The Palestine Chronology

Netanyahu holds talks with his cabinet about negotiations with the PA, discusses proposals for moving the peace process in 2 directions: (1) toward resolving outstanding issues, which would require the PA to fulfill a set of requirements (mostly on "terrorism") within several mos. and Israel to implement 1 FRD; (2) toward accelerated final status negotiations. No agmts. are reached among the cabinet Ms. Talks will resume 11/30. (MM 11/26; MM, WT 11/27; NYT 11/28)

In Cairo, French FM Vedrine discusses peace process with Egyptian FM Musa. (RMC 11/27 in WNC 12/9)

Egyptian amb. to Israel Muhammad Basyuni, PA chief negotiator Local Government M Saeb Erakat discuss coordinating positions on FRD issue. (ITV 11/26 in WNC 12/9)

PA releases Fathi Subuh, a professor at al-Azhar's Gaza campus who was arrested 7/2 for putting questions on PA, al-Azhar corruption on his final exam. Charges were never filed against him, though he was informally accused of espionage, lewd behavior. He is forced to pay $7,100 bail, report to PA police daily. (PCHR 11/26; NYT 12/3; JP 12/6)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)--comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE-- holds ministerial mtg. on Iraq-UN conflict. Members' positions differ, but all agree that military solution is unacceptable. (MM 11/27, 11/28) (see 11/21)

At the Doha summit, U.S. Undersecy. of State for Economic Affairs Stuart Eizenstat says that the administration will seek funding fr. Congress for the Middle East Development Bank in the FY 1999 budget, MEDB operations can begin within 4 mos. of receiving funding, bank mbrs. have already started selecting projects (concentrating on cross-border infrastructure projects) to fund. The U.S. also signs a protocol for a new $60 m. equity fund to promote U.S. private investment in the West Bank/Gaza, Jordan. (MM 11/17)

Settlers begin construction of 6 new housing units in Hebron's Jewish quarter. (ITV 11/17 in WNC 11/21)

In Luxor, Egypt, gunmen aligned with the Islamic Group open fire on tourists in the Valley of the Kings, killing 58 foreigners, 3 Egyptians, wounding 24 foreigners. Police take chase, kill 6 gunmen. (ITV 11/17 in WNC 11/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/18; MM, WT 11/19; MM 11/20; MEI, MM 11/21)

Secy. of State Albright ends 2-day tour of the Gulf to discuss latest standoff btwn. Iraq, the UN. Finding no support fr. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia for military action, U.S. agrees to try to reach negotiated settlement. U.S., UK present France, Russia with position paper, offering to allow Iraq to buy more goods with oil proceeds if it cooperates fully with UN inspection teams. Russia offers to lead mediation. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 11/18; MEI 11/21) (see 11/13)

Russia expels Iranian accused of trying to buy missile technology. (WP 11/18)

Palestine Observer Mission at the UN announces plans to introduce a resolution in the UN General Assemby (UNGA) by early 11/97 that would deny Israel's right to represent East Jerusalem, Golan Heights, meaning credentials for Israeli reps. would have to be issued fr. Tel Aviv, symbolically cutting Israel's territory back to pre-1967 lines. The mission will also try to have its observer status upgraded to "special observer," so that reps. can participate in plenary session, on comms. and working groups. (WT 10/14, 10/17; NYT 10/24)

Jordan, Syria end 2 days of mtgs. on  water; sign minutes of mtg., agreeing to go ahead with construction of al-Wahda dam on the Yarmuk River in Syrian territory. (RJ 10/13, JT 10/14 in WNC 10/15)

After Canada receives an official apology fr. Israel for using forged Canadian passports in Mishal attack 9/25, Canadaian amb. returns to  Tel Aviv. (Radio Canada International 10/13 in WNC 10/15) (see 10/2)

Israel releases 2d batch 9 Jordanian detainees, flies them to Amman. (JTV 10/13 in WNC 10/15; CSM, WT 10/14; NYT 10/15) (see 10/6)

4,000 Palestinians attend rally in Nalbus to celebrate Shaykh Yasin's return to Gaza. (WT 10/14) (see 10/6)

Turkey begins pulling troops out of n. Iraq after its latest incursion against the PKK, which began on 9/21. (WT 10/14)