The Palestine Chronology

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. The IDF shells residential areas of Brazil refugee camp, damaging a school. Israel says it will begin allowing Palestinians with VIP passes (e.g., PC mbrs.) to travel btwn. the West Bank and Gaza providing they request permission of the IDF in advance, submit to searches. The PA says Israel should honor the VIP passes without restrictions as per signed agmts. (MA 2/25 in WNC 2/26; HJ 2/26 in WNC 2/27; LAW 3/1)

U.S. Secy. of State Colin Powell arrives in Egypt on the 1st leg of a 3-day tour to meet regional leaders, to discuss the Bush administration's proposal to modify the sanctions regime on Iraq to eliminate many economic restrictions, refocus sanctions more narrowly on Saddam Hussein's military. After meeting with Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak, Powell heads to Israel, where he confers with Barak on bilateral, Israeli-Palestinian relations. Powell will also visit Ramallah, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria. (NYT, WP, WT 2/25; al-Ra'i 2/25 in WNC 2/27; WP 2/27; MA 3/1 in WNC 3/5; MEI 3/9)

In Amman, 1,000 Jordanians attend a rally organized by the Jordan professional associations to protest the U.S. Secy. of State Powell's visit to the kingdom on 2/25 in light of the U.S. position toward the Palestinians, Iraq. (JT 2/25 in WNC 2/26; JT 2/26 in WNC 2/27)

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)

At a speech to the Asia Society in New York, Secy. Albright unveils a new policy initiative on Iran that could lead to normalized relations. Sanctions will remain in place for now, but U.S. plans to make confidence building gestures. (NYT, WP, WT 6/18; CSM, MM 6/19; ITV 6/21 in WNC 6/23; MEI 7/3)

Cyprus terminates contract with an Israeli company to replace the security system protecting the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority, saying it has learned that several technicians working on the project are fmr. Mossad agents. Israel calls accusations baseless. (Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation Radio 6/17, O Filelevtheros 6/18 in WNC 6/19; I Simerini 6/24 in WNC 6/25)

After 2 days of talks, Iran, Turkey sign border security agmt. (IRNA 6/17 in WNC 6/18; IRNA 6/18 in WNC 6/19)

Jordanian PM Majali ends 2-day visit to Morocco after signing several agmts. including a free trade agmt., protocols on building cultural, social, economic ties; leaves for Libya. (JTV 6/17, JT, SA 6/18 in WNC 6/19; JANA [Tripoli] 6/19 in WNC 6/22; RJ 6/20 in WNC 6/23)

After 2 days of talks in Baghdad, Egypt, Iraq agree to expand trade relations. Trade M Ahmad Gueily's visit is the 1st to Iraq by an Egyptian official since the Gulf War. (WP 6/18)

State Dept. says that it is planning new effort funded by Congress to build up opposition to Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein by working with 73 opposition groups outside Iraq. (WP 6/18) (see 2/18)

2 Israeli teenagers fr. settlement nr. Hebron are jailed for killing a Palestinian farmer by hitting him with a wooden pole fr. a passing van. (MM, NYT 6/18; PR 6/19)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina, n. of Jerusalem, for being built without a permit in an area zoned as "open space." (LAW 6/17) (see 6/15)

Israeli court convicts Israeli businessman Nahum Manbar, arrested 3/27/97, of selling chemical weapons equipment to Iran fr. 1990 to 1995. (WP 6/18; WT 6/19; IRNA 6/19 in WNC 6/23; JP 6/27)

In last effort to achieve a "diplomatic solution" preventing a U.S. airstrike, UN Secy. Gen. Annan leaves for Baghdad for weekend of talks with Iraqi officials. U.S. warns that it will challenge any agmt. that does not allow unrestricted access to all Iraqi sites, including 8 "presidential palaces," which Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein has deemed off-limits to inspectors as symbols of national sovereignty. (CSM, MM, WP, WT 2/19; MM 2/20)

Pres. Clinton calls on the UN to set a deadline for Iraqi compliance; orders VP Al Gore, Defense Secy. Cohen to cancel trip to South Africa set to begin 2/23 to keep them in Washington. (NYT, WT 2/20)

Secy. of State Albright travels to Tennessee State University to give 2d televised briefing on Iraq to some 200 hand-picked honors students, coached by the school's administration to "give the opposite impression that was given at Ohio State" 2/18. Before Albright arrives, campus security removes all demonstrators fr. camera view. The secy. then heads to University of South Carolina for 3d, similarly controlled briefing. (NYT, WP 2/20)

UN begins evacuating staff fr. Iraq. All personnel should be out of the country by 2/21. (WP 2/19)

U.S. sends 10s of Patriot missiles to Israel as part of an "emergency aid" package. (MM 2/19; YA 2/19 in WNC 2/21)

Opponents of military action against Iraq stage demonstrations outside the U.S. embassies in Egypt and Belarus, British PM Tony Blair's residence in London. Palestinians hold similar demonstrations in Dura, Bayt `Umar. (RE 2/19 in WNC 2/24; WT 2/20; PR 2/27)

Jordanian "popular delegation" heads to Baghdad to show solidarity with the Iraqi people. Reps. fr. all Jordanian political parties and professional organizations and fr. each governorate have agreed to make staggered trips to Baghdad over the next wk. (al-Dustur 2/19 in WNC 2/24)

