The Palestine Chronology

PM Netanyahu returns to Israel. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/26; JP 11/2)

Arafat begins tour of Arab capitals to brief leaders on Wye. Clinton phones Pres. Mubarak to discuss the accord. King Hussein phones Mubarak to review the agmt. (JTV, MENA, RE, RJ 10/25 in WNC 10/27; WT 10/26; WP 10/27; SA 10/29 in WNC 10/30)

PA military intelligence officers attempt to seize unlicensed weapons, inspect files at Fatah's Ramallah office. When Fatah mbrs. fight back, officers open fire, killing 1 Fatah mbr. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/26; MEI, PR 10/30; JP 11/2, 11/9)

Jewish settlers demonstrate, block roads across the West Bank to protest the Wye agmt. 20 settlers are arrested, 2 Israeli policemen are injured. (IDF Radio 10/25 in WNC 10/27; NYT, WT 10/26; MA 10/26 in WNC 10/27)

In s. Lebanon, the Lebanese army intervenes to break up a clash btwn. Amal, Hizballah. (al-Safir 10/26 in WNC 10/27) (see 9/8)

Pres. Clinton, King Hussein rejoin Wye talks. By evening, some agmts. have been reached, others are near. Over dinner, King Hussein gives an "impassioned speech," calling on Arafat, Netanyahu to keep making progress. Egypt's Mubarak phones Clinton to discuss the talks. (MM 10/22; VOA 10/22 in WNC 10/23; ITV, MENA 10/22 in WNC 10/26; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; JT, JTV, al-Ra'i 10/22, Shihan 10/24 in WNC 10/23 [dates as published]; JTV 10/22, IDF Radio 10/23 in WNC 10/26; NYT 10/25)

State Dept., White House meet with major U.S. oil companies to press them to build a pipeline to bring Caspian crude fr. Azerbaijan to Turkey, avoiding Russia, Iran. Oil companies do not believe the region can export enough oil in the nr. future to justify the $3.7-b. project, which the U.S. does not want to fund. (WP 10/28; MEI, WP, WT 10/30) (see 10/21)

An Israeli court orders 3 border policemen detained on suspicion of having shot at a Palestinian van 10/18. (WP 10/23) (see 10/21)

Israeli police arrest a mbr. of a right-wing Jewish group for carrying out 7 knife attacks on Palestinians in Jerusalem btwn. 11/97 and 5/98, killing 1. (AFP [Internet] 10/22)

At Wye, Pres. Clinton, King Hussein meet with Arafat, Netanyahu. Talks break at 1 a.m., having made little progress. On the sidelines, FM Sharon meets with reps. of Victims of Terror (see 10/18). Clinton phones Egyptian pres. Mubarak to brief him on talks. (MM 10/20; AFP, RJ 10/20 in WNC 10/21; ITV, MENA 10/20, al-Ahram, MA, RJ 10/21 in WNC 10/22; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/21; al-Quds 10/21 in WNC 10/23; al-Ra'i 10/21 in WNC 10/26; NYT, WP 10/25)

Israeli Finance M Yaakov Neeman says that Israel will not pay the costs of redeployment fr. the West Bank, money "should come from abroad." (WT 10/21)

Hamas claims responsibility for 10/19 grenade attack in Beersheba. PSF detains 20 alleged Hamas mbrs. in PA-controlled Hebron. (AFP 10/20 in WNC 10/22; NYT, WP, WT 10/21; LAW 10/22; PR 10/23)

Overnight, shots are fired, Molotov cocktails thrown at IDF post in Hebron, causing no damage or injuries. (IDF Radio 10/20 in WNC 10/21)

After 2-days of talks, Syria, Turkey reach agmt. under which Syria promises to halt all support to the PKK; arrest, bring to court any Kurdish rebels found in its territory; deny entry to PKK leader Ocalan, who, according to Turkish PM Yilmaz, has been in Russia for over a wk. (ATL 10/20, ATL, HUR, MENA 10/21 in WNC 10/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/21; MM, NYT, WP 10/22; al-Ahram, MENA, RJ 10/22 in WNC 10/23; SATN 10/22, MIL 10/23 in WNC 10/26; MIL 10/23 in WNC 10/27; MEI 10/30) (see 10/19)

In s. Lebanon, SLA opens fire on a civilian car, injuring 1. In a separate incident, a child is injured by IDF shelling. (RL 10/20 in WNC 10/21)

A Palestinian throws 2 grenades at a bus stop in Beersheba, Israel, injuring 64 Israeli civilians, soldiers, 3 of them seriously. Salim Rajab al-Sarsur, an alleged Hamas mbr. fr. PA-controlled Hebron, is detained by Israeli police. (MM 10/19; AFP, IDF Radio, MENA 10/19 in WNC 10/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/20; al-Dustur, IDF Radio, MA, SA, SANA, YA 10/20 in WNC 10/21; JTV 10/20 in WNC 10/22; WJW 10/22; JP 10/29; MEI 10/30)

