The Palestine Chronology

Israel's ministerial forum on Hebron reconvenes to discuss redeployment issue. (ITV 8/18; MM 8/19; IDF Radio, YA 8/19 in WNC 8/21) (see 8/15)

Hebron settler leaders hold mtg. to discuss how they will react if the government goes through with plans to redeploy. Kach mbrs. propose attacking Palestinians in the city after a pullback. (ITV 8/18 in WNC 10/3; YA 10/17 in WNC 10/22)

Israeli Interior M Eliyahu Suissa says his min. is working out a plan to be submitted to the government for approval that calls for expanding Jerusalem's area by annexing many settlements abutting it, incl. some that lie across the Green Line such as Ma'ale Adumim, Giv'at Ze'ev. (MM 8/19; MA, QY 8/19 in WNC 8/21)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, FM David Levy meet to resolve differences; agree to set up negotiations oversight comm., steering comm. for talks with Syria that will both incl. the PM, FM, DM. Netanyahu also agrees to redesignate all the head of the "Jordan desk" in the PM's office as "staff"; do the same for all geographic desk officers in the PM's office, so there is no overlap with the FMin.; improve coordination btwn. the PM's office, FMin. (MM, NYT 8/19; WJW 8/22; JP 8/31) (see 8/14)

PA Preventive Security Forces (PSF) bulldozes 5 Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis, saying the houses were build on government property that will be used for housing projects in the future. Owners of the homes said they received building permits fr. the PA Housing Min. (PR 8/23)

Bread riots continue in Amman, nearby Jordanian villages. In the past 3 days, 300 have been arrested, 40 injured in the countrywide protests. Many of those arrested are mbrs. of leftist political groups, such as the pro-Iraqi Arab Socialist Ba`th party (ASB), Jordan People's Democratic party (JPD), Jordanian Communist party. (RMC 8/18, 8/19 in WNC 8/21; JT, JTV 8/18, al-Ra'i 8/20 in WNC 8/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/19; MEI 9/6) (see 8/17)

Lebanese parliamentary elections begin with Mount Lebanon district. Hizballah's 1 candidate is defeated, as is influential Greek Orthodox opposition figure Albert Mukheiber. 32 of the 35 seats go to progovernment candidates. There will be voting on 5 consecutive Sundays in separate regions. The last elections, boycotted by Christians, were held in 1992. (VOL 8/18 in WNC 8/21; WT 8/19; RL 8/19 in WNC 8/21; CSM 8/19, 8/20; MM 8/21, 8/28; MEI 9/6; CSM 9/10)

Israel's National Oil Exploration Company announces it has discovered oil in s. Israel, nr. Beersheba. The site, which could produce 600 bpd, is a sign oil could exist in significant quantities in the area. (WJW 8/22; JP 8/24)

In 2d day of bread riots in Jordan, demonstrations spread fr. Karak to Amman, Ma'an, Tafila, where 1,000s of protesters clash violently with police, burn buildings. King Hussein visits Karak, blames Iraq for instigating the protests. Iraq denies the accusation. (JTV, RJ 8/17, MBC 8/18 in WNC 8/21; RMC 8/17, 8/18 in WNC 8/22; NYT, WP, WT 8/18; JT 8/18 in WNC 8/22; CSM, MM 8/19; MEI 9/6)

In Hebron, IDF arrests 19 mbrs. of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) for having knowledge of armed attacks in Israel. (PR 8/23)

In Alexandria, Pres. Mubarak, Kuwaiti heir apparent Shaykh Sa`d Abdullah al-Sabah discuss peace process, implementing decisions taken at Arab Summit 6/22-23. (RE 8/19 in WNC 8/22)

Syrian PM Mahmud al-Zu'bi arrives in Tehran with delegation for 3-days of talks on political, economic, cultural, technical relations with Iranian officials. Syrian, Iranian Trade Ms discuss expanding economic ties. (VIRI 8/17, IRIB Television [Tehran] 8/18 in WNC 8/21; IRNA 8/18 in WNC 8/22; Tehran Times 8/18 in WNC 8/29; MM 8/19; CSM 8/23)

Israel fortifies IDF, SLA positions in s. Lebanon. (RL 8/17 in WNC 8/21)

Worst fighting since 1995 erupts btwn. rival Kurdish factions, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), in n. Iraq. At issue are border trade with Turkey (currently worth $250,000/day in tariffs) and informal taxes, which are expected to increase dramatically when the 5/20 UN oil-for-food deal goes into effect in 9/96; control of the provincial administrative center of Irbil, considered the capital of Kurdish Iraq. The PUK accuses the KDP of collaborating with the Saddam Hussein government, initiating clashes. KDP accuses Iran of backing the PUK, starting the fighting. (MM 8/19, 8/20, 8/27)

In Gaza, PC opens weekly 2-day session. Palestinian journalists strike for 2 hrs., refusing to cover PC mtg., to protest PA intimidation, mistreatment, bureaucratic stonewalling of their attempts to gather news. (VOP 5/23 in FBIS 2/24; VOP 5/23 in FBIS 5/28; PR 5/31; JP 6/1)

Israeli FM Dir. Gen. Uri Savir says Israel is ready to resume negotiations with Lebanon, Syria; says if Lebanon comes to the table, Israel could withdraw fr. the s. in 2+n3 mos. (QY 5/22 in FBIS 5/22)

PM Peres approves construction of 450 houses in Tsamarot settlement in the West Bank; approves money for plan without convening the special ministerial comm. on settlements, as required; gives oral promise to Oranit settlers' council mbrs. that Oranit will be annexed to the Jerusalem municipality. (MA 5/28 in FBIS 5/29)

In Amman, Jordan, PLO discuss activating the special follow-up comm. on Jerusalem, which was formed during the extraordinary Arab parliamentary session held in Amman 12/95. (JTV 5/22 in FBIS 5/23)

