic Patriarch Nasr Allah Sufayr opposes accord, stating that it would lead to Syrian domination of Lebanon. Israel voiced opposition to the accord as well. (NYT, WP, LAT 5/23)

Israeli def. ministry confirms that Polish Pres. Walesa promised Def. Min. Moshe Arens that Poland will not sell tanks to Syria out of deference to Israel. (LAT 5/22)

Knesset erupts into shouting match when Knesset Speaker Dov Shilansky (Likud) calls on Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan to halt his 25-day fast. Nathan began fast 3/25 to protest Israeli law forbidding Israelis to meet with members of PLO. Shilansky's statement came in wake of failed motion to abolish law. Nathan has publicly met Yasir Arafat several times since law was passed, serving 122 days in prison in 1990 as result. (NYT 5/23; MEM 7/15)

Los Angeles Times reports that Coca-Cola Company was removed last month from list of companies boycotted by Arab League for their dealings with Israel. Japanese car manufacturer Toyota also reported last month that it will begin selling cars in Israel in 1992, a departure from its policy of dealing solely with Arab countries. (LAT 5/22) 

While visiting Israel, Polish Pres. Lech Walesa apologizes for Polish anti-Semitism in speech to Knesset. Walesa is first Polish president to visit Israel. (NYT 5/21)

PLO Pol. Dept. Head Faruq al-Qaddumi meets with King Hussein in Amman to discuss recent U.S., Soviet peace efforts, Palestinian issues. (MEM 5/21)

Israeli government approves new settlement to be built on occupied Golan Heights. (WP 5/23)

Soviet Union announces that it is prepared to cosponsor Middle East peace conference with U.S., as F.M. Bessmertnykh meets with Sec. Baker in Kislovodsk, USSR [NYT, WP, LAT 4/26].

While Sec. Baker is en route to Israel from Soviet Union, Israelis move 7 additional mobile homes to new West Bank settlement of Talmon Bet [NYT 4/26]. Gush Emunim group brings 16 additional mobile homes to new settlement of Revava; IDF stops convoy from setting up homes, claiming move was not approved by gov't. [JDS 4/25, YA 4/26 in FBIS 4/26].

In 90-minute news conference with Iraqi and foreign journalists, Iraqi P.M. Saadun Hamadi says his country is moving toward democracy, wants better relations with West, and will abide by UN terms for lifting economic sanctions [NYT, WP 4/26; INA 4/25 in FBIS 4/26].

Palestinian notable Radwan Abu Ayyash, who met with Sec. Baker, is given green ID card, barring him from Israel without special permission from Israeli gov't. [MEM 4/25; JDS 4/25 in FBIS 4/25].

53 senators sign letter to King Fahd urging Saudi Arabia to participate in proposed Arab-Israeli peace talks; letter calls Saudi involvement "indispensable" [MEM 4/26].

In rare public showing, 43 Saudi businessmen and intellectuals publish in Cairo daily an open letter to King Fahd calling on him to establish national and municipal consultative councils and to curb the power of the mutaween, the Islamic religious police [WP 4/16].

In nationwide address, King Fahd renews limited pledge of political reform, announcing "notable progress" in establishing consultative assembly [LAT 4/17; SPA 4/15 in FBIS 4/16].

King also promises to expand the country's armed forces and equip them with world's best weapons [MEM 4/16; CSM 4/18].

Kuwaiti soldiers take up positions along demilitarized zone as U.S. troops continue to leave area [WP 4/16].

Most U.S. troops move quickly out of southern Iraq [LAT 4/16].

In southern Lebanon, SIA troops kill 2 Arabs just west of Israel's "security zone"; it is 2d such killing in 2 days [JDS, AFP 4/15 in FBIS 4/15; MET 4/23].

Arab crosses border from Jordan into Israel, fires on Israeli patrol and is shot dead by IDF; 1 Israeli soldier is wounded [JDS 4/16 in FBIS 4/16].

Palestinian is shot dead by security guards after throwing stone at Israeli bus north of Jerusalem [MEM 4/15; JDS 4/15 in FBIS 4/16; FJ 4/22].