At Wye, PM Netanyahu suspends all but security talks in light of Beersheba attack. Pres. Clinton cancels fund-raising trips for 10/20+n21, returns to Wye. Jordan's King Hussein flies fr. the Mayo Clinic to the airport nr. Wye, confers with Secy. Albright by phone, but does not join talks. Israeli pres. Weizman, Egyptian pres. Mubarak are also on standby. Syrian pres. Asad phones Mubarak to discuss Wye mtgs. (JTV 10/19 in WNC 10/20; MENA, SATN 10/19, al-Ahram, al-Dustur, HA, JTV, YA 10/20 in WNC 10/21; NYT, WP, WT 10/20; ITV 10/20 in WNC 10/22; WT 10/21; PR 10/23; MM 10/30; MM 11/10)

Turkey, Syria open security talks in Adana. (MM 10/19; ATL 10/19 in WNC 10/20; ATL, MIL 10/20 in WNC 10/21) (see 10/15)

After a day of talks attended by Pres. Clinton and VP Al Gore, joined by Israeli FM Sharon, DM Mordechai, teams decide to extend mtgs. for another day; the U.S. had hoped to host a signing ceremony this afternoon. PM Netanyahu phones King Hussein to brief him on talks. (al-Ahram, ITV, Petra-JNA, RJ 10/18 in WNC 10/20; HA [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/19; NYT 10/20; JP 10/24)

When U.S. officials refuse to allow 2 Jewish settler leaders into Wye to "join a prayer quorum" with the Israeli team, PM Netanyahu leaves the compound to meet with them. U.S. protests. (Globes [Internet], MM 10/19; YA 10/19 in WNC 10/20) (see 10/18)

Nr. Hebron, 3 Palestinians are wounded when IDF soldiers open fire on their van, claiming they tried to avoid a checkpoint. (WP 10/19; WT 10/20)

Jordan's Press and Publications Dept. drops libel cases against 21 Jordanian newspapers. (JT 10/18 in WNC 10/20; JT 10/20 in WNC 10/21) (see 9/1)

PA-Israeli talks begin at Wye. Negotiating teams set up subcomms. on specific issues. Secy. Albright, envoy Ross oversee talks btwn. Arafat, Netanyahu. CIA Dir. Tenet joints security mtgs. (IDF Radio, RE 10/16 in WNC 10/19; Xinhua 10/16, ITV, al-Dustur, Xinhua 10/17 in WNC 10/20; NYT, WP, WT 10/17; al-Thawra 10/17 in WNC 10/22; WP, MM 10/19)

Israeli FM Sharon visits Jordan's King Hussein at the Mayo Clinic. King Hussein phones Arafat to discuss Wye talks. (JTV 10/16, YA 10/18 in WNC 10/20; MM, NYT 10/19)

Nr. Ramallah, Jewish settlers block a West Bank highway, burn tires, claiming that the PA police detained, beat, shot at 2 of their security guards. PA confirms 2 guards were held briefly when they entered PA-controlled territory armed but denies they were mistreated. (NYT 10/17; JP 10/29)

The British daily Independent reports on growing evidence linking the high number of Iraqi civilians suffering fr. unexplained cancers and the use of depleted uranium shells by U.S., UK forces during th 1991 Gulf War. (Independent 10/16 [Internet])

After a brief 3-way mtg. at the White House, Pres. Clinton, Arafat, PM Netanyahu, their delegations head to Wye Plantation in Maryland for negotiations. (MM, WJW 10/15; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/16; YA 10/16 in WNC 10/19; al-Akhbar 10/16 in WNC 10/20)

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, Jordan's King Hussein discuss Wye talks by phone. In Cairo, Jordanian PM Tarawnah briefs Mubarak on Crown Prince Hassan's mtgs. with Arafat (10/12), Netanyahu (10/14). (MENA 10/15 in WNC 10/16; JTV 10/15 in WNC 10/19)

Lebanese parliament elects (118-0, with 10 absentees, including Druze leader Junblatt, his bloc) Gen. Lahoud as Lebanon's new pres. He will take office 11/24. (MM 10/15; RL 10/15 in WNC 10/16; SATN 10/15 in WNC 10/19; al-Nahar 10/15, RL 10/18 in WNC 10/20; NYT, WP, WT 10/16; RL 10/16 in WNC 10/19; al-Ittihad 10/18 in WNC 10/23; IRNA 10/19 in WNC 10/21; MM 10/28) (see 10/13)

Turkey rejects Syrian offer to discuss water sharing, says Syria must first drop support for Kurdish separatists. (NYT, WP 10/16; HUR 10/16 in WNC 10/19) (see 10/14)

PSF detains 2 Israelis outside PA negotiator Abbas's home in al-Bireh. The Israelis, who turn out to be settler security guards dressed in civilian clothes, claim they entered th PA area to pursue stone-throwers. (PR 10/23)

30 Jewish settlers led by a Molodet party MK occupy a vacant Palestinian home in East Jerusalem, sparking scuffles with Palestinians. 100 Israeli policemen are brought in to quell the disturbances. (IDF Radio 10/15 in WNC 10/19; NYT 10/16; PR 10/23)