PLO Exec. Comm. holds 1st mtg. in Gaza, appoints Mahmud Abbas to replace Jamil Surani as secy., meaning Abbas would succeed Arafat as PLO head were Arafat to be incapacitated. (VOP 5/22 in FBIS 5/22)

Hamas officials Sayyid Abu Musamih, Muhammad Shamaa meet with jailed spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin in an Israeli prison hospital, obtain his support for their moderate political stand, ask him to call for a halt to Hamas military operations. (MM 5/23; PR 5/31; JP 6/1)

IDF removes all military roadblocks on the exits of Palestinian cities, villages; says closure on al-Fawwar will be reimposed at 6 p.m. (VOP 3/18, QY 3/19 in FBIS 3/19)

Israel's High Court rules that the IDF can demolish the homes of Palestinians suspected of involvement in the recent suicide bombings. PM Peres says his government is preparing a list of those Islamists who may be deported; families of those listed will not be deported. (MM 3/19; CSM, MM 3/20) (see 3/4-5)

Challenging Israeli censorship laws, the daily paper Ha'Aretz publishes the name of the new Mossad chief Maj. Gen. Danny Yatom. (NYT, WT 3/19; QY 3/19 in FBIS 3/19; CSM 3/20; MM 3/22) (see 1/10)

U.S. Amb. to Israel Martin Indyk relays to PM Peres a message fr. Pres. Clinton urging Israel to avoid a military operation against Hizballah in s. Lebanon. (ITV 3/19, RL 3/20 in FBIS 3/20; QY 3/22 in FBIS 3/22)

Israeli FM Barak says that the IDF will respond to increasing tensions in s. Lebanon by carrying out more operations, "even beyond the security zone"; warns that Israel may be forced "to act in a way that also harms the interests of the Lebanese government." Since 2/16, Hizballah attacks on IDF, SLA position have caused an unusually high number of deaths, injuries. (MA 3/19 in FBIS 3/19; ITV 3/20 in FBIS 3/21)

In Amman, Jordanian Information M Marwan Mu`asher received a U.S. Jewish delegation fr. B'nai B'rith. (RJ 3/19 in FBIS 3/20)

PSF captures no. 3 on Israel's 2/27 most-wanted list--Hamas's Muhammad Sanwar. (ITV 3/18 in FBIS 3/19)

Commenting on why PSF head Col. Rajub is still working despite announcements (3/8) that he was fired by Arafat, PSF Cmdr. Maj. Gen. Nasr Yusuf confirms Rajub still holds his position, says only that "what happened with [Rajub] is in internal matter." (Panorama [Milan] 3/21 in FBIS 3/19 [dates as published])

In Amman, al-Majd editor Fahd al-Rimawi is found innocent of charges of disturbing Jordan's relations with Bahrain. (JT 3/19 in FBIS 3/19) (see 12/18/95)

Palestinian campaign period officially ends. (WT 1/17)

Israeli o.t. coordinator Shahor assures Jerusalem Palestinians that they will not lose their ID cards if they vote in the 1/20 elections. (VOP 1/18 in FBIS 1/19)

Jordan, Israel sign last 4 bilateral agmts. required by their peace treaty to normalize relations. (IGPO 1/18; JTV 1/18 in FBIS 1/19; MM 1/29; JP 1/27)

In Ramallah, PSF arrests prominent PFLP activists Ahmad Sadat for security reasons, says he will be released after elections. (QY 1/18 in FBIS 1/18)

IDF begins to bar Israelis fr. travelling on roads through Hebron, forcing them to use bypass roads until Palestinian elections are held. (WP 1/18; QY 1/18 in FBIS 1/18)

In Amman, King Hussein meets with Iraqi oppositionists at close of a symposium on the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. (SA 1/18 in FBIS 1/19)

Lebanese military judge Nasri Lahhud recommends death penalty for SLA Cmdr. Lahd, refers case to First Military Investigating Judge Riyad Tali` for indictment. (AFP, VOL 1/18 in FBIS 1/19) (see 1/17)

Consultative Group donor mtg. (postponed fr. December) opens in Paris. (MM 1/9, 1/10; VOP 1/9 in FBIS 1/17; WT 1/14; VOP 1/14 in FBIS 1/16; JP 1/20; PWR 1/23) (see 11/22)

Lebanese FM Buwayz rejects Israel's offer of a limited withdrawal as invalid since it was made through the media; says Lebanon will consider the offer if it is made through formal channels, within the context of a full withdrawal. (VOL 1/9 in FBIS 1/11)

Saudi FM Prince Sa`ud al-Faysal meets with King Hussein in Amman. (WT 1/10; Akhbar al-Usbu` 1/11 in FBIS 1/16)

PA calls for the arrest of Kamal Hammad, who allegedly gave the booby-trapped telephone to Ayyash. Hammad reportedly has fled to the U.S. with Israeli help. (VOP 1/7 in FBIS 1/11)

To avoid Arafat being subpoenaed, PLO agrees in principle to help finance a U.S. peace institute as settlement of a lawsuit by the family of Leon Klinghoffer, who was slain during Abul Abbas hijacking of the Achille Lauro in 1985. (WP 1/19; WJW 1/25)

Israel proposes compensating Palestinians for land to be confiscated for building bypass roads in hopes of minimizing protests. PA protest, saying Oslo II does not approve confiscation of any lands. (QY 10/31 in FBIS 11/1)

Amman economic summit closes; issues formal declaration. (MM 10/31; JTV, Wakh [Manama] 10/31 in FBIS 11/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/1; Al-Aswaq, JT 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; MEI 11/3; JP 11/11)

IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Shahak authorizes the IDF to redraw redeployment maps. (JP 10/31 in FBIS 10/31)

