The Palestine Chronology

UNGA passes resolution on Israeli occupation of Golan calling for full withdrawal. Only Israel, U.S. vote against; 70 abstain. U.S. says resolution would only create another point of conflict in negotiations. Passes 2d resolution supporting peace process but omitting reference to UN Res. 425; Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Libya vote against. (MEI 12/16; SARR 12/17 in FBIS 12/19; MM 12/19)

Hamas representatives resign fr. tripartite reconciliation comm. established after 11/18 clashes, says Arafat is not serious about discussions. (QY 12/16 in FBIS 12/19) (see 12/2)

30,000 Palestinians attend Hamas rallies in Gaza, West Bank to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the group's founding. (Al-Hayat 12/16 in FBIS 12/19; NYT 12/17; PR 12/24)

Palestinian shoots, wounds IDF reservist nr. Ramallah. (NYT 12/17; JP 12/24)

2 days of PA-Israeli talks on elections, redeployment, further implementation of Gaza-Jericho accord begin in Cairo. (QY 12/14 in FBIS 12/14; MENA 12/14 in FBIS 12/15; WT 12/15; MEI 12/16)

3 Israeli-Jordanian joint comms. convene 1st mtgs. Aqaba-Elat comm. discusses implementation of Article 23 of peace treaty, calling for joint development. Jordan Rift comm. discusses water, economic feasibility studies. Joint economic comm. discusses investments, trade exchange, banks. (RJ 12/14, JTV 12/15 in FBIS 12/16)

Jordan appeals to Syria to appoint amb. to the kingdom. Syria froze decision on new amb. after Jordan signed treaty with Israel 10/26. Syrian FMin. promises to "study the issue." (Al-Bilad 12/14 in FBIS 12/13)

ICO passes resolution on Jerusalem drafted 12/13. King Hussein leaves in protest before close of summit. (MM 12/16; PR 12/18)

IDF reservist is stabbed, wounded by Palestinian in Ramallah. (MENA 12/14 in FBIS 12/15; IDF Radio 12/15 in FBIS 12/16; NYT 12/15, 12/17; JP 12/24)

Israel, Jordan establish full diplomatic relations. Jordan appoints Marwan Muasher, head of U.S. Jordan Information Bureau and of Jordan's negotiating team, amb. (MM 12/23; RJ, SARR 11/27 in FBIS 11/28; NYT 11/28; JP 12/3)

IDF, PA oppose Rabin's suggestion for 3-day pullout during Palestinian elections. IDF says temporary withdrawal would pose security risk; PA says it violates DOP. (MM 11/28; Ma`ariv, QY 11/27 in FBIS 11/28) (see 11/25)

PA Finance Min. says it has hired 176 employees in anticipation of transfer of taxation 12/1. Offices will be opened in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Jenin, Tulkarm, Qalqiliyya; each will have 2 divisions, VAT and income tax. (PR 11/27)

Rabbi killed, soldier wounded in West Bank shooting. Hamas claims responsibility. (QPAR, QY 11/27 in FBIS 11/28; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/28; WJW 12/1; MEI 12/2; PR 12/4; JP 12/10)

U.S. envoy Dennis Ross arrives in Jerusalem, talks with PM Peres and FM Rabin, says "real gaps" remain btwn. Israeli, Syrian positions. Later meets with Arafat, discusses aid, elections. (MM 9/21; WT 9/22; VOP 9/22 in FBIS 9/22)

PLO Pol. Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi, Jordanian PM al-Majali meet in Jordan, agree to resume PLO-Jordanian contacts at the "ministerial level" before end of the month. (JT 9/24 in FBIS 9/26)

Al-Qaddumi vows to fight new U.S. position in UN, strengthen language of resolutions presented. Egypt, Jordan say they will also oppose U.S. moves. (Reuters 9/21; RJ 9/26 in FBIS 9/26)

Israeli PM Rabin holds consultations on Palestinian elections with FM Peres, MK Shahal, MK Sarid, Chief of Staff Barak, IDF, police officials. Rabin, Barak want negotiations on elections only, talks on extending autonomy later. Peres, others say there is no choice but to discuss all issues simultaneously. (ITV, QY 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hasan, Likud head Binyamin Netanyahu meet in London, discuss Jordanian, Likud views on negotiations. Netanyahu suggest Jordan, Israel reach a "strategic consensus" opposing PLO; Hassan gives no reaction. (JTV 9/21 in FBIS 9/22; MM 9/22; JP 10/1)

