The Palestine Chronology

After 3 days of talks in Damascus, presidents of Syria and Iran agree to allow armed Iranian-backed forces to remain in southern Lebanon near Israel's "security zone"; Lebanese Forces militia announces it is surrendering its weapons to Lebanese Army [MEM 4/29; NYT, MEM 4/30; DDS 4/29 in FBIS 4/30]. Joint Syrian-Iranian declaration stresses that Iran must play a role in Middle East security arrangements [MEM 4/30].

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says that Iraq has given detailed response to requests for more information about location of its nuclear materials [NYT 4/30; AFP 4/30 in FBIS 5/1]; but will not disclose whereabouts of materials that escaped allied bombing unless Baghdad is assured materials will not be destroyed [WP 5/1].

American section of World Jewish Congress calls for commutation of Jonathan Jay Pollard's life sentence for spying for Israel [WP 4/30].

Pres. Bush says U.S. will resist Iraq's UN request to have economic sanctions lifted so that Baghdad can begin selling oil for badly needed currency; Bush says exception would be made for food imports [WP 4/30].

Media report that Egypt is quietly repatriating most of its nearly 40,000 troops who were deployed in Gulf war (cf. 5/8) [AFP 4/30 in FBIS 4/30].

UNLU issues unnumbered leaflet blaming Israeli gov't. for purposely "striking at the tourist sector in Jerusalem and spreading biased propaganda regarding alleged risks to tourists" [MEM 5/1].

Senate approves bill that urges Bush admin. to propose international tribunal that would prosecute Iraqi war criminals [NYT 4/19].

Sec. Baker arrives in Jerusalem for 3d round of diplomacy; on Israeli radio P.M. Shamir cautions U.S. not to pressure Israel into taking part in peace conference not to its liking [MEM 4/18; NYT, WP, LAT 4/19].

Iraq turns over to UN information its chemical and biological warfare capacity and its nuclear facilities, saying it has complied with demands in 1st stage of UN res. 687 ending Gulf war (cf. 4/19) [WP, LAT 4/19].

Amnesty International study concludes hundreds of Kuwaiti resident suspected of collaborating with Iraq have been arrested and in some cases tortured and executed (cf. 4/19) [WP, LAT, MEM 4/19; FJ 4/22; MET 4/30].

Kuwaiti ambassador to UN in Geneva criticizes report as "based upon a few excesses . .. and ignores the general situation inside Kuwait" [KUNA 4/19 in FBIS 4/19].

For 2d time, Iraqi gov't. extends its amnesty period for returning Kurds [MEM 4/18; INA 4/18 in FBIS 4/19; MET 4/30].

Thousands participate in Gush Emunim sponsored march in West Bank settlement of Karnei Shomron in support of continued settlement; location of march is changed at last minute after IDF refuses to allow group in new settlement of Revava [MEM 4/19].

PLO approves of 4/20 meeting between Sec. Baker and Palestinian leaders from o.t., according to Palestinian media [MEM 4/19].

Meeting with Sec. Baker in Riyadh, representatives of the 8 Arab countries allied with U.S. in Gulf war give general endorsement to Pres. Bush's Middle East peace initiative; but press for concessions and flexibility from Israel [NYT, WP, LAT, CSM 3/11; KUNA 3/10 in FBIS 3/11].

On eve of Sec. Baker's visit to Israel, Palestinian fatally stabs 4 Israeli women at bus stop outside Jerusalem; police say assailant meant his action as "message" to Sec. Baker; Jewish bystanders throw stones at Palestinian cars and shout for revenge; Palestinians are barred from Jerusalem until further notice [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/11; IDF, JDS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; CSM 3/12; FJ 3/18; MET 3/19; JPI 3/23].

18-truck convoy of medicine, food, and water leaves Jordan for Iraq. Relief officials say they are "fighting against time to try to prevent another health catastrophe" as warming weather raises threat of cholera and typhoid [LAT 3/11; MET 3/19].

Jerusalem radio reports that Ariel Sharon has submitted to P.M. Shamir his resignation as chrmn. of Ministerial Committee on Aliyah, saying he could not operate without additional powers or Shamir's support (cf. 3/13) [JDS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11].

Internal report from Israel's Housing Ministry indicates more than 10,000 new housing units are to be located in o.t., despite previous pledges by gov't. to Bush admin. to place all homes in Israel [WP, LAT 3/11].