Unidentified assailants fire bomb several Palestinian homes in Bethlehem, seriously damaging 1. Palestinians blame local Jewish settlers. (AFP [Internet] 10/17)

In retaliation for the 8/7 embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, the U.S. launches 79 Tomahawk cruise missiles striking 6 training camps in Afghanistan reportedly connected to Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden; a pharmaceutical plant in Khartoum, Sudan, in which Bin Laden possibly holds stock. U.S. claims that "terrorists" at the sites were planning attacks on U.S. interests. Sudan says plant was a legitimate medical drug company. Sudanese stone the U.S. embassy in protest. (ITV 8/20 in WNC 8/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/21; AFP, IDF Radio, ITV, JTV, MENA, News [Islamabad], RE, RJ, VIRI, VOL, YA 8/21 in WNC 8/24; NYT, WP, WT 8/22; al-Dustur, MENA, Petra-JNA, RE, RJ, SANA, VOL 8/22, JT, MA, MENA, al-Ra'i, RJ 8/23, al-Ahram, MENA, al-Ra'i 8/24, MENA, al-Dustur, al-Wafd 8/25 in WNC 8/26; MM 8/24; MM 8/28; MEI 9/4)

King Hussein replaces PM `Abd al-Salam al-Majali with Chief of the Royal Court Fayiz al-Tarawnah after Majali officially resigns over recent water pollution scandal. Tarawnah is replaced by FM Jawad al-Anani. Abdallah al-Khatib is named FM. (MM 8/20; AFP, JT, JTV, RJ 8/20 in WNC 8/21; JTV 8/20; CSM, WP 8/21) (see 8/16)

In Tal Rumayda, one of the most tightly guarded Israeli enclave, an unknown assailant stabs to death a Jewish settler rabbi, wounds another before setting fire to the settlers' home. Settlers take to the streets, attack Palestinians. IDF seals Hebron, places curfew on Israeli-controlled sector of Hebron. (MM, NYT, WP 8/21; IDF Radio 8/21 in WNC 8/24; NYT, WT 7/22; ITV 8/22 in WNC 8/26; CSM 8/25)

IDF demolishes 7 Palestinian homes in Samu`a village in the West Bank. (PR 9/4)

Arafat appoints PC comm. to study file of each political prisoner held in PA jails, recommend which prisoners should be released. (MEI 2/26)

Labor holds party primaries. By common consent, Barak is given slot for PM candidate, fmr. PM Shimon Peres is given 2d slot. Top vote getters are Shlomo Ben-Ami, a Sephardim; Yossi Beilin, an architect of the Oslo agreements; fmr. Dep. Cheif of Staff Matan Vilnai, and Avraham Burg, chmn. of the Jewish Agency. (MM, WT 2/16)

Belgium, Israel, the PA sign accord on trilateral health sector project under which Israeli professionals will train Palestinian professionals in applied epidemiology. (La Libre Belgique 2/16 in WNC 2/18)

DFLP leader Hawatmah is thrown out of the Damascus-based coalition of Palestinian rejectionist groups for shaking hands with Israeli pres. Weizman at King Hussein's funeral 2/8. (NYT, WP 2/16)

In Nablus 3,500 Fatah supporters hold rally to mark Fatah's 24th anniversary. (AFP [Internet] 2/15)

IDF demolishes 3 Palestinian homes under construction in nr. Nablus, bring to 21 the number of homes demolished since the Wye agmt. was signed 10/23. (MEI 2/26)

2 Lebanese civilians are wounded by IDF shelling in s. Lebanon. (RL 2/16 in WNC 2/17)

On a trip to Washington btwn. treatments at the Mayo clinic, King Hussein meets with Asst. Secy. of State Pickering for talks on the peace process, regional issues. (RJ 8/11 in WNC 8/12)

On a 3-day visit to South Africa, Arafat meets with Pres. Nelson Mandela. (SAPA [Johannesburg] 8/11 in WNC 8/12; WT 8/12, 8/13)

Lebanon announces plans to reopen its embassy in Iraq for consular, trade activity. (Iraqi News Agency 8/11 in WNC 8/12)

Under U.S. pressure, Israel drops its opposition to UN talks on halting production of nuclear weapons material. Israel was the only mbr. of the 61-mbr. UN Conference on Disarmament to oppose discussion of the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty. PM Netanyahu emphasizes that the decision "does not mean we are taking a position on the treaty and its contents," which could force Israel to open Dimona to inspectors or face sanctions. (MM 8/11; MA 8/11 in WNC 8/12; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/12; Muslim [Islamabad] 8/13 in WNC 8/14)

Israel rounds up 2,000 Palestinians caught working inside Israel illegally. All but 2 are released, returned to the West Bank in a few hours. (WT 8/12)

YESHA council announces plans to place 100 "temporary structures" in settlements across the West Bank to be uses by schools in the fall. The Israeli Civil Administration fears the trailers will be used to expand settlements. (IDF Radio 8/11 in WNC 8/12)