Swiss police catch 5 Mossad agents in the process of installing a wiretap in a "foreigner's" house in Bern. For unknown reasons, 4 agents are released, only 1 is detained. No mention of the incident is made public. (ITV 2/25 in WNC 3/3; MM, NYT, WT 2/26; MM, NYT, WT 2/27; WT 3/16)

Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin arrives in Egypt to undergo surgery for bone infection. (MENA 2/19 in WNC 2/24; WP 2/20)

EU special envoy Moratinos discusses peace process with PA Local Government M Erakat. (al-Ra'i 2/5 in WNC 2/11)

Arafat arrives in Spain for 2-day visit, to be followed by trip to the Netherlands. (PALDEV Digest [Internet] 2/4)

In Cairo, Egypt, PA sign custom exemption agmt. (MENA 2/4 in WNC 2/6) (see Peace Monitor)

Netanyahu spokesman Bar-Ilan says that government will override Interior Min.'s 1/22 approval of "Jewish sector" construction plans for Ras al-Amud. (MM, NYT, WP 2/5)

Palestinians living nr. Efrat settlement protest Israeli plans to confiscate their land to build road for local settlers. (PR 2/13)

Jordan's Interior Min. announces it has approved establishment of new Jordan Labor Party, which advocates building relations btwn. Jordanian, Israeli peoples but opposes polices of current Likud government. (JT 2/4 in WNC 2/6; JT 2/10 in WNC 2/11)

Congress debates resolution allowing Pres. Clinton to launch attack on Iraq. White House prefers diplomatic solution with resort to targeted attack on military facilities, sites of suspected violations if there is no progress. Mbrs. of Joint Chiefs of Staff say list of targets belies lack of strategy, White House is only interested in "putting on a show"; recommend concentrated attacks on Republican Guard, facilities housing security details, mbrs. Saddam Hussein's inner circle. Conservative lawmakers--including Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS), Rep. Steven Solarz (D-NY)--say attack should aim to remove Saddam Hussein fr. power. (WT 2/4; NYT, WP, WT 2/5)

Secy. of State Albright travels to Bahrain, Egypt to discuss Iraq issue. Bahrain agrees to allow U.S. forces to stage strikes fr. its air bases if necessary. Both Bahrain, Egypt call for diplomatic solution but agree to U.S. phrasing that if the U.S. attacks Iraq it would be Saddam Hussein's fault. (MM 2/3; MENA 2/3 in WNC 2/4, 2/6; MM, WP, WT 2/4; MEI 2/13) (see 2/2)

Turkey's army chief Gen. Hussein Kizriko_lu begins 4-day visit to Israel to discuss military cooperation. (WT 2/4; see also MM 1/12)

Iran's Majles speaker Ali Akbar Nateq-Nuri arrives in Syria for 3-day visit; discussions on developing economic, commercial ties. (IRNA, SATN 2/3 in WNC 2/4; IRNA 2/3, IRNA, SATN 2/4, IRNA 2/5 in WNC 2/6; IRNA 2/5 in WNC 2/6)

To mark end of Ramadan, PA grants pardons or early releases to 31 Palestinian prisoners, including 2 convicted in connection with the 1/22/95 Beit Lid bombing that killed 21 Israelis. Israel similarly releases 23 Palestinian prisoners. (WP 2/4; JP 2/7)

In the West Bank, Palestinians protest Israel plans to confiscate land for expansion of Modi'in settlement. (PR 2/13)

Secy. of State Albright meets with Arafat to follow up on 1/22 mtg. with Clinton, urges him to consider the U.S. FRD proposal. After mtg., Albright announces that Arafat, Netanyahu have agreed to send envoys to Washington in 1 wk. to try to break impasse. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/2; CSM, NYT 2/3; MEI 2/13)

Netanyahu asks Secy. of State Albright for 2+n3 days advance warning of a U.S. attack on Iraq, immediate defensive measures against an Iraqi biological attack. Albright probes Israel's intentions on the manner, scale of its reprisal should Iraq strike Israel. (WP 2/2; MM 2/3; WT 2/5)

After mtg. with Arafat, Netanyahu, Secy. of State Albright heads to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia to gauge support for strike on Iraq. Kuwait supports use of force as last resort. Saudi Arabia says that U.S. may not stage attack on Iraq fr. its territory but will consider allowing U.S. planes to use its airspace. Arab League, France, Jordan, PA, Russia, Turkey send envoys to Iraq to persuade Saddam Hussein to abandon opposition to UNSCOM inspection of palaces. Egypt, Iran, Qatar, Syria warn attack would increase regional tensions. (NYT, WT 2/2; MM, WT 2/3; WP 2/4)

PM Netanyahu orders halt to preliminary negotiations (initiated by Infrastructures M Sharon) with Iran regarding repayment of Israelis $1.2 b. debt to Iran. (Globes [Internet] 2/1 in WNC 2/4) (see 9/20/97)

At entrance to Bethlehem, Palestinians clash with IDF for 3d straight day, leaving 6 Palestinians injured. During clash, IDF troops, PA police train weapons on each other but do not fire. (WT 2/2) (see 1/30)

Lebanese army eases siege on Britel to allow 10,000 Lebanese to hold funeral for Shaykh Khudr Tlays, Tufayli's right hand man who was killed in clash 1/30. Tufayli is still on the run. (MM, WT 2/2; MM 2/9; MEI 2/13)

