The Palestine Chronology

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]

Violent disturbances continue throughout O.T., spread into Israel [NYT, WP, WIT 5/22]; IDF sends reinforcements to Gaza to quell disturbances; at least 4 Gazans are killed in clashes [JDS 5/21, 5/22 in FBIS 5/22; NYT 5/22]; marches and clashes take place in Nazareth, Lod, Bayt Hanina [JDS, IDF 5/21 in FBIS 5/22]; Arab sources report 151 injuries in Gaza, 15 in W.Bank [HAA 5/22 in FBIS 5/22]; Israeli Arabs hold one-day strike to protest killings [FJ 5/ 28]. UNLU issues special pamphlet in response to 5/20 killings; calls for 3-day strike beginning today, one-week boycott of work in Israel UDS 5/21 in FBIS 5/ 21].

UN Sec. General Javier Perez de Cuellar issues statement condemning 5/20 killings, urges that "appropriate steps be taken to enable the Palestinians to feel secure" [MEM 5/22].

In Amman, 2 Arabs armed with revolver, knife, attack bus of French tourists; 10 wounded [PDS 5/21 in FBIS 5/ 21; MEM 5/21; WP, NYT 5/22; FJ 5/28]; one attacker is arrested [RMC, ADS 5/21 in FBIS 5/21]; thousands of demonstrators march through Amman condemning 5/20 killings [RMC 5/21 in FBIS 5/22].

Arafat announces his intention to speak before special UN Sec. Council session requested by PLO, denounces Amman attack [WAKH 5/21 in FBIS 5/ 22; AVP 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; NYT 5/22].

Greece and Israel sign agreement establishing diplomatic relations [WAKH, JDS 5/21 in FBIS 5/22; MEM 5/22]; Greece simultaneously upgrades relations with PLO, says it does not recognize Israeli annexation and occupation of Palestinian territory after 1967 war [NYT 5/ 22].

Knesset approves more than $17 million requested by Shamir for new roads and settlements in O.T. [NYT 5/22; MET 5/29].

Israeli Communist Party begins 21st Congress, strongly criticizes Israeli policies toward peace process and Soviet Jewish immigration to Israel [FJ 6/4].