On sidelines of Amman summit, Arafat meets with Swiss Economics M Franz Blancard, Chinese 1st Dep. FM Vian Tenri Pe. (VOP 10/30 in FBIS 10/30)

On his return fr. the summit, Secy. of State Christopher stops in Damascus to meet with Pres. Asad. (MM 10/30; SARR 10/30 in FBIS 10/30; SARR 10/30 in FBIS 10/31; CSM, MM, WT 10/31; QY 10/31 in FBIS 11/1)

In response to threats fr. Islamic Jihad following Shiqaqi's assassination 10/26, IDF raises the age limit for Palestinians entering Israel to 35 yrs; bars entry to all students, vehicles. Meanwhile, 1000s of Islamic Jihad supporters hold protest at Netzarim junction. (VOP 10/30 in FBIS 10/31; MM, WT 10/31; WP 11/1)

Following Qaddafi's temporary halt to expulsions (announced 10/25), around 750 Palestinians are allowed to return to Libya fr. Egypt. (AFP 10/30 in FBIS 10/31)

Israel, Jordan sign agricultural agmt. (IL 10/26; JP 11/4)

In Gaza, Arafat receives U.S. Consul Gen. Abington, condemns Congress's vote on U.S. embassy legislation. (VOP 10/26 in FBIS 10/26)

EU delegation arrives in Beirut on 1st leg of regional tour. (RL 10/26 in FBIS 10/27)

PA submits request to Arab League for summit to discuss U.S. embassy issue. Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid rules out possibility, says Arab FMs can discuss matter on sidelines of Amman economic summit. (MENA, VOP 10/26, VOA 10/27 in FBIS 10/27)

In Jerusalem, Jewish Agency's Board of Governors meets to discuss its "most severe fiscal crisis to date," plans to cut $110 m. in social services, educational projects in the next 2 yrs. Board chmn. Charles Goodman says restructuring is needed, fears irrelevancy. Pres. of the United Israel Appeal (UIA), which funnels money fr. United Jewish Appeal to the agency, says UIA is facing "monumental debt," must make "massive, massive cuts." (WJW 10/26; JP 11/11)

Islamic Jihad leader Fathi Shiqaqi is assassinated in Malta, en route to Damascus fr. a mtg. in Libya to persuade Qaddafi fr. deporting more Palestinians. Islamic Jihad blames Mossad. (WT 10/29; AFP 10/29, QY 10/30 in FBIS 10/30; MM, WP, WT 10/30; WP 11/1; MEI 11/3; JP 11/4)

After Saudi Arabia, Jordan refuse landing privileges, hijacked Iranian jet is forced to land in Israel. Under pressure fr. right-wing MKs, family of missing IAF flyer Ron Arad (suspected to be held in Iran or by Hizballah), PM Rabin considers detaining plane, 174 passengers until Iran gives information on Arad's fate. (MM 9/19; IRNA [Tehran], QY, RMC 9/19 in FBIS 9/19; IRNA [Tehran], QY 9/19, 9/20 in FBIS 9/20; NYT, WP, WT 9/20)

Following the 9/18 attack, the Israeli embassy in Amman buys a 4-story building in the al-Rabiyah neighborhood nr. the Chinese embassy. (Al-Urdun 9/23 in FBIS 9/25)

In the 1st such case, Hugo Princz, 10 other American Holocaust survivors win $2.1 m. reparations package from Germany. Others who were Americans at the time they were imprisoned by the Nazis may claim part of the compensation package. (WJW 9/21)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bomb, killing 1 IDF soldier, wounding another. (RL, VOL 9/19 in FBIS 9/21)

On 2d anniversary of DOP, Israeli police use water cannons to disperse 100s of Israelis protesting the accord outside PM Rabin's Jerusalem residence; 9 police, 20 protesters injured, 22 arrested. Also in Jerusalem, Palestinians clash with IDF. In Hebron, IDF attempts to disperse settlers outside nursery school, fires tear gas, injuring 11 toddlers. (MM 9/13; QY 9/13, QY 9/14 in FBIS 9/14; NYT, WP 9/14; MM 9/14; NYT 9/17; PR 8/22; JP 9/23)

In Beirut, Spanish PM Gonzalez meets with Pres. Hrawi, PM Hariri, FM Buwayz. (RL 9/13 in FBIS 9/14)

In Amman, King Hussein receives Qatari FM Shaykh Hamad Bin Jasim al-Thani, who expresses Qatar's warm feelings for Jordan, desire to "heal the rift in Arab ranks." (PETRA-JNA 9/13 in FBIS 9/15)

Israel appoints Ali Yahya as its 1st Arab amb. He will be posted to Finland. (MA 9/13 in FBIS 9/14; WT 9/14; MM 9/18; JP 9/26; WJW 10/19)

1 man is killed, 1 woman injured in an explosion in Gaza City. PA police say the man, a Hamas mbr., was preparing a bomb for an anti-Israeli attack when it accidentally exploded. (QY 9/13 in FBIS 9/14; QPAR 9/15 in FBIS 9/19)

Palestinians in the `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp in s. Lebanon hold general strike to protest Libya expulsion of Palestinians, Lebanon's barriers to their return to Lebanon. (RL 9/13 in FBIS 9/13; MM 9/14)

In Elat, PA suspends negotiations for several hours in protest over Jericho closure, Israeli delay in letting PSF head Col. Jibril Rajub leave Jericho to attend negotiations. Israeli FMin. criticizes closure, urges IDF to lift it. IDF agrees to ease it. (MM 9/28; IDF Radio, ITV, QY, VOP 8/28 in FBIS 8/28)

In Jericho, 100s of Palestinians riot in protest of closure, temporarily take over IDF command post, wounding 3 border policemen. PA police quell riot, make no arrests. (QY 8/28 in FBIS 8/28; MM 8/29; WJW 9/7)