Arafat meets with Hamas mbrs. inc. spokesmen Mahmud al-Zahhar, Isma'il Haniyah; discusses ways to enhance national unity, safeguard security in autonomous areas; releases 3 Hamas mbrs. detained after shooting 9/17. (VOP 9/22 in FBIS 9/22; AFP 9/22 in FBIS 9/23)

IDF imposes curfew on village of Biddu nr. Ramallah after riot sparked by death 9/18 of Palestinian by IDF at roadblock. (QY 9/21 in FBIS 9/21)

Arafat approves license of pro-Islamist daily newspaper, Al-Istiqlal to be run by `Ala' al-Saftawi, `Adnan `Abu-Hasnah. (VOP 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Israeli border police arrests 7 Palestinian policemen for being in Jerusalem area without permits. (ITV 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Britain's MI6 says Iraq's Deputy PM Tariq Aziz met secretly with an Israeli delegation headed by Housing M Binyamin Ben Eliezer in Rabat 1 mo. ago to try to draw up a peace treaty. Israeli FMin. denies the report. (Sunday Times 9/18 in WT 9/19, FBIS 9/21; CSM 9/19; WT 9/21; WJW 9/22; MEI 9/23)

Israeli police extend ban on Kach, Kahane Chai for 6 mos. (QY 9/18 in FBIS 9/19)

Palestinian Amb. to Iraq `Azzam al-Ahmad says PLO has stopped VOP transmissions fr. Baghdad, Sana`a', Algiers; will now rely solely on VOP Jericho. (Al-Dustur 9/18 in FBIS 9/20)

IDF kills 1 Palestinian, wounds 1 when car fails to stop for roadblock nr. Ramallah. In separate incident, 1 IDF soldier wounded in knifing by Palestinian nr. Tel Aviv. (WT 9/19)

Hamas issues leaflet denying association with men who shot a Palestinian policeman 9/17, blame PSF men who were also at the scene. Arafat calls in PSF's Gaza head Muhammad Dahlan to explain. (MM 9/19; QY 9/19 in FBIS 9/19; MEI 9/23)

PNA formally accepts early empowerment accord. (WT 8/28)

Israeli Military Cmdr. Brig. Gen. Doron Almog says that if PNA cannot control Hamas, IDF will reenter Gaza, carry out military operations. Arafat protests remarks. (Maariv, MM 8/26; QY, VOP 8/27 in FBIS 8/29)

Hamas says it will talk with PNA if detained Hamas mbrs. are released, says early empowerment agmt. doesn't contradict Hamas' fight against Israel. Arafat welcomes call. (VOL 8/26, QY 8/25, 8/26 in FBIS 8/26)

IDF wounds 2 Palestinians, puts curfew on Hebron after demonstration; puts partial closure on Ramallah, closes Gamal `Abd al-Nasir mosque for 2 days to prevent disturbances. (QY 8/26 in FBIS 8/26)

2 Israelis knifed to death nr. Tel Aviv on 6-mo. anniversary of Hebron massacre. Hamas claims responsibility, vows 2 more attacks before end of year. IDF detains 118 Palestinians for questioning. (QY 8/27 in FBIS 8/29; NYT, WP, WT 8/28; CSM 8/29; JP 9/3)

Israeli F Min. states there are no official contacts with Iraq, Israel supports U.S. policy of keeping Iran, Iraq in check; says any initiatives by Israelis are on a personal level only. (Israeli Government Press Office 8/26 in FBIS 8/29)

Yehoshafat Harkabi, former head of Israeli military intelligence (1955-59) who supported recognition of Palestinians, negotiations with PLO, dies in Jerusalem. (NYT, WP 8/27; WJW 9/1; JP 9/3)

Arafat meets with UAE Pres. Shaykh Zayid bin Sultan al-Nahayan in Geneva to discuss financial hurdles facing self rule. (MM 8/22)

PNA Local Affairs M Sa'eb Erakat presents draft law for Palestinian legislative elections to Arafat, announces PNA has started training 5,000 Palestinians to organize elections, says talks are underway with opposition groups regarding elections. Legislative council would include 100 mbrs. who will simultaneously become PNC reps. Exec. council of 24 mbrs. (12 from legislative council) will then be formed. (MENA 8/19, VOP 8/21 in FBIS 8/22)