Yasir Abd Rabbo says PLO has authorized Palestinian figures in o.t. to meet with Sec. Baker during his visit to Israel [AFP, ADS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; AVP, TDS 3/11 in FBIS 3/12].

Israeli Inner Cabinet meets and reaffirms its adherence to its May 1989 peace plan; various ministers says Israel will not discuss Golan Heights [IDF, JDS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11]

Saudi and U.S. officials ready barricades and dispersal chemicals to try to keep oil slick flowing south from Kuwait from reaching desalinization plants on Gulf. Iraq says spill was caused by allied bombing; U.S. contends it was deliberate act by Iraqi troops [NYT, WP 1/27].

Patriot missiles intercept 5 SCUDS over Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Riyadh [IDF 1/26 in FBIS 1/28; NYT, WP 1/27].

Teheran radio reports 7 Iraqi planes have been allowed to make emergency landings in Iran, and that 1 of the planes crashed and exploded on landing. Teheran says planes will be impounded. U.S. says dozens of other Iraqi planes have been flown to Iranian airbases over past week [NYT, WP 1/27].

About 75,000 people march in Washington, D.C., protesting U.S. involvement in Gulf war; protest also takes place in San Francisco, while scattered counterdemonstrations, supporting Pres. Bush occur. Protesters also march in Bonn [NYT, WP 1/27].

Yasir Arafat meets with King Hassan in Rabat to discuss Gulf war [RADS 1/26 in FBIS 1/29].

After day of multinational force bombing successes against Iraq, Baghdad fires as many as 8 SCUD missiles at Israel, hitting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and less populated areas [NYT, LAT, WT, WP, MEM 1/18].

Saddam Hussein defies 2d day of bombing in Baghdad by touring Iraq's capital; vows to defeat multinational force and liberate Palestine; calls on all Arabs to help resist U.S. [NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 1/18].

Anti-U.S. demonstrations erupt in Algeria, smaller protests in European cities but European gov'ts. give full backing to war effort; Iran condemns U.S.-led invasion; Pres. Gorbachev blames Iraqi intransigence for war, but only after trying to get Pres. Bush to postpone attack long enough for Soviet diplomats to try to speak to Saddam Hussein; Japan pledges additional aid for allied effort [MEM 1/17; NYT 1/18].

Turkey's parliament authorizes U.S. fighters and bombers to launch attacks on Iraq from Incirlik Air Base near Adama on the Mediterranean [NYT, LAT, MEM 1/18].

New York Times reports of CIA's psychological warfare against Iraq: broadcasting anti-Saddam propaganda into Iraq, circulat- ing audio and video cassettes depicting Saddam's regime as corrupt, and smuggling radios into Iraq to receive American broadcasts [NYT 1/19].

Curfew in Gaza continues; Israel places West Bank under curfew [JDS, IDF 1/17 in FBIS 1/17].

PLO Executive Committee issues statement decrying U.S. for beginning Gulf war and calling for worldwide resistance [AVP, MAP, AFP 1/17 in FBIS 1/18; MEM 1/17; WP 1/18].

Protests are planned on behalf of steadily growing anti-war movement in U.S. embracing every major religious denomination in country and 9 major unions [NYT, LAT 1/11].

Arab diplomats at UN say they believe Saddam Hussein plans initiative soon after 1/15 deadline expressing support "in principle" for leaving Kuwait while simultaneously calling for international conference to address Palestinian grievances against Israel [NYT, WP 1/11].

Sec. of State Baker meets with King Fahd; they reportedly discuss timing of allied attack on Iraq [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/11].

New York Times reports Saudi Arabia earned roughly $15 billion in windfall oil profits from August to December, and has pledged $30 billion in Gulf-related commitments, effectively mortgaging part of future oil profits [NYT 1/11]; Kuwait has disbursed nearly $7 billion to help finance coalition effort [WT 1/11].

Congress opens debate on whether to authorize war with Iraq; Democrats accuse Pres. Bush of rushing toward use of force [LAT, WP 1/11].

Pres. Bush telephones P.M. Shamir, asks again that Israel "remain low" during Gulf crisis [WP 1/11].