Israel, Jordan sign cooperation agmt. on health. (RJ, QY 8/28 in FBIS 8/29)

PLO's Qaddumi arrives in Amman for talks with PM Kabariti regarding Jordanian-Palestinian relations, peace process, upcoming Arab League mgt. (RJ 8/28 in FBIS 8/29; RJ 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

Brazilian FM Luiz Felipe Lampreia, group of leading Brazilian businessmen discuss trade issues with PM Rabin, FM Peres in Israel. (JP 8/29 in FBIS 8/31)

Knesset holds special plenum to discuss security situation in wake of 8/21 bombing, large-scale protests by right-wing settlers. (QY 8/28 in FBIS 8/29)

In reaction to Pres. Mubarak's demand 8/25, Israeli Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir expresses regret for IDF soldiers alleged killing of Egyptian POWs during 1956, 1967 wars but says Israeli law does not permit a person to be prosecuted for a crime committed more than 20 yrs before. (ITV 8/28 in FBIS 8/29; MM, WT 8/29; MA 8/29 in FBIS 8/31; CSM 8/30; JP 9/2)

In Tunis, PLO Exec. Comm. opens 2-day mtg. to discuss Oslo B agmt. 10 of 18 mbrs. attend. PLO Dep. Qaddumi, PFLP, DFLP boycott. Fr. Amman, Qaddumi strongly criticizes Oslo B, calls on PLO, Fatah to adopt his alternative draft "Palestinian National Program." (AFP 8/12, AFP, al-Ra'y 8/14 in FBIS 8/14; SA 8/13, RMC, VOP 8/15 in FBIS 8/15; MM 8/15, 8/16; SA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16)

Israel says U.S. Amb. Indyk is pressuring it to include Jordanian companies in the U.S.-Israel BIRD Foundation for research and development of advanced technologies. (YA 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

Israeli Police M Shahal warns PA that the East Jerusalem Municipal Council is illegal (see 6/10), Palestinians introducing themselves as mbrs. of the council will be arrested; tells Palestinian bodies operating offices in East Jerusalem to close within 2 wks or police will move against them. (QY 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

Israeli police arrest 3 settlers in connection with death of Palestinian 8/13. 250 settlers protest the arrest. (QY 8/14 in FBIS 8/14; CSM 8/15)

In retaliation for attack 8/13, IAF launches 14 strikes against PFLP-GC bases nr. al-Nai'ma, s. Lebanon, injuring 6 civilians. Arab League calls on U.S., Russia to rein in Israel. (QPAR, RE 8/14 in FBIS 8/15; NYT 8/15; SARR 8/15 in FBIS 8/16)

IDF closes West Bank, Gaza until 8/16. (ITV 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

Israel, PA close 5 days of mtgs to draft transfer of authority accord. FM Peres says sides have reached "very important understandings," made progress on water, redeployment issues; PA officials say 19 points of dispute remain. Israel says it will free up to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners at the signing of the agmt., hopefully to occur 7/25. (MM 7/20; ITV, VOP 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; WT 7/21; WP 7/22; CSM 7/24)

Jordanian parliament's joint legal comm. endorses (by vote of 17-3) draft legislation that will formally end Jordan's role in the Israeli boycott. The bill will be up for parliamentary vote later this mo. (RJ 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; NYT 7/21) (see 6/28)

Palestinian-Israeli, Jordanian businessmen close 3-day mtg. in Amman; agree to focus on 3 areas of cooperation: exporting Jordanian products to Israel, producing goods in Jordan to Israeli specifications for the Israeli market or for export to 3d countries via established Israeli networks, sharing Israeli technology. (JT 7/20 in FBIS 7/20; RJ 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

Israeli police arrest 11 Palestinians, accusing them of working for the PA's Preventative Security Force (PSF) in East Jerusalem. (QY 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

Sharp differences emerge in PA-Israeli water talks. PA wants decision on water included in agmt. on transfer of authority. Israel is willing to discuss water distribution quotas only, says all other water issues must be set aside until final status talks. (QY 7/18 in FBIS 7/18; ITV, VOP 7/18 in FBIS 7/19; WT 7/19; CSM 7/20)

In Amman, 300 Jordanian, Palestinian-Israeli businessmen open 1st 3-day executive mtg. on reestablishing trade links, defining areas of cooperation. King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan, FM Kabariti address opening banquet. (JT, JTV 7/19 in FBIS 7/20)

In Amman, Shas party head Arye Deri leads 24-mbr. delegation in talks on Jordan-Israel peace with King Hussein. (JTV 7/18, al-Hayat 7/19 in FBIS 7/19)

PA passes law restricting media coverage of "security issues," prohibiting reports that harm "national unity," requiring publishers to print retractions of any information contested by the PA. (HA 7/19 in FBIS 7/21; WT 7/20; PR 7/28)

Knesset swears in Yossi Beilin as M of Economy and Planning, Ehud Baraq as M of the Interior. (MM 7/17, 7/18; QY 7/18 in FBIS 7/19)

Israeli teenagers are found shot dead in the West Bank, nr. Wadi Kelt in 1st deadly attack since 4/9 bombing. PFLP takes responsibility. 10s of settlers block road outside PM Rabin's office, chanting "We want revenge!" (QY 7/18, MA 7/19 in FBIS 7/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/19; AFP 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; PR 7/28)

U.S. envoy Ross makes unexpected return trip to Damascus to meet with FM al-Shara`, unsuccessfully tries to set date and agenda of next round of Syrian-Israeli military talks. (MM 7/13; MBC, SARR 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; MM 7/14)

PA charge d'affaires to Jordan `Umar al-Khatib announces Israel, PA have agreed that "PA nationals" abroad, whose travel permits were valid when they left but have expired, may return to the PA areas at any time without having to renew the permits, no matter how long they were abroad. (al-Ra'y 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