3 civilians are wounded during IDF bombardment of Mashghara village in s. Lebanon. (RL 2/2 in WNC 2/4)

FM Peres meets with Arafat before, after PA-Israeli "drafting comm." mtg. Both say they are closer to reaching preliminary self-rule agmt. Meanwhile, 10 comms meet in Elat to work out differences on specific issues blocking a final agmt. (MM, WT 8/10; AFP, ITV, MENA, QY, VOP 8/10, VOP 8/11 in FBIS 8/11)

2d group of 150 Palestinians is deported fr. Libya. Libya says it will continue expelling Palestinians to the self-rule areas via Egypt. PA says it has no agmt. with Libya to accept the deportees but PA, Israel have agreed to let them into Gaza. [Over the past 2 days, some 2,500 Egyptians have also been expelled. There are 40,000 Palestinians, 800,000-900,000 Egyptians in Libya.] (AFP, MENA 8/10 in FBIS 8/11; MM 8/11; PR 8/18) (see 8/9)

Jordan gives asylum to Iraqi defectors Lt. Gen. Hussein Kamel Hassan, Lt. Col. Saddam Kamel Hassan (both sons-in-law of Pres. Saddam Hussein), their families, 15 other army officers. Lt. Gen. Kamel headed Iraq's weapons program; Lt. Col. Kamel was chief of security. (NYT, WP, WT 8/11; CSM 8/14)

PA police arrest 5 Hamas mbrs. in Gaza, IDF arrests 17 West Bank Palestinians; all are accused of plotting attacks for Hamas. IDF orders West Bank, Gaza closure extended until 8/13. (QY 8/10 in FBIS 8/10; YA 8/11 in IL 8/11; WP 8/12) (see 8/9)

Palestinian delegation announces its consent that UNSC 242 "not be applied in the negotiations in the transitional phase," but insisted that it be applied in the final settlement stage of talks. (ITV 10/23 in FBIS 10/26)

Arab Democratic Party MK 'Abd al-Wahhab Darawsha returns from 2-day visit to Egypt and Tunis, brings with him Chmn. Arafat's offer to meet with PM Rabin "anywhere, any time." (Qol Yisra'el 10/23 in FBIS 10/23; HaAretz 10/25 in FBIS 10/26)

Pope John Paul 11 meets with Israeli FM Shimon Peres at the Vatican, accepts invitation to visit Israel. (NYT 10/24)

Faisal Husseini, other Palestinian officials meet with Vatican FM in Rome. (Algiers VOP 10/25 in FBIS 10/26)

U.S. Senate agriculture comm. releases 11/9/89 message from Secy. of State James Baker to Iraqi FM Tariq Aziz stating approval of grain credits for Iraq, and requesting Pres. Saddam Hussein's help in persuading Palestinians to take part in peace talks with Israel. Allegations that Iraq diverted the credits to purchase weapons are currently being investigated. (NYT 10/26)

In Damascus, F.M.s of GCC nations, Egypt and Syria reach agreement on new postwar defense arrangements in Gulf built around Egyptian and Syrian forces [MEM 3/5; WP, WT, MEM 3/6; NYT, LAT, WT 3/7; DDS 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; DDS 3/6 in FBIS 3/7; MET 3/19].

Republican Guard tank and infantry brigades loyal to Saddam Hussein attack rebel positions in Basra; opposition leaders say at least 6 Iraqi cities are still controlled by rebels; thousands of refugees flee the violence; Bush admin. says it has no intention of getting involved in the rebellion [LAT, WP, WT 3/6; IRNA, AFP 3/5 in FBIS 3/5].

U.S. and Kuwaiti experts say it may take almost 2 years to extinguish about 550 Kuwaiti oil wells that have been set ablaze, and at least 5 years before the country's oil export facilities are fully restored [LAT, NYT, WP 3/6; CSM 3/7].

Iraq hands over what it calls its last POWs, releasing 35 allies, including 15 Americans, to the Red Cross; up to 26 journalists are still missing in southern Iraq [MEM 3/5; NYT, LAT, WP, WT, CSM 3/6; BADS 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; MET 3/19].

Pentagon updates U.S. casualty toll in Gulf war to 115 dead and 330 wounded. Tens of thousands of Iraqis are believed to have been killed [LAT 3/6].

Pentagon also says that tens of thousands of U.S. troops will have to stay in Gulf region for several months [NYT 3/6].

France begins withdrawing its forces from region; pullout expected to take until September [MEM 3/5].

In letter from F.M. Aziz to Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar, Iraq renounces its annexation of Kuwait and promises to return hundreds of millions of dollars worth of looted property [LAT, NYT 3/6; INA 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; MET 3/19].

Food, water, and electricity remain scarce in Kuwait City, but 2,700-man allied task force is hoping to alleviate worst of problems within days [LAT, WT 3/6].

Kuwaiti gov't places Kuwait City under 10 P.M. to 4 A.M. curfew [AFP, KUNA 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; MET 3/19].

House Appropriations Committee votes to give Israel $650 million to cover costs associated with Gulf war, and approves $42.6-billion down payment of Operation Desert Storm [NYT, LAT, WP, WT, MEM 3/6].

Doctors in Kuwait City say that in the last 5 days they have treated scores of Palestinians who had been severely beaten and in some cases shot. U.S. military reports that 7 Kuwaiti soldiers manning checkpoints have been shot to death by people in passing vehicles [NYT 3/6].