U.S. Justice Dep't. orders immigration authorities to begin fingerprinting and photographing anyone entering the U.S. with a Kuwaiti or Iraqi passport as part of an effort to combat potential terrorism [MEM, WP 1/1 1].

Pres. Mubarak tells CNN that "if Iraq launched an attack at Israel without any Israeli participation [in war], she would have the right to attack it [back]" [MEM 1/11]. 

Pres. Bush sends letter to Congress calling on both houses to adopt resolution supporting use of force against Iraq if it does not withdraw from Kuwait by 1/15 [NYT, LAT, WP 1/9].

Chrmn. of House Armed Services Committee, Lee Aspin (D-Wisc.) says if war breaks out in Gulf, U.S. will attack in phases, beginning with air campaign; ground attack would be used as last resort and in final phases of fighting [NYT, LAT, WP 1/9].

F.M. Aziz arrives in Geneva, says he has come for "constructive talks," but would not bow to pressure. Sec. Baker also arrives in Geneva after spending day in successive meetings in European capitals with leaders of France, Italy, and Germany [MEM 1/8; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/9].

King Hussein of Jordan visits Germany to discuss Gulf crisis; he is in Bonn at the same time as Sec. Baker, but the two did not meet [NYT 1/9].

Saudi D.M. "categorically denie[s]" that 6 Iraqi helicopter pilots sought refuge in Saudi Arabia on 1/7; allies say entire incident is mix-up [MEM 1/8; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/9].

Israel deports to Lebanon 4 Palestinians from Gaza Strip less than 24 hours after they dropped appeals to Supreme Court [IDF 1/8 in FBIS 1/8; MEM 1/8; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/9].

Washington Post/ABC News poll finds most Americans want Congress to support more strongly Pres. Bush's Gulf policy (68%), but equally large majority thinks Bush should get authorization from Congress before going to war (66%) [WP 1/8]. 

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]. 

Pres. Bush says direct talks between U.S. and Iraq are "on hold" until Baghdad agrees to receive Sec. Baker no later than 1/3; Iraq echoes Bush statement saying talks have been postponed indefinitely, and wants Baker-Saddam meeting on 1/12 [NYT, LAT, WP 12/15].

Sec.-Gen. of GCC, Abdallah Beshara, a Kuwaiti, is quoted as saying Gulf crisis has underlined need for 6-member GCC to set up joint army and move towards "total unity" [MEM 12/14]. 

Algerian Pres. Chedli Benjedid flies to Muscat for meetings with Omani leaders about Gulf crisis [MEM 12/14].

Three Israelis are stabbed to death in an aluminum factory in Jaffa; widespread anti- Arab rioting follows while police search for 2 Palestinian suspects (cf. 12/15) LIDS 12/14 in FBIS 12/14, FBIS 12/17; MEM 12/14; NYT, LAT, WP 12/15; JPI 12/22; MET 12/25]

In Washington, Pres. Bush holds 2-hour meeting with Israeli P.M. Shamir, the 1st U.S.-Israel meeting since Gulf crisis began; Shamir calls talks "reassuring" [JDS 12/11, YA 12/12 in FBIS 12/12; NYT, LAT, WT, WP, CSM 12/12; JPI 12/22].

Nearly 500 Western and Japanese hostages leave Iraq and Kuwait on chartered planes; State Dep't. believes 268 Americans have left since 12/8, but that about 500 Americans have chosen to remain behind [INA 12/11 in FBIS 12/12; NYT, LAT, WP 12/12].

France announces it will send an additional 4,000 men to the Gulf, raising total number of French troops to 10,000. Pentagon says Iraq has placed an additional 20,000 troops in and around Kuwait in the past week [NYT, WP 12/12].

Sec. Baker gives tentative and qualified support for Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze's proposal for nuclear-free Middle East once Iraq leaves Kuwait [LAT, WT, WP 12/12].

First Polish ambassador to Israel since 1967 presents his credentials as Poland and Israel resume ties [HAM 12/12 in FBIS 12/19].

Despite U.S. initial commitment on 10/2 to give Israel $400 million in housing loan guarantees for Soviet immigrants, Bush admin. is still in process of reviewing loan arrangements and loan has not yet been implemented [MEM 12/12].

Italian F.M. Gianni De Michelis tells Le Monde "we cannot allow [Israel] to dictate the present and future security in the [Middle East]. I think it is necessary from now on to isolate Israel. One has seen with Iraq that isolation can have good results" [MEM 12/13].