A Hizballah mbr. armed with a Kalashnikov infiltrates the IDF's Sujud outpost in s. Lebanon, ends up in fist fight with soldiers in a tent, who manage to restrain him. Critics decry lax security at the base, question why soldiers did not kill the infiltrator. (IGPO 8/11; MM 8/13)

Noting King Hussein's health troubles (7/28), PM Netanyahu transfers to Jordan the $50 m. that Israel owes the kingdom under the Peace and Stability Fund agmt. (IGPO 7/30)

In Casablanca, the Jerusalem Comm. closes 2-day mtg., agrees to set up fund to support Islamic institutions in the city, calls on mbrs. to reexamine their relations with Israel. On the sidelines of the mtg., Arafat meets separately with Iranian FM Kamal Kharrazi, Jordanian FM Anani, Syrian FM Shara` to discuss the peace process. (al-Quds 7/31 in WNC 8/10; MM 8/6; JP 8/8; MM 8/13)

PM Netanyahu receives EU special envoy Moratinos, who briefs the PM on his mtgs. in Syria, in Lebanon, with the PA. (IGPO 7/30)

The UK accepts Arab League proposal that 2 Libyan suspects in the 12/88 Lockerbie bombing be tried under Scottish law at The Hague. The U.S. agreed to the suggestion 7/29. (RE 7/30 in WNC 8/6)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah ambushes an IDF patrol, killing 1 soldier, wounding 5. (VOL 7/30 in WNC 8/6; MM, NYT, WP 7/31; JP 8/8)

In Tel Aviv, PA Local Government M Erakat, Israeli cabinet secy. Nave, atty. Molho discuss FRD issue. Separately, PA negotiator Abbas, Israeli Public Security M Kahalani agree to resume weekly meetings on outstanding Oslo II issues. (PR 7/31)

EU special envoy Moratinos arrives in Lebanon fr. Syria for talks with Pres. Hrawi, Speaker Birri on the peace process; discusses international summit proposal. Moratinos then heads to Amman to meet with Crown Prince Hassan. (VOL 7/28 in WNC 7/29; JTV 7/29 in WNC 8/6)

Jordan's King Hussein releases statement fr. the Mayo Clinic, saying that doctors have confirmed that he has lymphoma type B, which is treatable. (JTV 7/28 in WNC 7/29; MM 8/3)

In Amman, Jordan, Saudi Arabia discuss expanding security cooperation. (RJ 7/28 in WNC 7/30)

IDF demolishes Palestinian home in Rafat that allegedly was built without a permit. (WT 7/29)

In s. Lebanon, an SLA convoy triggers a roadside bomb, killing 1 SLA mbr. (VOL 7/28 in WNC 7/29)

In Alexandria, Syria's Pres. Asad briefs Pres. Mubarak on his 7/16+n17 trip to Paris, discusses Arab summit. (ESC Television, MENA, RE, SATN 7/26 in WNC 7/28; MM 7/27)

King Hussein begins chemotherapy for lymphoma at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. (AFP, SA 7/27 in WNC 7/28; NYT, WP, WT 7/29; MM 7/31)

Israeli pres. Weizman warns PM Netanyahu that violence is likely if FRD agmt. is not reached soon, calls for early election. (MM, WP, WT 7/27; JP 8/1) (see 7/1)

Saudi FM Prince Saud arrives in Yemen for talks with Pres. Ali Abdallah Salih on recent clashes. The men sign minutes of the mtg., which outline steps toward resuming border demarcation negotiations. (MM 7/29) (see 7/22)

PM Netanyahu says that he wants PA-Israeli negotiations to be expanded to include issues other than FRD. PA says that it entered the latest round of talks with the understanding that they would address 2 issues only: FRD, the PLO charter. No progress has been made in the talks thus far. (ITV 7/21 in WNC 7/23; WT 7/22)

Arafat, Israeli DM Mordechai separately consult Egypt's Pres. Mubarak regarding the latest round of negotiations. (MENA, RE 7/21 in WNC 7/23; WT 7/22; NYT 7/23)

EU special envoy Moratinos meets with Israeli FMin. officials. (WJW 7/23)

King Hussein announces that tests fr. his last visit to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, on 7/14 indicate that he has lymphatic cancer. (RJ 7/21, 7/22 in WNC 7/23, WT 7/22; RJ 7/22 in WNC 7/24; MM, WP 7/23; MEI 7/31)

At Rep. Gingrich's invitation, a PA delegation led by PC Speaker Qurai` arrives in Washington to meet with congressmen. This is the 1st time that Palestinian lawmakers have been invited to Capitol Hill since the PC was elected in 1/96. (WT 7/21; MM 7/23)

The Senate proposes same reductions in Egyptian, Israeli aid as the House did 7/15. Debates on the House and Senate versions will not be completed until 9/98 at the earliest. (WJW 7/23)