Brig. Gen. Muhammad Qudisiyya, cmdr. of the al-Badr Forces of the Palestine Liberation Army (PLA), announces King Hussein will begin supplying, paying salaries of all PLA forces in Jordan. (Jordan Times 8/20, Al-Ra'y 8/21 in FBIS 8/30)

Palestinian police kill 1 Palestinian, wound 1 in Rafah. Palestinian police officials detain 5 officers, promise full investigation. (MM, WP, WSJ 8/22; UNRWA News 8/24)

Israeli undercover unit kills 1 Palestinian, wounds 8 in Ramallah during Mulid al-Nabi celebrations mistaken for demonstration. (WT 8/21; MM 8/22; JP 8/27)

Ghazi Jabali, cmdr. of Palestinian police in Gaza City, says police will not disarm Hamas activists, reaffirms they will confiscate unlicensed weapons after legislation is passed, grace period lapses. (QY 8/10 in FBIS 8/22; JP 8/27) (see 8/16)

IDF shells Arab Salim, southern Lebanon kills 1 Lebanese civilian, wounds another. (MEI 8/26)

IDF fires rubber bullets, tear gas on Palestinian demonstrators in Ramallah, wounding 15.  (WT 7/31)

Palestinian workers waiting to enter Israel riot at Erez checkpoint, Gaza Strip.  Palestinian police, IDF exchange fire in 1st such incident since 5/4 Gaza-Jericho agreement.  2 Palestinians killed, 98 wounded, including 5 police officers; 17 Israelis also wounded, including 1 Border Guard in critical condition.  Gas station, 120 Israeli buses destroyed.  Each side blames other for incident; PLO Chmn. Arafat calls for deployment in Gaza of international observers.  Secy of State Christopher, en route to region, calls riot a "tragedy."   Clashes occur in Ramallah, Hebron as news of riot spreads.  (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/18)

Secy of State Christopher starts tour of Middle East to prepare for 7/25 White House summit of Jordan's King Hussein, Israel's PM Rabin.  Trip will include mtgs. in Syria.  (NYT 7/18)

IDF imposes curfew on Hebron Palestinians, clashes with Qiryat Arba settlers protesting death of settler girl.  Settlers occupy 3 apt. bldgs. on hill nr. Qiryat Arba; IDF declares hill closed military zone.  (NYT, WP 7/9)

"Mandela Institute for Political Prisoners" in Ramallah reports that 7,170 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. (TJT 7/8)

American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and PECDAR sign 3-yr., $3 m. agreement to support agriculture, fisheries in Gaza Strip, Jericho area.  (ANERA release 7/11)

Vatican "FM" Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran opens 3-day official visit to Jordan to meet King Hussein, Crown Prince Hasan, govt. officials.  Talks to focus on diplomatic relations, status of Jerusalem.  (RJ 7/8 in FBIS 7/12)

IDF troops firing on Palestinian stone-throwers in Ramallah kill Palestinian woman.  (WT 6/12; TJT 6/17)

Frayh Abu-Midyan, justice M of Palestinian National Authority, says Palestinian police in Gaza Strip have arrested 26 collaborators.  (MM 6/14; WT 6/15)

Joint Israeli-Palestinian demonstration on Ramallah-Jerusalem highway calls for Jerusalem to serve as joint capital of Israel, Palestinian state.  (CSM 6/13; TJT 6/17)

Syria postpones scheduled Amman mtg. of "Higher Syrian-Jordanian Comm." in apparent rejection of previous week's Jordan-Israel breakthrough.  (MM 6/13)

Palestinians clash with IDF in Hebron, Ramallah.  (WT 6/6)

IDF closes 4 entrances to Nur Shams r.c., nr. Tulkarm.  (UNRWA News 6/15)

Nabil Shaath says world community "moving very, very slowly" on aid to Palestinian self-rule areas, PLO needs "bridging measures."  $7 m. received of $2.4 b. in aid pledged, according to Shaath.  (Qol Yisra'el 6/5 in FBIS 6/6; WT 6/8)

GCC foreign ministers issue statement "welcom[ing]" 5/4 Cairo Agreement as "positive step" toward "comprehensive" solution to Arab-Israeli conflict.  (Saudi TV 6/5 in FBIS 6/6)