Amnesty International warns of the risk of reprisal killings against Palestinians and other Arabs, urges that Red Cross be given access to all detainees in Kuwait [MEM 3/5; FJ 3/1].

In 1st postwar policy statement, King Fahd predicts Saddam Hussein will meet an ominous end as "all tyrants" in the Arab world have before him [NYT, MEM 3/6].

Israeli Immigration Min. Yitzhak Peretz expresses concern over small number of recent Soviet Jewish immigrants who, dissatisfied with high standard of living and limited employment opportunities, are emigrating to Canada, Australia, and Germany [WT 3/6].

U.S. forces round up more than 1,400 Iraqi soldiers-including a brigadier general-from island of Faylakah, the last piece of Iraqi-held Kuwaiti territory. Allies hold about 63,000 Iraqi POWs [LAT 3/4].

Refugees crossing into Iran and Syria from Iraq report demonstrations against Saddam Hussein has spread from Basra to 3 other cities in southern Iraq [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/4].

At UN, U.S. and allies offer to speed the flow of food and other relief supplies into Iraq after nonaligned nations press for formal easing of sanctions [NYT 3/4].

Pres. Mitterrand makes what diplomats describe as his clearest call yet for a Palestinian state [LAT 3/4]; Mitterrand also calls for international peace conference on Middle East [WP, MEM 3/4].

Presenting 9-item postwar agenda, Pres. Mubarak urges fresh start for Arabs, says Egyptians have no quarrel with Iraqi people and will help rebuild Iraq [LAT, NYT, WP, MEM 3/4].

UNLU issues call number 68, calling for "increased rallying around the PLO and adherence to it as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people" [AFP 3/3, JPD 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; AVP 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; MEM 3/5; JPI 3/16].

Israeli jets fly through Lebanese army machine gun fire and bomb Fateh base in southern Lebanon; it is 1st air strike since Gulf war ended [MEM 3/4; MET 3/12].

Israel lifts curfew on Gaza Strip for 1st time since 16 January, Gaza fishermen are permitted to put to sea; several towns and villages in W. Bank remain under curfew [MEM 3/4].

In radio address, Saddam Hussein makes public his commitment to withdraw from Kuwait. Pres. Bush says promise is inadequate, presses for virtual surrender, and orders allied forces to continue attacks [BADS 2/26 in FBIS 2/26; MEM 2/26; NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/27; MET 3/12].

Allied forces enter Kuwait City, as Iraqi troops are reported in headlong retreat across Kuwait; fighting continues at Kuwait City airport; U.S. troops reach Euphrates River in Iraq, cutting off escape routes for Republican Guards; other allied forces are closing off additional escape routes for Iraqi troops; 25 to 30 mile long column of Iraqi tanks, personnel carriers, and trucks heading north on road to Basra is repeatedly attacked by U.S. warplanes [MENA 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; NYT, LAT, WP, WT, CSM 2/27].

SCUD missile lands in uninhabited area of Qatar, another is destroyed over Bahrain [MEM 2/26].

Emir of Kuwait declares martial law, says it will last for 3 months, in 1st step toward reestablishing his rule [NYT, WP, WT 2/27; MET 3/12].

U.S. command revises death toll in 2/25 SCUD attack on barracks, saying missile killed 28 U.S. soldiers and wounded more than 100 [NYT, WP 2/27; MET 3/12].

Military law specialists say "rules of war" clearly permit allies to attack retreating Iraqis until they law down their arms; claim definite distinction between retreat and surrender [NYT, WP 2/27].

Egypt, Kuwait, Soviet Union, and European members of coalition say Saddam Hussein must accept all 12 UN Sec. Council resolutions before war can end [KUNA 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; NYT, WP 2/27]; PLO calls on UN Sec. Council to bring about immediate ceasefire [TDS 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; AVP 2/27 in FBIS 2/28].

Allies effectively stop counting Iraqi POWs because so many have been taken since ground war began. Officials stop count at 26,000 but estimates are up to more than 30,000 [LAT, WP 2/27].

P.M. Shamir vows to resist concessions in postwar Middle East peace effort [IDF 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; MEM 2/26; WP, WT 2/27].

Yasir Arafat meets in Algiers with Pres. Benjedid; Arafat says U.S. aims to destroy Iraq [AGS, AFP 2/26, APS 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; APS 2/27 in FBIS 3/1].

European Community announces it is freezing contacts with PLO in light of Arafat's pro-Iraqi stand. EC statement says, however, that the decision "in no way calls into question the role of the PLO or the rights of the Palestinian people" [MEM 2/26].

Jordanian Cabinet issues statement accusing allies of exceeding UN mandate [MEM 2/27].

U.S.-Soviet joint statement says allied assault on Iraq could end now if Saddam Hussein makes "unequivocal commitment" to withdraw from Kuwait; statement appears to soften past U.S. insistence that only "massive withdrawal" by Iraq would stop war (cf. 1/30) [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/30].

Pres. Bush, in State of the Union address, says Iraq's capacity to sustain war is being destroyed [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/30].

U.S. says it will shoot down any Iraqi plane trying to rejoin war after taking refuge in Iran; White House says it has received fresh assurances from Teheran that Iraqi planes will not be allowed to leave [LAT, WP 1/30].

Chancellor Kohl pledges additional $5.5 billion to war effort, and orders German anti-aircraft missile systems to Turkey [LAT, WP 1/30].