Delegates fr. Egypt, the EU, Israel, Jordan, the PA hold land transport infrastructure working group mtg. in Amman; discuss need for regional highway system, construction of bridges in Jordan. (JTV 7/13 in FBIS 7/18)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. and frmr. top negotiator Mahmud Abbas meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss the Palestinian stand on negotiations with Israel. (VOP 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

Heads of 4 leading U.S. rabbinical movements present Congress mbrs. with signatures of 600 U.S. rabbis supporting continued aid to the PLO. (MM 7/14)

Israeli Civil Administration appoints Lt. Col. Barukh Nagar, convicted several yrs ago of attacking 2 Palestinians, as governor of Hebron. (QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

PM Rabin says hill nr. Efrat occupied by settlers 7/12 has been zoned for settlement for more than a yr., says he will approve requests that mobile homes be set up at the site. (QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Hamas-PFLP coalition wins al-Najah student elections by vote of 43-28, marking 1st time in 14 yrs. that Fatah has lost the election. (PR 7/28)

Jordanian FMin. says FM Kabariti has held several mtgs. with the Kuwaiti charge d'affaires in Amman, numerous Jordanian officials have met with their Kuwaiti counterparts in an attempt to normalize relations, which soured during the Gulf War. (al-Dustur 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Syrian VP Khaddam, Iranian FM Hassan Habibi convene 2-day Syrian-Iranian Joint Comm. mtg. to discuss Hizballah, Syrian-Israeli negotiations. Khaddam reportedly asks Iran to help Syria push talks with Israel to a "positive conclusion" by accepting Syrian plan to disarm Lebanese branch of Hizballah following peace agmt. (MM 6/20; Voice of Iran 6/24, SA 6/25 in FBIS 6/25; MM 6/29)

In Amman, King Hussein, Arab Democratic Party MK Darawshah discuss Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. (JTV 6/24 in FBIS 6/29)

1000s of Palestinians clash with IDF across the West Bank as widespread protests erupted in support of hunger-striking prisoners (see 6/17). Outside Orient House, 13 Palestinians are injured when Israeli police fire rubber bullets at demonstrators. In Nablus, IDF uses live ammunition to disperse 200 women, wounding 2. PM Rabin says cabinet will discuss prisoners issue at mtg. next wk. (WP, WT 6/25; MM 6/26; WJW 6/29)

Israeli border police kill 1 Palestinian, capture 2d, let 3d escape when trio attempts to cross border fr. Jordan into West Bank. (QY 6/26 in FBIS 6/27)

Lebanese Forces cmdr. Samir Ja`ja` is given death sentence, commuted to life with hard labor for murdering Dany Chamoun and his family in 10/90. (RL, VOL 6/24 in FBIS 6/27; WP, WT 6/25; MEI 7/7; MM, WT 7/26)

Lebanese FM Buwayz sets 3 conditions for resumption of negotiations with Israel: U.S. must send Lebanon a credible Israeli proposal for review; proposal must not contradict Lebanese principles for resuming talks; Israel must 1st withdraw fr. s. Lebanon. (RL 6/22 in FBIS 6/23)

Multilateral Working Group on Water closes session in Amman. Parties propose joint projects totalling $50 m. (IGPO 6/23 in FBIS 6/28)

FM Peres, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meet in Amman, discuss water, technical, scientific cooperation. (MM 6/22; QY 6/22 in FBIS 6/22; RJ 6/22 in FBIS 6/23)

Arafat holds mtgs with Israeli Knesset Dep. Speaker Rafael Edri on implementation of 2d stage of self-rule; with UN coordinator Terje Larsen on UN activities in the o.t.; with World Bank rep. Kem Chin on donor states' assistance. (VOP 6/23 in FBIS 6/23)

Mahmud al-Khawaja, top leader of Islamic Jihad, is killed in a drive-by shooting in Gaza. Islamic Jihad blames Israeli security services, vows retaliation. Israel neither confirms, denies the accusation. (AFP 6/22 in FBIS 6/22; AFP 6/22, SA 6/23 in FBIS 6/23; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 6/23; PR 7/2)

In Hebron, IDF shuts 4th mosque in 2 wks. after security forces find alleged Hamas material during raid. (PR 6/18; QY 6/22 in FBIS 6/23) (see 6/15)

In Ramallah, IDF shoots, wounds 4 Palestinians during demonstration by 100s of Palestinians in support of prisoners' hunger strike. (HA 6/23 in FBIS 6/23) (see 6/17)

IDF shells Hizballah positions in s. Lebanon, killing 1 child. (QY 6/23 in FBIS 6/23; WP 6/24)

To date, 55 senators have signed onto Sen. Robert Dole's bill that would move the U.S. embassy in Israel fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (see 5/9). Secy. of State Christopher warns senators Clinton will veto. (JP 6/22 in FBIS 6/22)

In Cairo, PA, Israel open 3 days of talks on transfer of authority, focus on electricity, communications, water, public works. PA says it will accept phased Israeli withdrawal fr. West Bank within framework of agmt. that includes specific timetable. (MENA 6/20 in FBIS 6/21)

Multilateral Working Group on Water meets in Amman, then  convenes joint mtg. with working group on environment. Syrian, Lebanese representatives reportedly meet with Israeli delegate behind scenes. (IGPO 6/19; QY 6/30 in FBIS 7/5; MBC 7/15 in FBIS 7/17)

Under terms of 10/26 Jordan-Israel treaty, water pipeline fr. Lake Tiberias to Israel begins operating. (RJ 6/20 in FBIS 6/28; NYT 6/21)

PM Rabin, FM Peres, Environment M Sarid, IDF officers tour West Bank n. of Jerusalem to view plans for redeployment of IDF troops outside Palestinian towns. (QY 6/20 in FBIS 6/21)