Iraqi gov't. orders 250,000 additional troops and reservists to Kuwait and decries U.S. criticism of its plan to release foreign hostages. Troops will join estimated 430,000 already stationed in Kuwait (cf. 11/20) [BADS 11/19 in FBIS 11/19; LAT, NYT, WT, WP 11/20; CSM 11/21; MET 11/27].

Pres. Bush meets Pres. Gorbachev in Paris; Bush fails to win Soviet approval for UN Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force in Gulf. Meeting between Bush and Jordan's King Hussein is indefinitely postponed, reportedly because of King's 11/17 speech and differences on Gulf crisis [LAT, NYT, WP, MEM 11/20; CSM 11/21].

Arab countries at UN say they will end efforts made since 1982 to expel Israel from UN, but in return want Gen. Assembly to declare that Israel does not represent territories occupied after 1967 war [WP 11/20; NYT 11/21].

Housing Min. Ariel Sharon says special effort is being made to build housing in E. Jerusalem, indicating that of 17,000 new units planned, 15,000 will be built over green line (cf. 11/21) LIDS 11/20 in FBIS 11/20].

More than 100 W. Bank Palestinians are issued green ID cards, barring them from working is Israel; D.M. Moshe Arens has agreed to issue 2,400 new green IDs, bringing number of barred Palestinians to 10,000 [JPD 11/20 in FBIS 11/21; MEM 11/20; FJ 11/26].

U.S. officials say P.M. Shamir's 11/18 "sea to river" remark will hurt chances for Arab-Israeli peace, ask for clarification; comment also draws criticism from Israeli Labor party officials [WT, WP, MEM 11/20; JPI 12/1].

Morocco's King Hassan suggests that obstacles to proposed Arab summit on Gulf crisis might be removed by first convening smaller gathering of key Arab heads of state [MEM 11/20].

In Brussels for international economic meetings, Sec. of State Baker rejects Soviet envoy Yevgeny Primakov's suggestion that solution to Gulf crisis be linked to Palestine question [LAT 11/17].

Soviet envoy Alexander Belonogov meets in Cairo with Pres. Mubarak to discuss Gulf crisis; Belonogov then leaves for Saudi Arabia [MENA 11/16, CDS 11/17 in FBIS 11/20].

Ultra-Orthodox Agudat Israel party joins P.M. Shamir's ruling coalition; belated agreement increases Likud majority from 62 Knesset seats out of 120, to 66 seats [JDS 11/16 in FBIS 11/16; NYT, LAT 11/17; CSM, MEM 11/19; JPI 11/24; MET 11/27].

Arab and nonaligned nations introduce Sec. Council resolution calling for UN observer force in occupied territories (o.t.) and for conference of 164 signators of Fourth Geneva Convention [LAT 11/17; MEM 11/19].

Iran and Iraq announce agreement on series of steps to end major disputes lingering from 8-year war; Iranian F.M. Velayati says he detects willingness by Iraq to end crisis by withdrawing from Kuwait [NYT 11/17].

700 members of U.S. Council of Jewish Federations pass without dissent resolution backing Bush admin. policy in Gulf, but say they will fight U.S. plans to sell weapons to Saudia Arabia [NYT 11/17].

IDF bars Gaza Strip and West Bank residents from Jerusalem as preventive measure against anticipated protests following prayers on Haram al-Sharif [FJ 11/19].

Israeli Immigration Minister Yitzhak Peretz ignites political row by calling for curbs on Soviet immigration, saying 4 of 10 newcomers are not Jewish [MEM 11/1].

Sec. Baker arrives in Brussels to continue discussions with other members of UN Sec. Council about possible resolution authorizing use of force in Gulf [WP 11/16].

Pres. of National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk, writes to Pres. Bush that offensive action against Iraq would likely violate criteria Catholic tradition considers essential for a "just war"; National Council of Churches issues statement raising moral objections to possible war, calling for troop reduction in Gulf, and call- ing for international conference to develop comprehensive Middle East peace [WP, NYT 11/16].

Palestinians in O.T. celebrate 2d anniversary of declaration of Palestinian state with parades and fireworks; minor clashes with IDF are reported [WP 11/16].