Conservative Labor MKs form "3d Way" lobby group to limit amount of o.t. land ceded to Palestinians.  Group includes Agriculture M Yaacov Tsur, Dep. DM Mordechai Gur, 19 of 44 Labor MKs.  Lobby opposes Palestinian state, return to 1967 borders.  Group's outline of future o.t. settlement resembles "Allon Plan" of 1970s.  (WT 6/6; WJW 6/9)

Official Lebanese sources say Syria, Iran pressuring Hizballah to cease firing katyushas at Israel.  Reports follow 6/4 visit of Iranian FM Ali Akbar Velayati to Damascus.  (WT 6/6)

Arab League, Organization of the Islamic Conference condemn recent Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon.  (MENA, SPA 6/5 in FBIS 6/6)

Russian Chief of Staff Col. Gen. Mikhail Kolesnikov opens 3-day visit to Syria. (WT 6/21)

30 Palestinians wounded by IDF during clashes in Hebron, Ramallah.  Both cities placed under curfew.  In Gaza, Islamic University students, Netzarim settlers throw rocks at each other until dispersed by joint Israeli-Palestinian patrol.  (Qol Yisra'el 6/4 in FBIS 6/6; NYT 6/5)

International Labor Organization reports that economic survival of o.t. depends on access of 100,000 Palestinians to jobs in Israel.  (MM 6/6)

King Hussein criticizes lack of coordination in peace talks by other Arab parties, says Jordan will pursue a settlement with Israel at talks to resume 6/6 in Washington.  (WT 6/5)

3 Hizballah guerrillas killed by SLA during clashes in "security zone," southern Lebanon.  (NYT, WP, WT 6/5)

IDF helicopters (4), IAF fighter-bombers (6) attack Hizballah base at `Ayn Kawkab, nr. Ba`albak, killing at least 26, as many as 45, and wounding 30 (up to 80), most teenagers in their beds.  Hizballah fires 20 katyusha rockets at Israel in retaliation, 7 landing nr. Nahariya.  Lebanon, Syria denounce attack.  UN S.G. Butrus Butrus-Ghali expresses "concern" over attack. (RL 6/2 in FBIS 6/2; MM 6/2, 6/3; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 6/3; JP 6/11)

PLO Chmn. Arafat cancels appointments, reportedly suffering fr. "mild angina."  (MENA, RL, MBC TV 6/2 in FBIS 6/3; NYT, WP 6/3)

Protests continue in Ramallah, 2 Palestinians wounded as Justice M David Liba'i visits.  (JP 6/11)

Mtg. of UNRWA donors grouping 24 countries, European Union (EU) concludes in Amman.  (UNRWA News 6/15)

Israeli FM Peres meets Morocco's King Hassan during stopover in Rabat on return fr. visit to Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.  (MM 6/3)

Palestinians protesting 5/31 killing in al-Ram attack police station in Ramallah with rocks and bottles.  IDF fires tear gas, rubber bullets, live ammunition in response, wounds 17 Palestinians, 1 critically.  (MM 6/1; NYT, WP, WT 6/2)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets in Tunis with U.S. Senators Paul Simon (D-IL), Russell Feingold (D-WI), and Harry Reid (D-NV), says he will delay entry into Jericho until promised adequate funds for local admin.  (Algiers VOP 6/1 in FBIS 6/2; WT 6/2)

Informal mtg. of UNRWA donors opens in Amman.  (UNRWA News 6/1)

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in Cairo announce agreement on Palestinian police force, release of prisoners. Police force set at 9,000, with 2,000 recruited fr. o.t. and 7,000 fr. outside. Police will be armed with automatic rifles, handguns, and be equipped with 45 APCs and 120 medium MGs. U.S. to supply 200 jeeps and other vehicles; Saudi Arabia loans C-130 aircrafto transport police. Israel agrees to release 5,000 Palestinian prisoners-2,500 after signing of accord, 2,500 when Palestinian police take over, according to PLO official Nabil Shaath and Israeli negotiator Amnon Shahak. Hamas prisoners will not be released. Negotiations on remaining issues to resume 4/17. (NYT, WP 4/13)

Israel-PLO economic talks in Paris achieve "very significant progress" according to Israeli Finance M Avraham Shohat. Agreement reportedly close on direct and indirect taxation and financial affairs, "except for currency." Sides also divided on trade and labor. (MM 4/12, 4/13)