Israeli FMin. deems PA's 1st "active" year "reasonably successful," Arafat "a dominant and indispensable figure" who successfully handled his opposition. (MA 6/20 in FBIS 6/20)

East Jerusalem Municipal Council, formally reactivated by Arafat 6/12, holds 1st mgt. (HA 6/26 in FBIS 6/27) (see 5/30)

House approves antiterrorism bill similar to that passed in the Senate 6/7 by vote of 23-12. Differences between the two must be worked out in committee. (WT 6/21) (see 8/4)

256 mbrs. of Congress send letter to Secy. of State Christopher in support of moving U.S. embassy fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Letter is a companion to the one sent by 93 senators 3/95. Christopher sends letter to Dole dissuading him fr. voting for bill. (Near East Report 7/3)

8th round of multilateral talks open in Amman. Multilateral Working Group on the Environment meets. (IGPO 6/19)

Irish FM Spring meets with Faisal Husseini at Orient House in East Jerusalem, discusses 7/1 deadline for agmt. on transfer of authority. Israeli Pres. Weizman cancels scheduled mtg. with Spring in protest; 100s of Israelis demonstrate. (QY 6/18 in FBIS 6/19; MM 6/19; VOP 6/19, QY 6/20 in FBIS 6/20)

Arafat arrives in Turkey for 2-days of talks with Pres. Sulayman Demirel, PM Tansu Ciller; encourages Turkey to give PA economic aid, put pressure on Israel. (VOP 6/19 in FBIS 6/19; VOP 6/20, MENA 6/21 in FBIS 6/21)

Jordanian Bar Association orders lawyer Ahmad al-Zu'bi to appear before disciplinary board for possible disbarment for leading Liberal party delegation on visit to Israel 6/12. (al-Majd 6/19 in FBIS 6/20)

After wks of negotiations btwn. Arafat and Imad al-Faluji, al-Faluji's pro-Hamas weekly al-Watan is permitted to reopen. Editor Sayyid Abu Musamih remains jailed. (HA 6/20 in FBIS 6/21; PR 7/25) (see 5/14)

Israeli lawmaker Avraham Burg is elected new chairman of Jewish Agency, calls assimilation the biggest threat facing the Jewish people. (WT 6/21; JP 7/15)

For 2d day, IDF moves reinforcements into Biqa` valley, raising tensions in s. Lebanon. (RL 6/19 in FBIS 6/20)

Secy. of State Christopher meets with Arafat in Jericho, discusses implementing next stage of DOP, encourages donor countries to fulfill pledges, praises PA efforts to curb violence; meets quickly with King Hussein in Amman to brief him on visit, assure him U.S. will forgive debt; returns home. (JTV, RJ, VOP 6/11 in FBIS 6/12; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 6/12; al-Quds 6/12 in FBIS 6/15)

PM Rabin tells cabinet that even when IDF redeploys fr. areas of the West Bank, Israel will retain the right to enter main Palestinian population centers to maintain security. Civil Administration officials present Rabin with plans to transfer authority over agriculture, energy, insurance, local administration, trade and industry, labor, postal services. (QY 6/11 in FBIS 6/12; MM 6/12)

In Cairo, Israel, PA close 2-day round of talks on expanding self-rule, reach draft agmt. on transferring responsibilities for labor to PA. (MENA 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; CSM 6/9)

IDF dismantles a military base in `Illar nr. Tulkarm. (CSM 6/9)

Multilateral Working Group on Economic Development meets in Amman. (JTV 6/7 in FBIS 6/8)

Quadripartite (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, PA) technical comm. on refugees convenes for 1st time in Beersheba. (IGPO 6/6; VOP 6/7 in FBIS 6/7) (see 3/7)

In Damascus, U.S. envoy Ross, Pres. Asad discuss agenda for Syrian-Israeli talks to be held in Washington 6/27. After mtg. Ross heads to Cairo to meet with FM Musa, stops on way to brief PM Rabin on talks with Syrians. (MM 6/7; RE, SATN 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; MM, WT 6/8)

German Chancellor Kohl meets with Arafat in Jericho, pledges additional $7 m. to the PA, says Germany will consider investing in industrial parks. (VOP 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; CSM 6/8; VOP 6/10 in FBIS 6/12; MM 6/13; BT 6/22)

In Geneva, PA Labor M Samir Ghawshah represents PA at International Labor Org. (ILO) mtg., blocks U.S., Israeli motion to delete topic of Palestinian workers' conditions fr. the agenda. (PWR 6/95)

Israeli parliament approves $70 m. for army to begin "Rainbow II"--a plan calling for months of construction of new bypass roads for settlers in and a slowly phased withdrawal fr. West Bank. (WP 6/8)

Natan Sharansky announces formation of new Movement for Israel and Immigration to aid immigrants economically, socially politically; says he may turn it into a party aimed at coalescing Russian immigrants into voting bloc for Israel's 1996 elections. (JP 6/8 in FBIS 6/9; JP 6/17; NYT 6/20; JP 6/24; CSM 6/27)

Israeli State Atty. rules that Shin Bet interrogator who caused death of Palestinian detainee 4/25 "could not and should not have expected a fatal result of his actions," will not be criminally prosecuted. (NYT 6/8) (see 4/28)

Senate passes Pres. Clinton's antiterrorism bill 91-8. Bill expands government use of wiretaps, gives FBI greater access to phone and credit card reports, expands authority to deport or refuse entry to immigrants, bans fundraising for foreign organizations designated as terrorist by State Dept., allows U.S. citizens to sue terrorist groups for personal injuries sustained in attacks. (NYT, WP, WT 6/8; WJW 7/27) (see 6/20)