U.S. Principal Dep. Secy. of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch returns fr. leading delegation (including Turkish officials) on 5-day trip to n. Iraq to attempt to reconcile the Kurdistan Democratic Party, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. The U.S. hopes to unite the 2 groups to increase pressure on Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein. (GIU 7/17; MM 7/20, 7/30) (see 6/17)

Amal, Hizballah meet to discuss ways of coordinating their actions against the IDF, SLA in s. Lebanon. (RL 7/22 in WNC 7/23)

In s. Lebanon, an SLA convoy triggers a roadside bomb, killing 1 mbr., wounding 2. (VOL 7/21 in WNC 7/23) (see 5/10)

In Amman, King Hussein discusses peace process with Labor Chmn. Barak. The king then leaves for the U.S. for an irregular medical checkup to treat a fever he has been suffering for almost 2 wks. (IDF Radio, JTV, RJ 7/14 in WNC 7/15; JTV 7/14, JT 7/15 in WNC 7/16)

Zalman Shoval replaces Eliahu Ben-Elissar as Israeli amb. to the U.S. (IDF Radio 7/17 in WNC 7/20; WJW 8/6)

Lawyers for Nahum Manbar, an Israeli convicted of selling poisonous gas material to Iran, seeks to have his case declared a mistrial after learning that PM Netanyahu phoned the presiding judge during the proceedings to demand a harsh sentence for Manbar. (MM 7/14; WT 7/15) (see 6/17)

PA State Security Court (SSC) sentences PSF agent Fahmi al-Tawil to death for the murder of another PSF officer, Hamdi al-Krajha. The SSC is outside the PA civilian, military court system; frequently holds secret trials, without legal representation. (LAW 7/15)

After 2 days of high-level talks in Damascus, Iraq, Syria sign oil pipeline agmt. (WT 7/13, Iraqi News Agency 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MM 7/15; al-Quds al-Arabi 7/15 in WNC 7/16)

PC grants Arafat's request to give him until 7/25 to appoint a new cabinet. (WT 7/15; PR 7/17) (see 6/24)

State Dept. announces that despite fact that gaps on FRD have not narrowed, senior Israeli, PA officials have agreed to meet soon face to face for the 1st time in mos. to renew peace talks. Washington will not host the talks, and Secy. Albright is not optimistic about the outcome. (MM, USIS Washington File, WP, WT 7/14; al-Akhbar, YA 7/14 in WNC 7/15; WJW 7/16; PR 7/17)

King Hussein discusses peace process with fmr. Israeli PM Shimon Peres, who is in Amman to attend an international leadership conference. (RJ 7/13, JT 7/14 in WNC 7/15)

UNSC issues nonbinding statement urging Israel to not implement the plan or take any other steps which would prejudice the outcome of the peace process. (MM, NYT, WT 7/14; MENA 7/14 in WNC 7/15; WT 7/15; IRNA 7/15 in WNC 7/16; al-Ba`th 7/15 in WNC 7/20; PR 7/17; JP 7/25) (see 6/30)

A bomb explodes 100 feet from Orient House in East Jerusalem, slightly injuring 1 Palestinian. No one claims responsibility, although Jewish extremists are suspected. (IDF Radio 7/13 in WNC 7/15; WP 7/14; PR 7/17)

 In s. Lebanon, 1 Lebanese civilian, 2 UNIFIL soldiers are injured by IDF shelling. (RL 7/13, 7/14 in WNC 7/15)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, King Hussein, PA's Arafat hold tripartite summit in Cairo to discuss latest developments in the peace process given the "deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories"; warn that tensions are reaching dangerous levels; discuss 6/30 UNSC debate, possible Arab summit. (AFP, ESC Television, IDF Radio, MENA, VOA 7/5, MENA, VOA 7/6 in WNC 7/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/6; al-Akhbar 7/6 in WNC 7/13; CSM, PR 7/10; MEI 7/17)

PM Netanyahu, Public Security M Avigdor Kahalani, the head of the Shin Bet, reps. of other security bodies hold follow-up mtg. on how to deal with the "worrisome phenomenon" of "Palestinization" of Israeli Arabs. (MA 7/7 in WNC 7/13; PR 7/17) (see 7/1)

In the 2d of 4 days of talks in Amman, Jordan, Saudi Arabia discuss converting their current trade agmt. into a free trade agmt. (JT, RJ 7/5 in WNC 7/7)

Jewish settlers torch 4 Palestinian produce stalls in the Hebron market. (WJW 7/9)

King Hussein meets with Pres. Clinton at the White House to express concern over U.S. hard-line policy on Iraq, stalled peace process. (al-Ra'i, RJ 6/15, al-Dustur, JTV, al-Ra'i, RJ 6/16 in WNC 6/17; NYT, WT 6/16; WP 6/17; al-Ra'i 6/17 in WNC 6/19)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak meets with Labor Chmn. Barak. Mubarak comments that he has lost faith in PM Netanyahu. Netanyahu tells the press "this pronouncement is typical of Arab leaders who don't get what they want." (IDF Radio 6/15 in WNC 6/17; MENA, RE 6/15 in WNC 6/17)