Settler fr. Shiloh fires at stone-throwers in al-Jib village, West Bank, kills 18-yr.-old Palestinian, 4 mos.' pregnant, in nearby house. Settler arrested, curfew imposed on al-Jib. (MM 4/12, 4/13; WP, WT 4/13)

IDF kills 1 Palestinian, wounds another during stone-throwing clashes in Jalazun r.c., West Bank. In Jericho, 5high-school students wounded by Border Police rubber bullets. (MM, NYT 4/13)

Ramallah placed under curfew as IDF searches for Palestinian fugitives; house of Dr. Muhammad Wahidi, Fateh supporter whose daughter Abir was sentenced to 17 yrs.' imprisonment for mbrship. in Fateh cell that killed a settler, attacked with gunfire and antitank rockets before being bulldozed. (NYT, WT 4/13)

19-yr-old Palestinian fr. Shatti r.c., Gaza Strip, attacks Israeli bus with stolen Uzi submachine gun nr. Ashdod, killing 1 passenger and wounding 4. IDF, Israeli civilian shoot him dead. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility. (MM, WP 4/7; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/8)

2 Israelis stabbed and wounded at Gaza Strip entrances. Hamas claims responsibility, threatens series of attacks on Israelis in reprisal for Hebron massacre. Leaflet says Afula bombing 1st of 5 attacks to come. (MM 4/7; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/8)

Total closure imposed on o.t. for 1 week in response to Afula, Ashdod attacks. (MM 4/7; NYT, WP, WT 4/8)

5,000 attend funeral of 4 victims of Afula bombing, broadcast nationwide. Dep. Education M Micha Goldman, representing Rabin govt., booed by mourners. Funeral coincides with observances of Holocaust Day. 300 Israeli youths clash with police in tire-burning incidents. PLO in Cairo issues statement expressing regret over Afula bombing, but U.S. State Dept. spokesman Michael McCurry says U.S. wants stronger condemnation. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/8)

IDF denies permit to conference scheduled 4/9-10 at which Jesse Jackson was to have spoken to 100s of Palestinian academics. IDF says conference, marking 30th anniversary of PLO and organized by Hebron Islamic University, cannot be held in Hebron or Jerusalem but could be held in Nablus or Ramallah. (WP, WT 4/8)

IDF begins evacuation of HQ in Jericho, Gaza Strip as withdrawal starts. Troops in Gaza redeploy to guard Gush Qatif bloc of settlements. 2 Palestinians wounded by IDF while stoning departing troops. (CSM, WT 4/5)

Bank of Jordan opens 1st West Bank branch, in Ramallah. (MM 4/5)

Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad flies to Cairo, meets twice with Pres. Husni Mubarak. (MM 4/5)

Israeli police ballistics expert testifies to Israeli commission of inquiry, says police have identified all but 1 of 115 shell casings recovered at Haram al-Ibrahimi in Hebron. 109 shells traced to attacker Baruch Goldstein's weapon, 5 to those of IDF guards. (NYT, WT 4/5)

Land Day, commemorating deaths of 6 Israeli Arabs in 1976 demonstrations against land confiscation, observed throughout Palestinian areas of Israel and in o.t. Israel's 800,000 Palestinian citizens observe general strike; observances dedicated to victims of Hebron massacre, 6 Fateh Hawks killed 3/28. Curfew imposed on Nablus, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Hebron, and 9 r.c.s. including Jabaliya. Largest demonstration held in Rahat in the Negev, where 22-yr.-old Bedouin killed by police 2/27. (MM 3/30, 3/31; NYT 3/31)

Jordan's King Hussein receives PLO envoy Hakam Bal'awi, bearing message fr. PLO Chmn. Arafat on coordinating policy on Jerusalem. (MM 3/31)

Jordanian delegate to multilateral talks on water sharing Munther Haddadin rejects Israeli proposals for "new Jordan River," saying "It is purely a unilateral project proposed by a group of academics financed by a German company. Jordan has nothing to do with it." (MM 3/31)(see 3/28)

IAF planes and IDF helicopters attack Hizballah targets in Iqlim al-Tuffah, Lebanon. (MM 3/30)