Pres. Bush meets in Washington with Egyptian F.M. Esmat Abdel Meguid; Egypt pushes for U.S. commitment to pressure Israel for settlement with Palestinians once Gulf war has ended [NYT, LAT, WP 1/30].

Law enforcement and intelligence agencies say they have detected more than 700 cases in which firms and individuals worldwide have tried to sell munitions and other goods to Iraq, including 20 incidents since August in U.S. [LAT 1/30].

Fateh official Abu Ziad [Rafiq Shafiq Qiblawi] is assassinated in ambush outside his home in Iraq-occupied Kuwait [WT 1/30].

French D.M. Jean-Pierre Chevenement, who had openly expressed his doubts about war with Iraq, is forced from office, and replaced by Interior Min. Pierre Joxe [WP 1/30].

Israel orders Palestinian leader Sari Nusseiben jailed without trial for 6 months as a spy for Iraq [WP 1/30].

Israeli gunboats and helicopters attack Fateh camps in S. Lebanon after barrage of rockets explode in "security zone" [WP 1/30].

NATO announces that Germany, Belgium, and Italy will send 42 jet fighters with at least 470 support personnel to Turkey to reinforce that nation's border with Iraq [WP, LAT, NYT 1/3].

After meeting with Saddam Hussein, Yasir Arafat indicates in interview that neither he nor Saddam is insisting that Israel withdraw from o.t. as requirement for Iraq to leave Kuwait [BADS 1/2 in FBIS 1/3; NYT 1/3].

Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) releases letter signed by 127 law professors insisting Pres. Bush has constitutional obligation to "obtain prior express congressional authorization" before ordering U.S. troops into war in the Gulf [WP 1/3].

IDF troops shoot dead 30-year-old Palestinian, wound at least 16 others in Gaza clashes arising after curfew is lifted there [MEM 1/2; LAT 1/3].

Kuwaiti embassy in Washington reports about 500 Kuwaiti nationals in U.S. are being drafted by Kuwait's gov't.-in-exile for training as translators to be assigned with U.S. military units in the Gulf [LAT 1/3].

Foreign ministers of Egypt, Syria, and Libya meet in Cairo to discuss Gulf crisis [MENA 1/2 in FBIS 1/2, 1/3; WT 1/3].

Jordan's King Hussein arrives in London for talks with British PM John Major [MEM 1/2; WT 1/3].

Arab League ass't. sec.-gen., Salah al-Mukhtar, resigns in protest of League's move to Cairo; he is replaced by Egyptian Ahamd 'Adil [INA, MENA 1/2 in FBIS 1/3].

Maj. Gen. Antoine Lahad, commander of Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army, reaffirms SLA independence of newly strengthened gov't. of Elias Hrawi until gov't. shows it is free of Syrian control [LAT 1/3]. 

Iraq's Information Minister says Baghdad still wants "deep dialogue" with U.S. despite differences over dates for direct talks; also says F.M. Aziz will not travel to Washington on 12/17 [INA 12/15, ATS 12/16 in FBIS 12/17; NYT 12/16; MET 12/25].

In Damascus, Algerian Pres. Benjedid opens talks with Pres. Asad on ways of finding Arab solution to Gulf crisis [DDS 12/15, APS 12/17 in FBIS 12/17; MET 12/25]; Yasir Arafat arrives in Amman for talks on Gulf crisis with King Hussein [ADS 12/15 in FBIS 12/17].

Egypt expresses to Israel its "extreme anxiety" over reports that Temple Mount Faithful will tour Haram al-Sharif on 12/17 [MENA 12/15 in FBIS 12/18].

EC ends summit conference in Rome with 2 resolutions on Middle East, one warning Saddam Hussein that peace in Gulf is his responsibility, the other calling for international peace conference on the Middle East [MEM 12/17].

Still searching for 2 Palestinians suspected in 12/14 stabbings, Israeli police arrest hundreds of Palestinians in o.t. Palestinians claim 800 are detained. Gaza is placed under curfew (cf. 12/16) [JDS 12/15 in FBIS 12/17; NYT, LAT 12/16; MET 12/25].

Israel issues deportation notices to 4 Gaza Strip Palestinians described by IDF as members of Hamas. Notices are given to Fadel Zaabut, Imad al-Alami, Mustapha al-Lidani, and Shaykh Mustafa Knuah (cf. 12/16, 12/18, 12/20, 12/25, 1/7, 1/8) [JDS 12/15 in FBIS 12/17; NYT, WP, CSM 12/17; JPI 12/22].

Iraq's Revolutionary Command Council issues statement allowing all Soviet citizens to leave Iraq providing Soviet gov't. assumes responsibility for breaching worker contracts [MEM 12/4; NYT, LAT, WT, WP, CSM 12/5; INA 12/4 in FBIS 12/4].

After meeting in Cairo with Saudi and Syrian F.M.s, Pres. Mubarak urges creation of new Arab alliance grouping Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria as a "foundation to serve the Arab people." Tripartite statement is also issued. King Hussein of Jordan and Vice Pres. al-Beedh of Yemen fly to Baghdad to meet with Saddam Hussein and Yasir Arafat [MENA 12/4 in FBIS 12/5; NYT, LAT, MEM 12/5; WP 12/6; AVP 12/6 in FBIS 12/7; MET 12/18].