Eight Jewish families move into mobile homes in West Bank, opening 1st new settlement, named Revava, to be established in o.t. under P.M. Shamir's current gov't. (cf. 4/16) [MEM, CSM 4/16; JDS 4/16 in FBIS 4/16; JPI 4/27].

Leftist Israelis stage demonstration at Revava, protesting its establishment [JDS 4/15 in FBIS 4/17].

Beginning trip to Middle East, Sec. Baker, along with other U.S. officials, acknowledge that initial exploratory efforts for Arab-Israeli settlement had gotten nowhere, and that it is time for Washington to begin pressing parties for specific concessions [NYT, WP, CSM 4/8].

In preparation for Sec. Baker's visit, Israeli officials bar Palestinians from Israel and E. Jerusalem [JDS 4/7 in FBIS 4/9; MET 4/16].

In effort to calm demands for democratic reform, Emir of Kuwait reiterates pledge to hold parliamentary elections "during the coming year, God willing." Emir also says he will study possibility of giving vote to some and to some of those now considered "second class" citizens in Kuwait (cf. 4/9) [NYT, WP, LAT, MEM 4/8; KUNA 4/7 in FBIS 4/8].

Scientists estimate oil spill in Gulf to be about 1.5 million barrels, with an estimated 3,000 barrels still pouring into the Gulf from several sources in Kuwait [WP 4/8].

Palestinian surgeon Dr. Mamdouh Aker is released on NIS 20,000 ($10,000) bail after over 5 weeks of detention on suspicion of writing intifada leaflet telling Palestinians how to protect themselves during Gulf war emergencies [MEM 4/8].

On 2d day of meetings in Cairo, Pres. Mubarak and Pres. Asad say they are opposed to the splintering of Iraq, and call for intermational peace conference, after adequate preparations. On matter of Kurdish rebellion, Pres. Asad says it is "an intemal matter" [MENA 4/1 in FBIS 4/1; SANA 4/1 in FBIS 4/2; NYT, MEM 4/2].

Human rights groups working in Kuwait have turned up no proof to date that thousands of Kuwaitis were executed by Iraqis; Middle East Watch says that number is from 300 to 600. Also refuted is claim that Iraqi troops killed hundreds of premature babies by stealing incubators [WP 4/2].

Inquest by Jerusalem judge into Haram al-Sharif killings last October 8 turns up evidence that contradicts official Israeli gov't. version of events. Border officer testifies he saw other officers "shoot from the hip," in violation of regulations; another officer claims police fired on Palestinians who had sat down and begun to pray [WP, LAT 4/2].

U.S. officials disclose that Nat. Sec. Advisor Brent Scowcroft and senior White House aide Richard Haass made secret trip from 3/25 to 3/27 to Saudi Arabia for talks with King Fahd [WP, MEM 4/2].

Six Kuwaiti opposition groups, 96 leaders in all, sign manifesto demanding democracy [LAT, MEM 4/2].

Lt. Gen. Ehud Baraq assumes position of Israeli chief of staff, replacing Lt. Gen. Dan Shomron [JDS 4/1 in FBIS 4/1; CSM 4/2; FJ 4/8; JPI 4/13].

UNLU issues call no. 69, praising Iraqi "steadfastness" in face of coalition, criticizes attempts to find alternative Palestinian leadership [AVP 4/1 in FBIS 4/2; MEM 4/2].

U.S. State Dep't. criticizes Israel's 3/31 restrictions on Palestinians in o.t., stating what is needed is "dialogue and trust ... not imposing new restrictions" [MEM 4/2].

About 20 mobile homes are set up in West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba to help meet growing housing needs of Soviet Jewish immigrants, around 400 of whom have moved to this settlement over the past year [MEM 4/3].

Israeli human rights group B'Tselem reports Israeli security forces killed 8 Palestinians during March; 5 in West Bank and 3 in Gaza Strip; 1 Israeli civilian was killed in o.t. during the month [FJ 4/8].

In defiance of Lebanese gov't. ban on private militias, PLO says it will not lay down its arms and that its fighters in southern Lebanon will continue to strike at Israel [NYT 4/2; RFL 4/1 in FBIS 4/2].