Israeli-PLO security, civilian affairs comm. negotiations continue in Taba.  Security comm. discusses release of Palestinian prisoners, establishment of Palestinian police.  Israeli negotiator Gen. Amnon Shahak says draft paper on Palestinian police force "almost achieved."   Civilian Affairs comm. divides into subcoms. on electricity and civil planning, communications.  Palestinian negotiator Radwan Abu-Ayyash estimates cost of Palestinian broadcast network at $30 m.-$50 m. (MENA 2/16 in FBIS 2/16, 2/17; MM 2/16)

Bilateral Arab-Israeli talks resume in Washington. (Qol Yisra'el 2/16 in FBIS 2/16)

Egyptian State Broadcasting Authority renews official contact with Israeli Broadcasting Authority, broken during 1982 Lebanon war.  (MM 2/17; JP 2/26)

Higher Jordanian-Palestinian Comm. completes 2 days of mtgs. in Amman.  Jordanian Information M. Jawad al-Anani says PLO and Jordan have agreed on joint strategy in economic talks with Israel set for Paris.  Israel-Jordan joint economic comm. meets in Washington with U.S. participation. (RJ 2/16 in FBIS 2/16, 2/17; MM 2/16, 2/17)

AFP reports 1st all-Palestinian bank in o.t., "Commercial Bank of Palestine," will start operations 3/15 in Ramallah.  Bank, with capital of $14 m., is headed by businessman Suhail Jad`awn.  (AFP 2/16 in FBIS 2/17)

U.S. State Dept. announces Secy. of State Christopher will visit Middle East during 3/94. (MM 2/17)

PLO Chmn. Arafat accuses "Israeli officers" of condoning arms trade in o.t., warning flow of weapons "could lead to another Afghanistan among the Palestinians." (NYT 2/17)

IDF kills purported PFLP mbr. Najwan Mahmud Muhammad al-`Izza, 21, in Halhul, West Bank.  (MM 2/17) [CHALLENGE--2/15]

122-mm. katyusha rocket fired on northern Israel fr. southern Lebanon in 1st incident in 6 mos.  IDF blames attack on Palestinian opposition groups.  IDF tanks, artillery come to aid of SLA patrol ambushed by Hizballah.  Hizballah claims 12 SLA mbrs. killed or wounded.  (NYT, MM, WT 2/17; MM 2/18)

Israeli cabinet extends term of IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ehud Barak to 1/95.  Barak had been set to retire 4/94.  (MM 2/16)

PM Rabin's spokesman Oded Ben-Ami defends allowing 30 elite IDF veterans to serve in Congo as advisers, denying soldiers are mercenaries.  Opponents cite Congolese civil war as reason to bar Israeli support of Brazzaville regime.  Press reports say over 2,000 IDF veterans have served in Africa since 1960s.  (NYT 2/17)

FRC mbrs. Yusuf Sha`ban, Salim Mahyub confess to killing Jordanian diplomat Na'ib al-Ma'aytah in Beirut 1/29.  Bassam Atiya, also arrested, denies involvement.  (RL 2/16 in FBIS 2/17; MM 2/17)

Israeli court convicts 4 banks--Leumi, Hapoalim, Discount, and Mizrahi--and 9 bank executives in connection with 10/83 stock market crash precipitated by news of banks propping up own stocks.  Crash cost $7 b. in Israeli govt. payments to investors.  (CSM 2/17)

U.S. Pres. Clinton, Saudi amb. Prince Bandar announce Saudia Airlines will purchase 50 U.S.-made Boeing 747 and McDonnell-Douglas MD-11, MD-80, and MD-90 commercial aircraft worth $6 b.  Deal will be financed in part through U.S. Export-Import Bank loan guarantees.  (CSM, NYT, MM, WT 2/17)

IDF, Palestinians clash in Ramallah. 1 Palestinian killed. Muhammad Fanun, 20, wounded 1/18 in Hebron, also dies. (NYT 1/20)

PM Rabin's office releases letter fr. Pres. Clinton allowing Israeli companies to compete for sale of equipment and technology for U.S. civilian space program. Deals would benefit IAI, Rafael, and Tass-Israel Industries. (MM 1/19; WT 1/20)

PECDAR dep. director Hasan Abu Libeh meets Secy. of Commerce Ron Brown in Jerusalem, requests speeded-up U.S. aid disbursement, trade status for Palestinian entity equal to Israel's (WT 1/21)