Saddam Hussein tells ABC News he wants to negotiate peaceful settlement to Gulf crisis, but refuses to withdraw from Kuwait as precondition for talks [WP, NYT 11/16].

Following 2d round of talks between Pres. Mubarak and Pres. Asad, both announce rejection of call for Arab summit [RMC, MENA 11/15 in FBIS 11/16].

Soviet envoy Primakov calls for delaying introduction of Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq to give time for final negotiating effort [NYT 11/16].

Space shuttle Atlantis lifts off on mission allegedly to deploy spy satellite over Gulf [WP 11/16].

Israeli authorities arrest 3 prominent Palestinian leaders and order them imprisoned without trial; Radwan Abu Ayyash and Ziad Abu Zayyad are ordered held for 6 months in "administrative detention," while Gaza physician Ahmed Yaziji is ordered to serve 1 year in detention [JDS 11/13 in FBIS 11/14; WP, NYT 11/14].

Iraqi envoys visit Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya to discuss Baghdad's conditions on attending possible Arab summit-conditions reportedly include that Baghdad be consulted in advance on agenda, that timing and location be such that Saddam may attend, and that the Gulf crisis be discussed in context of regional "security" issues, including Israel-Palestine conflict [WP, NYT 11/14].

Pres. Mubarak begins 2-day visit to Libya to discuss Gulf crisis with Col. Qaddafi [CDS 11/14 in FBIS 11/14; WP 11/14].

Sec. Baker says Saddam threatens the "economic lifeline" of the West and U.S. military deployment is justified to protect American jobs: "[An] economic recession world- wide, caused by the control of one nation ... of the West's economic lifeline will result in the loss of jobs on the part of American citizens" [WP, NYT 11/14].

U.S. military advisors are helping remnants of Kuwait army regroup and train for possible battle with Iraq [NYT 11/14].

Congressmen from both parties call on Pres. Bush to convene special session of Congress to discuss Gulf crisis; White House says it opposes such a session [NYT 11/14].

Pres. Bush orders U.S. forces in Gulf in- creased by about 200,000, a new deployment he says would ensure that an "offensive military option" is available if needed. Increase will raise number of troops in region to about 430,000 [WP, NYT 11/9].

After meeting with Sec. Baker, Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze says that although USSR wants a diplomatic settlement to Gulf crisis, military force may be required to expel Iraq from Kuwait [WP, NYT 11/9].

Washington Post reports that in the past week 3 Marine generals have warned that U.S. military supply lines in Gulf are showing signs of strain and have urged that military stockpiles be increased before any U.S. offensive [WP 11/9].

Israeli soldier and Arab are killed in gunfight after 5 Arabs cross border from Jordan, allegedly seeking revenge on 1 month anniversary of Haram al-Sharif killings [IDF, JDS 11/8 in FBIS 11/9; MEM 11/8; WP, NYT 11/9].

D.M. Moshe Arens says Israel will not let Lebanese gov't regain control of S. Lebanon "security zone" controlled by Israel [NYT 11/9].

Saddam Hussein has dismissed his military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Nazir al-Khazraji, according to Iraqi army newspaper Al-Qadisiya [MEM 11/8; NYT 11/9]. 

UN Sec. Council votes 13-0, with 2 abstentions (Yemen and Cuba) for resolution declaring Iraq responsible for all damage and personal injuries resulting from occupation of Kuwait; laying the groundwork for seizure of impounded Iraqi assets; and warning that if Iraq continues to ignore its resolutions, UN would take "further measures under the Charter" [NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 10/30].

In separate but coordinated speeches, Pres. Bush and Sec. Baker warn Saddam the U.S. would not shrink from "use of force" if Iraq continued to occupy Kuwait. In contrast, Pres. Gorbachev says after meeting with Pres. Mitterrand that Iraq may be softening its stand and that "it's unacceptable to have a military solution to this question" [NYT, LAT, WP 10/30].

Los Angeles Times reports Bush admin. will meet next week to discuss timetable for possible use of force against Iraq at talks with U.S. allies in Europe and Gulf [LAT 10/30].

In Paris for meetings with French P.M. Rocard, Israeli F.M. Levy asks for financial aic in settling Soviet Jewish immigrants in Israel [MEM 10/30].