PC grants Arafat's request to delay no-confidence motion for 10 days to give him a chance to form new cabinet. Hamas, Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine say that they will not join the EA. (MM 6/15; WP 6/16; WT 6/17; MEI 6/19; JP 6/20; PR 6/26; MEI 7/3)

Israeli Interior Min. demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem, saying that they were build without permits on areas zoned as "open space." U.S. calls on Israel to refrain fr. such "provocative acts." (LAW, MM, NYT 6/16; JTV 6/16 in WNC 6/17; ITV 6/19 in WNC 6/23; PR 6/26; JP 6/27)

In Rabat, Jordan's PM Majali, Morocco's King Hassan set up joint higher comm. for coordination in all fields; discuss peace process, possible Arab summit. (MKR 6/15, MAP 6/16 in WNC 6/17)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, Saudi FM Prince Saud al-Faysal discuss peace process, possible Arab summit. (MENA 6/10 in WNC 6/11; MENA 6/12 in WNC 6/15)

In Gaza, Arafat, Jordanian PM Majali discuss peace process, possible Arab summit. Majali hands Arafat a letter fr. King Hussein, outlining Netanyahu's position on FRD as transmitted to the king via Israeli DM Mordechai on 6/7. (JTV 6/10 in WNC 6/12; Shihan 6/27 in WNC 6/30; al-Dustur 7/1 in WNC 7/2) 

Syrian FM Shara` meets with PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. and Arafat adviser on refugee affairs As`ad `Abd al-Rahman to reopen discussion on refugee issues. (RMC 6/12 in WNC 6/15)

During their 2d day of talks, Iran, Turkey sign memorandum of understanding on setting up a joint chamber of commerce, beginning engineering and technical cooperation on natural gas. (IRIB Television 6/10, MENA 6/11 in WNC 6/12; IRNA 6/11, 6/13 in WNC 6/17)

In Hebron district, IDF bulldozes 70 dunams of Palestinians orchards, saying it has warned Palestinians not to farm "state land." Trees on the land were 5+n10 yrs. old. (Christian Peacemaker Teams press release 7/14)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli peace activists protesting settlement activity clash with Israeli police. (CSM 6/11)

Some 50 Christian human rights activists stage sit-in to protest settler's occupation of Silwan homes 5/8. (WT 6/11)

U.S. Amb. to Israel Edward Walker hosts mtg. at his home btwn. cochairs of the Palestinian-Israeli Steering and Monitoring Comm. (PISMC), which last met 6 wks. ago, to discuss Rafah airport, Qarni industrial estate. (WT 6/8)

In Amman, King Hussein, Israeli DM Mordechai discuss Israeli plans for 2d FRD. (ITV, JTV 6/7 in WNC 6/9; MM 6/15)

Lebanon's Beirut, s. Lebanon districts hold the 3d of 4 rounds of municipal elections. 13 persons are arrested in minor election-related scuffles, but no large-scale violence is reported. (RL 6/7 in WNC 6/9; MM, WP 6/8; AFP 6/8 in WNC 6/9; WT 6/9)

Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, the PA, the Arab League hold mtg. in Lebanon to prepare for Euro-Mediterranean meeting next wk. in Italy; also discuss possible Arab summit on the peace process. (SANA 6/1, RL, VOL 6/2 in WNC 6/3; WT 6/2; MM 6/4; al-Jumhuriyya 6/6 in WNC 6/9)

In Amman, Jordan's King Hussein opens 2 days of talks with Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah on possibility of holding an Arab summit. (MM 6/1; al-Aswaq, JTV, MBC, RJ 6/1, AFP, al-Dustur, RJ 6/2 in WNC 6/3; VOA 6/3 in WNC 6/4; al-Ittihad,al-Ra'i 6/3, al-Ra'i 6/5 in WNC 6/8, 6/9; MM 6/12; al-Watan al-Arabi 6/12 in WNC 6/15; MEI 6/19)

U.S. Supreme Court rules (6-3) to send case against AIPAC brought by 6 fmr. government officials back to the Federal Election Comm. (FEC) for a decision based on new election laws. The 6 officials, led by James Akins, claim that AIPAC should be treated legally as a political action comm., meaning its membership lists, donations records would be made public. (WJW 6/4) (see 1/14)

Nr. Hebron, Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba set fire to 2 Palestinian-owned cars. (WT 6/3)

PM Netanyahu arrives in China for 3-day visit. (MM 5/26)

In Cairo, Arafat attends Arab League mtg. called to commemorate the 50th anniversary of al-Nakba; calls for Arab summit on the peace process. (MENA, RE 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

Egyptian FM `Amr Musa arrives in Amman for talks with King Hussein on Mubarak's trip to France, possible Arab summit; says Pres. Mubarak is discussing summit idea with other Arab leaders, including Morocco's King Hassan, who arrived in Cairo today for 3-day official visit, and Syria's Pres. Asad. (MENA, RE, RJ 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM 5/27, 5/28)

