The Palestine Chronology

Israeli FM Levy, Russian FM Ivanov discuss the peace process by phone. (Interfax 3/24 in WNC 3/28) (see 3/23)

The pope meets with PM Barak, holds a youth mass attended by 100,000 persons, visits religious sites in the Galilee. (MM 3/24; NYT, WP, WT 3/25)

Nr. Petra, Jordanian security forces demolish a Jordanian's home, which had been under construction for 4 yrs. and was nearly completed, claiming it had been build without a permit in a "sensitive tourist area." The demolition sparks a riot during which 3 Jordanians are shot dead by the security forces. (MEI 4/21)

In reaction to recent gas price hikes, the U.S. House of Representatives passes a resolution that would urge the administration to cut off aid, military sales to OPEC countries that try to push up oil prices by constraining demand. Pres. Clinton opposes the measure, which he says is too heavy-handed. (MM, WP 3/27) (see 3/22)

The U.S. District Court orders Iran to pay $341 m. in damages to journalist Terry Anderson, saying the evidence was overwhelming that Iran was behind his kidnapping in Lebanon in 1985. (NYT, WP, WT 3/25) (see 2/16)

In Paris, Arafat discusses statehood issue with French pres. Jacques Chirac. (AFP, LCI Television 3/22 in WNC 3/23; NYT 3/23)

Israel, Russia set up joint control body to supervise exports of sensitive Russian military technology to Iran. Russia hopes Israel, the PA will extend the interim period beyond 5/4. (MM 3/22; Interfax, ITAR-TASS 3/22 in WNC 3/23; Interfax 3/23 in WNC 3/24; WT 3/24; MM 3/25; Zerkalo Nedeli [Kiev] 3/27 in WNC 4/7)

Terry Anderson, the American journalist held hostage in Lebanon by Hizballah for more than 6 yrs., sues Iran for $100 m., claiming Tehran played a role in his imprisonment. Hizballah denies it kidnapped Anderson. (NYT, WP 3/23; WT 3/24; MM 4/9) (see 3/11/98, 8/27/98)

Syrian, Lebanese, and joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegations arrive at State Dept. in Washington for peace talks; Israel holds fast to its decision not to attend. (NYT 12/5)

U.S. State Dept. criticizes 12/2 establishment of new settlement in W. Bank. (MM 12/5)

IDF lifts round-the-clock curfew of Ramallah-Bira region [see 12/1] for four hours to allow residents to buy supplies. IDF officials tell Knesset it has seized homes it claims from which gunmen killed settler. (MM 12/5)

Undercover Israeli agents kill resident of Zawiya, W. Bank, after entering village looking for another man. (MM 12/5)

Islamic Jihad releases Terry Anderson, last and longest-held American hostage in Lebanon. Since escalation of UN-brokered negotiations for comprehensive hostage-prisoner exchange in August, 91 Arab prisoners have been released by Israel or the SLA in return for 10 Western hostages, body of one Israeli soldier, confirmation of deaths of two other Israelis. (NYT 12/6)

Jordan's King Hussein, noting U.S. abstention on 2/16 UN resolution against settlement, expresses concern that U.S. is reducing opposition to Israeli settlements in O.T. [WP 2/18; ADS 2/18 in FBIS 2/ 20].

Arab gov'ts. are reported divided over King Hussein's call for a summit meeting to discuss Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel; senior diplomats call summit premature and potentially harmful to Middle East peace process [NYT 2/18].

Yasir Arafat tells Peggy Say, sister of U.S. hostage Terry Anderson, he is doing his "very best" to win the release of American hostages in Lebanon [WP 2/18; LAT 2/19].

Jordan and Iraq are rumored to have formed ajoint air squadron; seen as costcutting measure for Jordanian air force (cf. 2/18, 2/19) [RMC 2/17 in FBIS 2/ 20].