U.S.-based Union of Councils for Soviet Jews, together with leading Soviet Jews, opens Bureau of Exit, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law - a bureau officially sanctioned by Moscow to help people who want to leave USSR for Israel and elsewhere [LAT 10/30].

Speaking in hour-long interview taped for CNN news, Saddam says Iraq would no sooner leave Kuwait than the U.S. would leave Hawaii, but holds out that diplomatic solution is still possible [LAT, WP 10/30; INA 10/31 in FBIS 11/1].

Pres. Bush meets with House and Senate leaders to discuss Gulf crisis, but says he would have "no hesitancy" about ordering an attack on Iraq without congressional approval [LAT 10/30].

King Fahd meets in Riyadh with Soviet envoy Primakov to discuss Gulf crisis [SPA 10/29 in FBIS 10/30].

UNLU issues call no. 63 - "call of the second anniversary of independence" [AVP 10/30 in FBIS 10/31; MEM 10/30].

Hinting that a new peace initiative might be under way in Gulf crisis, USSR asks UN Sec. Council to postpone approving new resolution condemning Iraq; Primakov arrives in Baghdad for talks with Saddam Hussein [NYT, WP 10/28].

Bush admin. officials say White House did not approve or disapprove of Lebanese and Syrian actions and believes that while Syria's ouster of Gen. Aoun in Beirut was violent, it was the only solution that offered any promise for Lebanon [NYT 10/28].

EC leaders say Iraq's selective release of foreign hostages would not erode their unity in the Gulf crisis, and say they are "prepared to consider additional steps" within UN framework if sanctions do not force Iraq out of Kuwait [NYT, LAT 10/29]; Jordanian officials say they expect to receive $1.5 billion from EC to fend off economic collapse in Jordan [MEM 10/29].

Pres. Bush has initiated private discussions with members of Congress on the possible use of force in Gulf crisis [WP 10/5].

In speech read on behalf of Iraqi F.M. Aziz to UN Gen. Assembly, Iraq accuses U.S. and allies of starting new era of "Western imperialism," but offers no indication it is willing to withdraw from Kuwait, calling instead for comprehensive settlement on all Middle East issues [NYT, LAT 10/6; text in INA 10/6 in FBIS 10/9].

Pres. Mubarak claims Israel has been secretly in contact with Iraq in recent weeks; Israel does not deny allegations, but claims Mubarak's intent was to undercut Arab support for Iraq, rather than draw Israel further into Gulf crisis [NYT 10/6; MEM 10/8].

Western military officials in Middle East claim that several days before Iraq's attack of Kuwait, officers in UN force in southern Iraq had reported to the UN Iraq's military buildup had earmarks of attack against Kuwait, but that UN ignored the warnings [NYT 10/6].

Sec. Baker says U.S. will release $400 million in loan guarantees for housing Soviet Jewish immigrants as a result of Israeli assurances [JDS 10/2 in FBIS 10/3; NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 10/3].

Joint resolution expressing Congress' approval of Pres. Bush's handling of Gulf crisis passes Senate by vote of 96-3 [WP, LAT, NYT, WT 10/3].

Soviet Union complains Iraq is delaying exit visas for Soviet specialists whose contracts have expired and who want to return home [LAT 10/3].

Senate Appropriations subcommittee on foreign operations approves admin. proposal to forgive Egypt's $7 billion military debt; also authorizes Israel to redirect up to $200 million of U.S. economic assistance to "defense purposes" during the Gulf crisis [CDS 10/3 in FBIS 10/5; WP 10/3].

Chief of Soviet General Staff, Gen. Mikhail A. Moiseyev, says economic sanctions against Iraq are working and that no force should be used in Gulf unless it is approved by the UN [NYT 10/3].

Addressing UN Gen. Assembly, Saudi F.M. Prince Saud al-Faisal urges Iraq to leave Kuwait in order to strengthen rights of Palestinians [NYT, MEM 10/3].

Bethlehem University reopens, becoming the 1st university to open after 30 months [IDF 10/2 in FBIS 10/2].

Japanese P.M. Toshiki Kaifu arrives in Cairo for meeting with Pres. Mubarak [MENA 10/2 in FBIS 10/3; WT 10/3].

IDF troops shoot dead 3 W. Bank Palestinians, another dies from wounds received last week, in one of the highest single-day death tolls in recent months [MEM 10/3].