Kuwait's ambassador to U.S. says Bush admin. has assured his gov't.-in-exile that U.S. would make "absolutely no concessions" when it meets with Iraqi officials [NYT 12/5].

New York Newsday reports Kach party members mailed to a television reporter a "hit list," threatening lives of at least 8 supporters of Palestinian rights, including M.T. Mehdi, Arthur Hertzberg, Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said, and Anthony Lewis. Threats are aimed at avenging assassination of Kach founder Meir Kahane [WT, WP, MEM 12/5].

In Brussels, 12-country EC agrees that It- aly, current holder of EC presidency, could hold talks with Iraqi F.M. Aziz if Aziz first meets with Pres. Bush [MEM 12/5].

Responding to growing fear over rash of Palestinian knife attacks on Israelis, police broaden surveillance of Arab workers in Israel with spot check searches and new roadblocks along W. Bank [NYT, MEM 12/5].

Iraq's Revolutionary Command Council agrees to Bush-Aziz and Saddam-Baker meetings intended to avert war; U.S. admin. officials rebuff Iraqi suggestion that talks deal also with Palestine question [NYT, WP 12/2; BDS 12/1, PAT 12/2 in FBIS 12/3; MEM 12/3; MET 12/11].

Israeli air force planes bomb Palestinian Popular Struggle Front base in S. Lebanon, wounding at least 5 people [NYT 12/2; BDS 12/1 in FBIS 12/3; JDS 12/1 in FBIS 12/4].

Egypt, PLO, and Gulf states welcome Pres. Bush's overture toward Iraq, PLO's Yasir Abd Rabbo calls it "a step in the right direction" [MENA 12/1, WAKH, RTS 12/2 in FBIS 12/3; NYT 12/2; MEM 12/3].

Israeli police shoot dead middle-aged Palestinian woman after she tries to stab Jerusalem policeman; policeman is not hurt [NYT 12/2].

Def. Sec. Richard Cheney signs order raising to 189,250 the maximum number of military reservists who can be ordered to active duty in Gulf; previous limit was 125,000 [NYT, LAT 12/4].

129th Israeli reservist is jailed for refusing to serve in o.t. [JPD 12/2 in FBIS 12/3].

In Boston, estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people protest against U.S. military involvement in Gulf [MEM 12/3].

In report submitted to Sec. Council, UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar suggests that the 164 nations that signed 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention on protecting civilians in wartime should meet to discuss new ways to ensure safety of Palestinians in O.T. (cf. 11/4) [WP, NYT, MEM 11/2].

Saddam Hussein orders the release of 4 elderly and sick American hostages [INA 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; WP 11/2; NYT 11/3].

Amnesty International says it has evidence that Saudi forces detained and tortured hundreds of Yemenis over their country's stand in the Gulf crisis, and urges King Fahd to conduct enquiry [WP 11/2].

Pres. Bush says he is "not trying to prepare our country for war," but admits a diplomatic solution to Gulf crisis is no nearer, and that status quo cannot remain forever [WP, NYT 11/2].

Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, commander of U.S. forces in Gulf, says his troops could obliterate Iraq but cautions that total destruction might not be "in the interest of the long-term balance of power in this region" [NYT 11/2].

Number of Soviet immigrants arriving in Israel during October topped 20,000 for 1st time, with 20,324 for a 1990 total of 121,752 [NYT 11/2].

Arab League begins its official work at its new headquarters in Cairo; acting Sec.-Gen. As'ad meets with Egypt's F.M. Majid to discuss Gulf crisis [MEM 11/1; CDS, MENA 11/1 in FBIS 11/2].

Israeli warplanes bomb targets in Lebanon's Biqa' Valley for 2d time in 8 days, no casualty figures are reported [IDF 11/1 in FBIS 11/1; BDS 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; WP 11/2].

Pres. Bush declares he has 'had it" with Iraq's treatment of U.S. hostages and diplomats; Chief of Staff John Sununu says Bush is still committed to avoiding hostilities [NYT, LAT, WP 11/1].

Saddam Hussein announces through spokesperson that relatives of foreigners it is holding as "guests" may visit their loved ones in Iraq during the holiday season [NYT 11/1].

Returning to Moscow after meeting with Saddam, Soviet envoy Primakov says while his mission had not been a total success, he believes Iraq is becoming more open to political solution to Gulf crisis [NYT, WP 11/1].

Pres. Mubarak rebuffs Soviet suggestion that Arab leaders convene to solve Gulf crisis, saying Arab leaders did meet in August and solved nothing, and that leaders are still working on a solution to the crisis [LAT 11/1].

Foreign ministers of Saudia Arabia, Syria, and Egypt meet in Jeddah to discuss "latest developments in the Gulf" [NYT 11/1].

Algeria decides to send milk and flour to Iraq and Kuwait, specifically for children [AGS 10/31 in FBIS 11/1].

Swedish parliamentary delegation leaves Iraq after several-day visit; Saddam allows at least 6 Swedish nationals to leave Iraq [INA 10/31 in FBIS 11/1].

After year-long trial, 1 of 4 Givati Brigade soldiers receives 2-month prison sentence, and 3 others receive suspended sentences in the beating death of Palestinian back in February 1988 [NYT, MEM 11/1]. 

Saudi D.M. Prince Sultan's 10/21 com-ments alarm Bush admin., but Saudi officials say comments did not reflect a change in Saudi gov't policy [NYT, WP 10/23].