In Tel Aviv, Israel's DM Yitzhak Mordechai meets with Turkey's dep. chief of staff, Gen. Cevik Bir, for talks on the peace process, furthering military cooperation, possible joint arms projects. (WT 5/27)

Saudi Arabia's FM Prince Saud al-Faisal arrives in Iran for 2-day talks on improving bilateral ties. (WT 5/27)

Hamas's Shaykh Yasin visits Syria's Yarmuk refugee camp, where he receives warm welcome fr. Palestinian refuges. (WP 6/11) (see 5/25)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli border policemen clash with Palestinians protesting illegal construction by Jewish settlers (see 5/25). To halt violence, Israel's Jerusalem mayor Ehud Olmert bans the construction in the name of Israel's Antiquities Dept., orders the demolition of the settlers' illegal dwellings. (ITV 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM, NYT 5/27; WJW 5/28; MM 6/3; MEI 6/5; WT 6/9)

Yemen reports that over the past 2 days, Saudi troops have seized the island of Harim in the Red Sea as part of an attempt to pressure Sana' to make territorial concessions in the 2 countries' border demarcation negotiations, which just resumed last wk. The island is 1 of 3 uninhabited but strategically significant Red Sea islands in dispute. (MM 5/26)

3 SLA mbrs., 3 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in 2 clashes in s. Lebanon. 4 civilians are injured, over 100 flee their homes. (ITV, RL, VOL 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

In the 3d straight day of clashes sparked by Palestinian marches commemorating al-Nakba--the dispossession of the Palestinians as a result of Israel's creation in 1948--the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) wounds 10 Palestinians in Hebron, East Jerusalem. In Amman, 1,500 Jordanian students hold commemorative rally at University of Jordan campus. (NYT, WP, WT 5/17; JT 5/17 in WNC 5/19; PR 5/22)

In Amman, Jordan's King Hussein, PA head Yasir Arafat discuss foundering peace process, latest outbreak of violence. (JTV, RJ 5/16 in WNC 5/19; WP, WT 5/17; al-Bilad 5/20 in WNC 5/21) (see 5/14, 5/15)

In Cairo, Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak discusses peace process with Jordanian FM Jawad al-Anani, who brings Mubarak a message fr. King Hussein. (JTV, MENA, RJ 5/16, al-Quds 5/17 in WNC 5/19)

In Damascus, Jordan, Syria open 2-day talks on exploiting Yarmuk River waters, joint construction of al-Wahda Dam. (al-Ra'i, RJ 5/17 in WNC 5/19; al-Ra'i 5/19 in WNC 5/21)

Labor Chmn. Ehud Barak visits settlements of Ofra, Beit El, where he promises that settlements will "remain forever." (MEI 6/5)

In s. Lebanon, Amal, Hizballah discuss need to coordinate. (VOL 5/16 in WNC 5/19) (see 5/10)

In the 3d straight day of clashes sparked by Palestinian marches commemorating al-Nakba--the dispossession of the Palestinians as a result of Israel's creation in 1948--the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) wounds 10 Palestinians in Hebron, East Jerusalem. In Amman, 1,500 Jordanian students hold commemorative rally at University of Jordan campus. (NYT, WP, WT 5/17; JT 5/17 in WNC 5/19; PR 5/22)

In Amman, Jordan's King Hussein, PA head Yasir Arafat discuss foundering peace process, latest outbreak of violence. (JTV, RJ 5/16 in WNC 5/19; WP, WT 5/17; al-Bilad 5/20 in WNC 5/21) (see 5/14, 5/15)

In Cairo, Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak discusses peace process with Jordanian FM Jawad al-Anani, who brings Mubarak a message fr. King Hussein. (JTV, MENA, RJ 5/16, al-Quds 5/17 in WNC 5/19)

In Damascus, Jordan, Syria open 2-day talks on exploiting Yarmuk River waters, joint construction of al-Wahda Dam. (al-Ra'i, RJ 5/17 in WNC 5/19; al-Ra'i 5/19 in WNC 5/21)

Labor Chmn. Ehud Barak visits settlements of Ofra, Beit El, where he promises that settlements will "remain forever." (MEI 6/5)

In s. Lebanon, Amal, Hizballah discuss need to coordinate. (VOL 5/16 in WNC 5/19) (see 5/10)

In New York, PM Netanyahu meets with UN Secy. Gen. Annan, restates plans to withdraw fr. s. Lebanon but gives no time frame. (NYT, WP, WT 5/16)

Jordanian PM Anani arrives in Cairo to give FM Musa a message fr. King Hussein to Pres. Mubarak regarding their next steps in the peace process. (VOA 5/13 in WNC 5/14) (al-Ahram 5/14 in WNC 5/15)

In Geneva, UN Committee Against Torture convenes to discuss Israel's use of torture against Palestinian detainees. (Human Rights Watch press release 5/15)

Responding to the 5/14 violence, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Mary Robinson calls on Israel to respect the Palestinians' right of peaceful assembly, avoid excessive use of military force. (WP, WT 5/16)