Jordan reopens its borders to Gulf-bound trucks; ban had interrupted flow of Lebanese, Syrian, and Turkish produce and meat to Gulf states. Jordan says it lifted ban to "test the good intentions" of Saudi gov't, implying ban would be reimposed if trucks were not given passage through Saudi Arabia; Saudis claim Jordan "caved in" to Syrian pressure [MEM 10/3]. 

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].

Pres. Bush accepts offer from Baghdad to speak on Iraqi television, says 10-15 minute speech would provide "real opportunity" to explain why he has sent U.S. troops to Saudi Arabia [LAT, WP 9/7].

Iraq acquiesces to U.S. demand that U.S. consular be given access to American wounded by Iraqi gunfire in Kuwait [LAT, WP 9/7].

Jewish and Roman Catholic leaders, meeting in Prague, agree to forge closer relationship and combat anti-Semitism in E. Europe [LAT 9/7].

UN acknowledges shortcomings in its relief efforts for tens of thousands of refugees who fled Kuwait and Iraq for Jordan [LAT 9/7].

Saudi Arabia announces it will cover virtually all of the hundreds of millions of dollars in monthly operating costs of U.S. forces; Saudis will also contribute several billion dollars in aid to Middle East nations that have joined the coalition against Iraq [NYT, WP 9/7; MET 9/18].

Several nations, including China, India, and Tunisia, say they are considering sending emergency food and medicine to Iraq despite embargo [NYT 9/7].

Britain announces it will send additional forces to the Gulf region, and will provide about $4 million in aid to refugee relief organizations [NYT, WP 9/7].

Pres. Bush telephones Pres. Asad to discuss Gulf crisis; Asad also meets with delegation from European Parliament [DDS 9/6 in FBIS 9/7].

Qatar deports 15 additional Palestinians; this is 3d group of deportees [RAY 9/9 in FBIS 9/10].

Sec. Baker meets in Jeddah with King Fahd to discuss Gulf crisis [WP 9/7; RTS 9/7 in FBIS 9/10].

Ending 2-day meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss crisis, foreign ministers of 6-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) demand immediate Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait [SPA, RIDS 9/5 in FBIS 9/6; MET 9/18].

General strike called by Hamas is observed in Gaza Strip; commercial strike is observed in parts of W. Bank [FJ 9/10].

In testimony to House Foreign Affairs Committee, Sec. Baker calls for creation of U.S.-led NATO-style security structure in Middle East to prevent renewed Iraqi aggression even if present crisis ends without warfare (cf. 9/5) [LAT, NYT, WP, MEM 9/5; CSM 9/6].

Speaking in Vladivostok, Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze calls for international conference on the Middle East that would include the Gulf crisis, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and Lebanon [WT, WP 9/5]; Israel sharply rejects the idea [JPI 9/15].

Washington Post reports that U.S. commander in Saudi Arabia Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf complained to Defense Dep't and White House about Saudi Lt. Gen. Khaled bin Sultan's remarks on 8/29 that any decision to use U.S. forces deployed in Kingdom would have to follow consultations between King Fahd and Pres. Bush. Bush conveyed to Saudi ambassador "military concern that U.S. forces be unquestionably under U.S. command," and ambassador reiterated what Saudis contend was original agreement between Fahd and Def. Sec. Cheney that U.S. forces were invited to Kingdom to defend Saudi Arabia from attack by Iraq [WP, MEM 9/4].

Cheney says U.S. would "consult closely" with Saudis before launching offensive action from Saudi territory, but stops short of saying whether Saudi approval would be required [MEM 9/5].

Bush admin. begins asking economic allies for at least $25 billion to help defray American military expenses and support countries that have been hurt by embargo on Iraq and Kuwait [LAT, WP 9/5].

Israeli finance minister Yitzhak Modai says if U.S. forgives Egypt's debt, Israel will demand that most of its $4.6 billion debt also be erased [LAT 9/5; MET 9/18].

Qatar expels more than 70 Palestinian families, including several PLO members, apparently because of Palestinian support for Iraq [NYT 9/5; MET 9/18].

Media report of growing crisis in Jordan as hundreds of thousands of refugees flee Kuwait and Iraq for the Hashemite kingdom [NYT, WP 9/5; MET 9/18].