In Amman, King Hussein opens mtg. btwn. Arafat, 120 Jordanian businessmen to encourage investment in Palestine. Arafat then meets with PM Sharif Zaid Bin Shakir to discuss bilateral relations, leaves for similar talks with Pres. Mubarak, Arab League Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid in Cairo. (JTV, RJ 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MM 5/25; VOP 5/25 in FBIS 5/26; MEI 5/28; MENA 5/29 in FBIS 5/30)

In Brussels, PA, Israeli negotiators meet with EU officials to discuss EU sponsorship, financing of 700-mbr. international monitor team for forthcoming elections. (MM 5/24; SA 5/25 in FBIS 5/26) (see 5/17)

In Tel Aviv, Russian Dep. FM Viktor Posuvalyuk meets with FM Peres, Dep. FM Beilin; offers to host next mtg. of Multilateral Working Group on Arms Control. (QY 5/24, HA 5/25 in FBIS 5/25)

Israeli Housing Min. approves construction of 1,500 units in East Jerusalem for Palestinian families. Units would be the 1st ever built by Israel for Palestinians in annexed East Jerusalem. (AFP 5/24 in FBIS 5/24)

In student council elections at Birzeit, Fatah wins 21 seats, Hamas 18, PFLP 8, PPP 3, DFLP 1. Islamic Jihad did not run. Fida received 16 of the 2,385 votes. Islamic bloc wins majority of seats in al-Bireh Medical College, `Abdallah Bin Husayn College elections. Fatah wins at Bethlehem University. (ITV 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MM 5/25; MEI 6/9)

PA-Israeli Joint Liaison Comm. meets for 2d day in Cairo. FM Peres offers PA Planning M Shaath sudden concessions to Palestinians at negotiating table in light of Jerusalem issue). Sides agree to set up unofficial Jerusalem Comm. to address expropriation issue. Israel offers to broaden PA autonomy in West Bank, Gaza but dispute over land confiscation in Jerusalem prevents agmt. (MENA 5/7, QY, RE 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; MENA, VOP 5/8 in FBIS 5/9; WT 5/9; MEI, WP 5/12)

At AIPAC conference, Sen. Dole announces he will submit legislation to force U.S. to move embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel reacts coolly. Jordan, Morocco, UAE criticize  initiative, urge UNSC action. (ITV 5/8, QY 5/9 in FBIS 5/9; CSM, MM, WP 5/10; NYT, WT 5/11; MEI, WP 5/12)

Syria refuses Jordan's request to name amb. to Jordan, host visit of Jordanian FM Kabariti to Damascus to try to improve bilateral relations. (MM 5/9; al-Bilad 5/10 in FBIS 5/9 [dates as printed]; al-Quds 5/9 in FBIS 5/12) (see 12/14/94)

Rabin meets with mbrs. of Congress; presses them not to reduce foreign aid, aid to Israel, Arab partners in peace effort; discusses Iranian threat, talks with  Syria, PA about efforts to end attacks against Israeli targets; backs away fr. supporting Dole initiative to move embassy to Jerusalem. (NYT, WT 5/9)

In Amman, Jordan, Israel initial draft agmts. on regulating agriculture, energy, environmental cooperation; postpone initialing draft trade accord that will give Israel preferential tariffs for Jordanian goods. The accord would be 1st by Arab country to give preferential treatment to Israel. (WT 5/9)

Jordan's amb. to Israel Muasher warns Dep. FM Beilin that Jordan will chill relations with Israel if it does not reverse land confiscations in Jerusalem. (WP 5/12, CSM 5/15)

Jordan reportedly gives 2 Hamas mbrs. residing in Amman 1-mo. notice to leave country. (MM 5/9) (see 4/13)

IDF closes al-Quds office in Nablus, claiming it materials there linking the paper to Hamas. (HA, JP 5/10 in FBIS 5/11) (see 1/16)

Israel releases 250 pro-Fatah Palestinian prisoners, lifts curfew on Hebron (see 4/19) as goodwill gesture for Id al-Adha. (QY 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; NYT 5/9; CSM 5/10)

PLO Tokyo mission closes due to lack of funds. (al-Manar 5/8 in FBIS 5/11)

In Amman, Israel's FM Peres, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan open 3-day mtg. on Rift Valley development. 250 business, government representatives fr. Jordan, Israel, U.S. discuss water, energy, telecommunication, transportation, environment, possible free trade agmt. btwn. Jordan, Israel, U.S., EU. (RJ 4/24 in FBIS 4/25; MM 4/25; JT 4/25 in FBIS 4/26; RJ 4/26 in FBIS 4/27)

Israel says PA is overdue in paying $16.5 m. in phone bills, threatens to cut off international phone service to o.t. if PA does not pay. All international calls to o.t., calls btwn. Gaza, Jericho are currently routed through the Israel phone system. (JP 5/13)

PA military court sentences 2 Hamas mbrs. to 3 yrs, acquits 1 on charges of murdering alleged collaborator. (QY 4/24 in FBIS 4/25)

IDF arrests 14 Palestinians in Hebron on charges of planting bombs. (ITV 4/24, QY 4/25 in FBIS 4/25; MM 4/25; NYT 4/26)

PA police release 20 Hamas mbrs. arrested after 4/9 bombings. some 100 remain in custody. (AFP, QY 4/24 in FBIS 4/24)

Israel lifts closure on o.t. begun 4/13. (QY 4/24 in FBIS 4/25; CSM 4/25)

IAF reportedly overflies Beirut, draws antiaircraft fire fr. Lebanese Army. (MM 4/26)

U.S. envoy Ross stops briefly in Amman to discuss bilateral relations, update Crown Prince Hassan on recent shuttle mission btwn. Syria, Israel; leaves for Washington. (MM 4/10; RJ 4/10 in FBIS 4/11)