Reacting to 5/14 clashes, Palestinians leaving Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque throw stones fr. the mosque compound at Jews at the Wailing Wall below, causing no injures. In Hebron, IDF troops open fire on stone-throwing Palestinians along the dividing line btwn. PA, Jewish sectors, wounding an Israeli newspaper photographer. Similar clashes occur in Nablus. In Gaza, 100s of Palestinians attend funeral for nurse killed 5/14 while trying to evacuate the injured. In the Galilee, Israeli Arabs hold peaceful march to mark al-Nakba (see 4/14). (MM 5/15; ITV 5/15 in WNC 5/18; NYT, WP, WT 5/16)

Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon observe general strike to commemorate al-Nakba. (RL 5/15 in WNC 5/18)

In Cairo, 800 Egyptians hold rally at al-Azhar Mosque to mark 50th anniversary of al-Nakba, protest Israeli policies toward the Palestinians. (AFP, MENA 5/15 in WNC 5/18)

Israel's Cabinet Secy. Dani Nave visits Pollard to inform him of Netanyahu's 5/11 decision to recognize him as an Israeli agent. (ITV 5/15 in WNC 5/18; WP 5/17)

In Latakia, Syria's Pres. Asad, Egypt's Pres. Mubarak hold day of talks on the peace process, including Israeli proposals for withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon; upcoming London mtgs. 5/4. (MENA 4/24 in WNC 4/27, 4/28; MENA 4/26, RE 4/28 in WNC 4/30) (see 4/15)

In Baden-Baden, King Hussein meets with Arafat, fmr. Israeli PM Peres for talks on the peace process. (RJ 4/25 in WNC 4/28; JTV, Tunis-7 Television, Tunisian Republic Radio Network 4/29 in WNC 5/1; JTV 4/30 in WNC 5/5)

In Beirut, Lebanese FM Buwayz briefs the heads of the Australian, Asian, Iranian, Italian diplomatic missions on Lebanon's position regarding Israel's proposal for conditional withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon, interpretation of UN Res. 425. (IRNA, VOL 4/24 in WNC 4/27)

Coordination Comm. of the Refugee Working Group opens 3-day mtg. in Montebello, Canada. (FOFOGNET Digest [Internet] 4/30; PR 5/1).

British PM Blair arrives in Jordan, visits the Palestinian refugee camp Baq`a with Crown Prince Hassan, has lunch with King Hussein. Blair then leaves for Israel, where he discusses with PM Netanyahu EU ideas for reviving peace talks, including suggestion for multilateral mtg. in London. (al-Dustur, JTV, LPA, RJ 4/19, al-Ra'i, VOA 4/20 in WNC 4/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/20; MM 4/21; ITV 4/21 in WNC 4/23; MEI, PR 4/24)

Arafat, King Hussein adviser, Israel's Meretz party chmn. Sarid meet in Gaza; agree in principle to form Israeli-PA-Jordanian-Egyptian group to encourage the EU, U.S. to increase their participation in the peace process. Arafat says he will discuss idea with Egyptian FM Musa. (MM 4/20) (see 4/13)

A small group of unarmed Palestinian shepherds encounters 3 armed Jewish settlers on piece of disputed land nr. Hebron. In ensuing confrontation 1 settler is shot dead, 1 Palestinian is seriously wounded, 1 settler is injured. Israeli police cannot determine who shot whom or how fight unfolded. No weapons are recovered. (MM, NYT, WP 4/20; PR 4/24; JP 4/25)

Jordanian PM Majali sends letter to King Hussein, promising that the government will start drafting new press law immediately. (JT 4/19 in WNC 4/21) (see 4/15)

British PM Blair meets with Crown Prince Abdullah in Saudi Arabia; discusses peace process, Iraq. (JTV 4/19 in WNC 4/21; LPA 4/21 in WNC 4/23)

Discouraged by their mtg. 4/16, King Hussein sends PM Netanyahu a letter criticizing his hard-line policies. (MM 4/20; RJ 4/20 in WNC 4/21; MM 4/21; JT 4/21 in WNC 4/23; al-Ra'i 4/21 in WNC 4/30; al-Aswaq 4/22 in WNC 4/27; MEI 4/24; SA 4/26 in WNC 5/1)

British PM Blair, the current EU pres., arrives in Cairo on the 1st leg of his 1st Middle East tour; discusses with Pres. Mubarak the status of peace process, EU role. (MENA 4/17 in WNC 4/20; ESC Television [Cairo] 4/17, al-Ahram, ESC Television 4/18 in WNC 4/21; al-Quds al-Arabi 4/22, MENA 4/24 in WNC 4/27)

UNSCOM reports to the UNSC that it has made virtually no progress over the past 6 mos. in verifying that Iraq has destroyed any remaining weapons of mass destruction. (WT 4/18) (see 3/26)

In s. Lebanon, 4 IDF soldiers are wounded in attack by Amal. In 2 separate incidents, 1 civilian, 3 IDF soldiers are injured by Hizballah shelling. (RL 4/28 in WNC 4/21)