As'ad al-As'ad, ass't sec.-gen. of Arab League, is named as acting sec.-gen. until replacement for Chedli Klibi is determined [TDS 9/4 in FBIS 9/5].

Iraqi occupation authorities order 6,500 American and British citizens in Kuwait to assemble at 2 hotels in Kuwait City [NYT, WP 8/17].

Pentagon announces U.S. naval forces will begin "intercepting" commercial shipping to or from Iraq and Kuwait to enforce UN sanctions [WP 8/17].

King Hussein of Jordan meets with Pres. Bush in Kennebunkport, Maine to discuss Gulf crisis [MEM 8/16; ADS 8/17 in FBIS 8/17; NYT, WP 8/17].

"Troika" foreign ministers from Italy, Luxembourg, and Ireland arrive in Amman and meet with Crown Prince Hasan to discuss crisis [ADS 8/16 in FBIS 8/17].

2d contingent of Egyptian military forces leaves Cairo for Saudi Arabia [MENA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16].

Special UNLU "Leaflet No. 1-the U.S. Invasion of Arab Lands" is distributed; it expresses unequivocal support for Iraq and attacks Pres. Mubarak [YA 8/17 in FBIS 8/17].

Hundreds of Palestinians hold pro-Iraq demonstration in Nablus; police disperse crowd with tear gas and rubber bullets [MEM 8/16; JDS 8/16 in FBIS 8/17]; fearing political repercussions, PLO leadership is seen as trying to distance itself from Iraq, but has been unable to ignore growing grassroots support of Palestinians for Saddam Hussein [WP 8/17].

Contradicting earlier Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood statement, group's leader Muhammad Hamid Abunnasar issues communique denouncing Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and calling for return of Kuwait's "legitimate gov't." [MEM 8/17]. 

King Hussein flies to U.S. for meeting with Pres. Bush on Gulf crisis; Bush threatens to extend naval blockade to Aqaba if goods continue to flow from Jordan to Iraq [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 8/15].

U.S. admin. officials disclose Pres. Bush has secretly approved future transfer of $1 billion worth of sophisticated fighter aircraft and anti-tank missiles to Egypt; approval still must come from Congress [WP 8/15].

In Damascus, U.S. ass't. sec. of state John Kelly meets with Pres. Asad to discuss Gulf situation [DDS 8/14 in FBIS 8/ 15].

Israel's ambassador to U.S., Moshe Arad, meets with Sec. of State James Baker at Arad's request to talk about Gulf crisis [JDS 8/15 in FBIS 8/15; WP 8/16].

Bethlehem mayor Elias Frayj strongly criticizes U.S. action in Gulf, saying that Palestinians and Arabs will not allow Iraqis to starve [JDS 8/14 in FBIS 8/14].

Rabbi Moshe Levinger, Jewish settler leader, is released from prison after serving 13 weeks of sentence for killing W. Bank Palestinian in 1988 [LAT 8/15].

UN Sec.Council unanimously declares Iraq's annexation of Kuwait "null and void" [WP, NYT 8/10].

Arab leaders postpone Cairo summit for one day to reach solution to Iraqi delegate's refusal to participate in summit with Kuwaiti delegate, saying Kuwait is part of Iraq [CDS, MENA 8/9, BVL 8/10 in FBIS 8/10; LAT, WP, NYT 8/10].

Arafat meets in Baghdad with Saddam Hussein to discuss Gulf crisis [INA 8/9 in FBIS 8/10].

P.M. Shamir sends message to Pres. Bush in effort to upgrade U.S.-Israel contacts during Gulf crisis; Ma'ariv notes that Bush has not consulted with Shamir as he has with other leaders in the region [MAA 8/10 in FBIS 8/10].

Israel successfully test-launches Arrow missile designed to intercept incoming rockets; U.S. funds 80% of Arrow program as part of Washington's SDI initiative; Arrow will not be fully operational for 5 years [DS 8/9 in FBIS 8/13; LAT, NYT, WP, WT 8/10; JPI 8/18].

Palestinian injured on 8/7 dies; he was injured as Jewish mobs avenging deaths of 2 Israeli boys overturned his car [WP 8/10]. Amal movement reports its troops attacked Israeli positions in S.Lebanon, wounding 3 [BDS 8/9 in FBIS 8/13].