Israeli police surround Jerusalem with roadblocks to keep Palestinians from O.T. out of the city, and thousands of paramilitary border guards are stationed at major intersections and along boundaries between East and West Jerusalem to prevent escalation of violence stemming from 10/21 stabbing deaths. It is believed to be 1st time that whole city is closed to Palestinians [NYT, LAT, WP, WT, MEM 10/23].

Senate votes 97-1 to authorize $700 million in additional military aid to Israel to help it meet "potential threat" posed by Iraq. Robert Byrd (D-W. Va.) cast lone opposing vote; says Israel does not need the money [LAT, WT, MEM 10/23].

Saddam Hussein suggests he may release all French hostages and a number of elderly and sick Americans still in Iraq [NYT, LAT, WP 10/23].

Pres. Mubarak arrives on unscheduled visit to Saudi Arabia to inspect Egyptian troops stationed near the Saudi-Kuwaiti border [MENA 10/22 in FBIS 10/22; LAT, MEM 10/23].

Deputy mufti of Jerusalem, Muhammad al-Jamal, is released from jail on bail of NIS 20,000. He had been detained since 10/9 following Haram al-Sharif incident [JDS 10/22 in FBIS 10/23].

P.M. Shamir's gov't survives vote of confidence in Knesset by 53-51, 2 MKs abstain, others are absent [MEM 10/23].

According to New York Times, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states have suspended some $40 million in monthly contributions to the PLO because of PLO's support of Iraq [NYT 10/18].

Expressing concern that U.S. could go to war against Iraq while Congress was in recess, Senate Foreign Relations Committee demands Pres. Bush obtain congressional approval before taking military action. Demand is rebuffed by White House and Sec. Baker, who says the pres. will "consult" with Congress if need be [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 10/18].

For. Sec. Hurd says he failed to convince Israelis to accept UN team investigating Haram al-Sharif incident; 28 prominent Palestinians cancel scheduled meeting with Hurd after local press reports 10/16 comments; Hurd says papers misinterpreted his comments [MEM 10/17; NYT, WT 10/18; JDS 10/17 in FBIS 10/17, 10/18].

Egypt's most prominent newspaper Al-Ahram assails King Hussein as co-conspirator with Saddam, saying King Hussein acknowledged in an interview with New York Times he knew in advance of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Al-Ahram's version of the interview is at odds with the Times article, which says King Hussein knew of the invasion only at 6:00 am on 8/2 [NYT 10/18].

Arab League emergency session, called for by Palestine to discuss Haram al-Sharif shootings, opens in Tunis (cf. 10/18) [SPA 10/17 in FBIS 10/18].

Saddam Hussein releases 9 French hostages in what is interpreted as move to find soft spot in international embargo (cf. 10/3). Responding to Saddam's move to open "debate" with France, French leaders say they have been miscast as peacemakers by Pres. Hussein, and deny they have entered into any negotiations with Iraq. [INA 10/1 in FBIS 10/3; MEM 10/1; LAT, WP, NYT, WT 10/2].

Speaking before UN Gen. Assembly, Pres. Bush hints that Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait could open the way for Arab-Israeli peace [LAT, WP, NYT, WT, MEM 10/2].

Joint resolution expressing Congress' endorsement of Pres. Bush handling of Gulf crisis passes the House of Representatives by vote of 380-29; resolution stops short of endorsing military action against Iraq (cf. 10/2) [LAT 10/2].

White House announces it notified Congress of its intention to give Israel 2 Patriot anti-missile batteries under provisions of law that allows for emergency transfer of military assistance from military stockpiles [LAT, MEM 10/2].

Jordan closes its borders to Gulf-bound commercial truck traffic in response to 9/30 Saudi decision to refuse entry to Jordanian trucks headed for Gulf states. Produce prices soar (cf. 10/2) [WP, NYT, WT, MEM 10/2].

UNLU call no. 62 "rejects all occupations, regardless of pretexts" and deals at length with need to keep order in schools [MEM 10/2; text in SVP 10/2 in FBIS 10/3; BVP 10/3 in FBIS 10/4].

Almost 1 year after trial began on 10/3/89, 4 Givati Brigade soldiers are con- victed of assault for beating to death Bureij camp Palestinian; sentences to be given on 10/24 (cf. 10/24) [MEM 10/2].

European Community approves at least $1.5 billion package of grants and loans for Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey, all hard hit by sanctions against Iraq [LAT, WP, MEM 10/3].

Egyptian and Moroccan forces arrive in Saudi Arabia to defend it from Iraq attack [WP 8/12].

Pro-Iraq demonstrations take place in W.Bank and Gaza; many Palestinians support Saddam Hussein [NYT 8/12]; Witnesses in Gaza City report about 200 pro-Iraq demonstrators burning tires and throwing stones [JDS 8/11 in FBIS 8/13].

Arafat meets in Cairo with Syrian Pres. Asad to discuss Gulf crisis [AFP 8/ 11 in FBIS 8/13].

PLF leader Abul Abbas issues combat orders to his forces, urging them to strike "at all U.S. interests" in the region [INA 8/11 in FBIS 8/13].

Israeli housing minister Ariel Sharon says "if the U.S. wishes to act, it should act now" against Iraq, as "a drawn out siege will slowly falter" [IDF 8/11 in FBIS 8/13].