Middle East Economic Summit steering comm. (incl. representatives fr. 30 countries, international bodies) meets in Amman, announces follow-up conference to 10/94 Casablanca summit will be held 10/29-31. (JT 4/11 in FBIS 4/11; WT 4/23; MM 4/27)

PA cracks down on Islamist opposition in reaction to 4/9 bombings, arresting 112 alleged Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. Arafat convenes new military court for closed-door, all-night trial; 1 Islamic Jihad mbr. given 15-yr. sentence for recruiting bombers. U.S. applauds measures. Palestinian police, Hamas mbrs. exchange gunfire in Gaza, no casualties. 1 American, 1 Israeli die of wounds sustained in bombings. (NYT 4/10; QY 4/10 in FBIS 4/10; AFP 4/10 in FBIS 4/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/11; NYT 4/13; JP 4/22)

Israel's Chief of Staff Shahak, Planning Branch head Maj. Gen. Uzi Dayan present PM Rabin with road separation plan for Gaza, recommending construction of separate north-south routes for Palestinians, leaving existing highways for IDF, Israelis only; say roads closed 4/9 will remain closed until Palestinians accept plan. (MM 4/11)

Jordan's 1st amb. to Israel, Marwan Muasher, arrives in Tel Aviv to assume his duties. Israel's 1st amb.to Jordan, Shimon Shamir, arrives in Amman to take his post. (MM, WT 4/6; RJ, JT 4/6 in FBIS 4/6; JP 4/15; WJW 4/20)

U.S. envoy Ross arrives in Israel for brief shuttle btwn. Israel, Syria; meets with PM Rabin, military Chief of Staff Shahak, senior IDF officials to discuss security arrangements within framework of agmt. with Syria. Israelis present demand for 1:9 geographical ratio for demilitarized zones. Ross will transmit Israeli suggestions, concerns to Syria 4/7. (MM 4/6; IDF Radio 4/7 in FBIS 4/7; MA 4/7 in FBIS 4/10)

Israeli, Egyptian FMs meet in Paris to try to solve NPT conflict . Egypt says it is willing to sign a ban on chemical weapons in exchange but no final compromise is reached. Sides agree to continue discussions within Multilateral Working Group on Arms Control, upgrade working group talks to FM level. (WP 4/5; CSM 4/6; MBC, MENA 4/6 in FBIS 4/7; HA 4/19 in FBIS 4/20)

Israeli Housing M Binyamin Ben-Eliezer says he will present plan to ministerial comm. for additional 5,600 homes beyond Green Line, incl. 1,300 units in Matityahu settlement, 3,000 units in Ma'ale Adumim, finishing work on 800 units in Giva'at Ze'ev. (MM 4/7; QY 4/6, JP 4/7 in FBIS 4/7)

Arafat decides to replace editorial board of Jericho-based al-Aqsa newspaper with journalists who are Fatah mbrs. Decision is criticized as interference with freedom of press. (ITV 4/6 in FBIS 4/7)

Congressional hearings open on Clinton's Omnibus Counterterrorism Bill to speed deportation of illegal immigrants suspected of terrorism, prohibit fundraising for organizations the pres. deems dangerous, grant FBI broader authority to investigate, order wiretaps. Arab-American, Muslim groups protest bill, fearing it will be used to discriminate against them, curb legitimate fundraising. (WP 4/7)

Bomb explodes on Gaza border as IDF foot patrol passes, wounding 1 soldier. No one claims responsibility. (JP 4/6 in FBIS 4/7; NYT 4/7)

King Hussein, U.S. VP Gore meet in Amman. King criticizes congressional decision to cut Jordan's debt forgiveness. Gore promises U.S. will forgive all debt. (JTV, RJ 3/21, RJ 3/22 in FBIS 3/22; WP, WT 3/22; JP 4/1) (see 3/3, 3/13)

Israeli Dep. FM Beilin, Egyptian FM Musa meet in Cairo, say relations have improved since Knesset delegation visit 3/19. Beilin says Egypt now better understands Israel's security needs, NPT argument has abated. (QY 3/21 in FBIS  3/22)

In Beersheba, Israeli police arrest 2 Hamas mbrs., 1 Israeli bedouin with explosives-rigged truck with Gaza plates. Pair confesses to planning suicide attack. PM Rabin cancels mtg. with PA scheduled for 3/22 to discuss release of Palestinian prisoners, bans all vehicles with Gaza license plates fr. entering Israel. (MM 3/21; QY 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; CSM, MM, WP 3/22; NYT 3/23; IDF Radio 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; PR 3/26; MM 3/27; JP 4/1)

10 Damascus-based Palestinian opposition groups close 2-day mtg. to assess peace process, PA administration, possible relations with PNG (see 2/21). PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. al-Qaddumi says he will head delegation to Damascus in next wk. to try to reach a conciliation agmt. with these groups. (al-Ray 3/23, QY 3/24 in FBIS 3/24)

In Cairo, Israeli, PA teams begin writing draft of election proposal, focus on structure of legislative council but end talks without making progress. (AN, MM 3/16; AN 3/17)

German Chancellor Kohl, Israeli FM Peres, Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan meet in Bonn to discuss water, dam projects. Germany reportedly makes its financing of Yarmuk dam conditional on Syrian approval of project. (HA 3/16 in FBIS 3/17; al-Quds 5/9 in FBIS 5/12) (see 3/12)

Israeli Dep. FM Beilin meets Jordanian FM `Abd al-Karim al-Kabariti in Amman, discusses Christopher visit, plans for Amman conference to follow up on Casablanca mtg. of 10/30/94, scheduled for 4/10. (JT, QY 3/16 in FBIS 3/16)

After 1-mo. ban, Egypt allows Israel's Jerusalem Post to be sold again. (JP 3/15 in FBIS 3/17) (see 2/15)