Washington Post reports Gulf crisis is boosting Israeli confidence over its relations with U.S.; Jerusalem sees crisis as Israeli windfall as Arafat is pushed further away from rapprochment with U.S. and Egypt [WP 8/6].

Arafat meets with Saddam Hussein in Baghdad [BVP, INA 8/5 in FBIS 8/6].

Islamic Conference Organization concludes Cairo meetings, issues statement supporting intifada, denouncing Israeli policy in O.T. [MENA 8/5 in FBIS 8/7].

16 Knesset members meet with pro. PLO Palestinian notables in Jerusalem, groups agree to work for peace; action is furthest any high-ranking group of elected Israeli officials have gone toward recognizing PLO as legitimate rpresentative of Palestinians [JDS 8/5, JPD 8/7 in FBIS 8/8; WT, MEM 8/6].

New York Times reports Israelis are among world's most heavily taxed people; that for economic reasons more than half the Americans who move to Israel give up and move back within 2 years [NYT 8/6].

In first interview with U.S. newspaper in nearly 6 years, Iraq's Saddam Hussein says another Mideast war is "inevitable" unless U.S. deters aggressive Israeli policies against Palestinians; that Iraq will stand up to any Israeli military aggression in the area [WSJ 6/28].

Joint Jewish Agency and gov't. coordinating committee on immigration and absorption approve annual budget of $2.3 million for absorbing 150,000 immigrants a year for next 3 years; plan includes construction of 45,000 new apartments [IGP 6/27 in FBIS 6/27].

Esmat Abdel Meguid, Egypt's F.M., meets in New York with UN Sec. Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar to brief de Cuellar on Meguid's meetings with Pres. Bush, Sec. Baker [MENA 6/27 in FBIS 6/28].

UN envoy Jean-Claude Amie tours Gaza Strip and meets with Palestinian officials there who request UN protection [JDS 6/28 in FBIS 6/28].

West Bank Civil Admin. allows 2 colleges to reopen: al-Najah University in Nablus and Science University in Abu Dis; studies will resume in mid-July [JDS 6/27 in FBIS 6/28].

Soviet Pres. Mikhail Gorbachev sends letter to Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, stressing need for continued peaceful efforts and declaring suspension of U.S.- PLO dialogue as harmful to peace process [RMC 6/28 in FBIS 6/29].

Concluding 3-day visit to Israel, speakers of East and West German parliaments say they have received P.M. Shamir's unconditional approval of reunification of Germany. Shamir says he expects Germany to influence other EC members to adopt more understanding attitude toward Israel [JDS 6/28 in FBIS 6/28; WT 6/28].

Pres. of European Parliament, Enrique Baron Crespo, meets in Tunis with Arafat, according to WAFA [MEM 6/28].

Bomb explodes in Jewish sector of Jerusalem, kills 72-year-old man, wounds 9 others; police round up dozens of Palestinians; angry Jewish shopowners try to attack them, shout anti-Arab epithets [NYT, WP, WT, LAT 5/29; IDF 5/28 in FBIS 5/29; FJ 6/4].

Arab League summit opens in Baghdad; Saddam Husein takes hard line against Israel and U.S. despitefforts by Egypt, Saudi Arabia to tone down rhetoric. 5 Arab states, including Syria do not attend summit [NYT, WP, WT 5/29; INA 5/28 in FBIS 5/29].

Israeli parliamentary panel votes 13-11 to approve retroactively the gov't.'s $1.8 million financing of Jewish settlement in St. John's Hospice in E. Jerusalem [WT 5/29].

Israeli high court gives permission to far-right Kach movement, led by Rabbi Meir Kahane, to hold demonstration in Rishon le Zion in support of 5/20 killings [sic] [NYT 5/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel closes 4 schools in Gaza following demonstrations [FBIS 2/24].

Arab World: In Cairo, Arafat holds press conference with Israeli journalists, reaffirms willingness to accept three-part state consisting of Israel, Palestine, Jordan. Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze arrives in Baghdad for talks with Iraqi pres. Saddam Husayn [FBIS 2/24].

Other Countries: Egyptian pres. Mubarak, Jordan's King Hussein meet with Pres. Bush at Japanese emperor Hirohito's funeral, ask him to back Middle East peace conference; Israeli pres. Chaim Herzog urges Bush to wait [WP, LAT 2/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In al-'Ayzariyyah Israeli civilians shoot, wound 4 Palestinians after their car was stoned. At least 6 other Palestinians are wounded throughout O.T. [FBIS 2/24].

Arab World: South Lebanese Army (SLA) forces shoot, kill 3 DFLP guerrillas attempting to cross Israel's northern border [FBIS 2/24, NYT 2/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO chairman Yasir Arafat calls on Israeli Arabs to "push forward the peace process" by voting in Israel's upcoming elections [LAT 10/24]. Pres. Mubarak of Egypt and Arafat fly to Baghdad, meet with Saddam Husayn [LAT 10/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops wound 9 Palestinians during protests in the occupied territories [NYT 10/24]. Clashes occur in Nablus, Jenin, Ramallah, Jabalya, Rafah, Beach, Sa'ir [FJ 10/30].

Arab World: Between 4 and 6 PFLP guerrillas are killed by Israeli troops in south Lebanon [NYT 10/24]. Israeli troops arrest "several" others in south Lebanon in connection with 10/19 car bombing [NYT 10/ 24, WP 10/25]