The Palestine Chronology

Netanyahu holds mtg. with inner cabinet to discuss offering a 9% FRD plus 2% to a newly defined area C-plus. Netanyahu adviser Molho travels to Washington to brief U.S. (MM 4/8)

EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos discusses Israel's proposal for conditional withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon with DM Mordechai, Coordinator of Israeli Activities in Lebanon Uri Lubrani; says any pullout must involve Syria. (RMC 4/8 in WNC 4/10)

U.S special envoy Ross meets again with Netanyahu, Arafat; arranges for each of them to be briefed separately on the status of talks by a joint delegation of PA, Israeli negotiators (incl. Abbas, Molho). (MM 12/23; RMC 12/23 in WNC 12/24; IDF Radio, ITV 12/23 in WNC 12/26; CSM, WT 12/24)

In Amman, PM Kabariti, PA Agriculture M `Abd al-Jawwad Salih discuss expanding Jordanian exports to the self-rule areas, bilateral cooperation on agriculture. (RJ 12/23 in WNC 12/26)

Israeli Housing Min. says it will soon market land on the Golan for the expansion of Qatzrin settlement by 96 units. (MM 12/23)

Lebanese, Syrian officials say that 10s of Lebanese (perhaps as many as 200), many of whom are affiliated with the Christian opposition, have been detained for questioning regarding the 12/18 bus attack. Many already have been released. Coordinator for Israeli activities in Lebanon, Uri Lubrani, warns Syria that there will be retribution for the arrests. (MM 12/23; RL 12/26 in WNC 12/30; MM 1/3; al-Watan al-Arabi [Paris] 1/3 in WNC 1/14)

Jordanian government announces that a 10% cut in bread prices will be implemented in 1/97. (JT 12/24 in WNC 12/27) (see 8/16-18)

SLA expels a couple fr. their home in s. Lebanon to the n. after their son deserts the SLA. (RL 12/23 in WNC 12/26)

Israel, Jordan conclude economic agmt. permitting Jordan to export up to $30 m. of goods to West Bank through Palestinian merchants licensed by PNA. (QY 8/16 in FBIS 8/17; NYT 8/17; JP 8/27)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` briefs Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak on U.S. Secy. of State Warren Christopher's visit to Damascus. Shara` reports Israel willing to withdraw fr. Golan in 2 yrs; Syria wants withdrawal within months. (WT 8/17)

Jordan's King Hussein cancels trip to Jerusalem to attend Mulid al-Nabi prayers. (MEI 8/26)

Monsignor Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo takes up his position as 1st Vatican amb. to Israel. (WT 9/6)

PNA announces it will begin disarming civilians. Civilians have 2-wk. grace period to obtain gun permits. (al-Sharq al-Awsat 8/16 in FBIS 8/17)

Palestinian police arrest 3 Hamas mbrs. in connection with 8/14 shooting. (QY 8/17 in FBIS 8/17)

DFLP Central Comm. dismisses 10 Politburo, Central Com. mbrs. for urging front to join PNA as "constructive opposition." (WT 8/17; al-Sharq al-Awsat 8/16 in FBIS 8/17)

U.S. demands Israel end any secret contacts with Iraq after learning Israeli Lebanon coordinator Uri Lubrani had met with Iraqi officials. (WT 8/17)

3 South Lebanon Army (SLA) mbrs. killed by Hizballah in ambush in southern Lebanon. IDF, SLA shell Hizballah targets. (MEI 8/26)

Current round of Israel-PLO talks in Taba ends, both sides reporting progress.  PM Rabin says talks held in a "good atmosphere."  Security comm. divides into subcomms. on police, prisoners.  PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath says draft agreement on Palestinian police force reached.  (MENA, IDF Radio 2/17 in FBIS 2/18; MM 2/17)

During 2d day of bilateral Arab-Israeli talks in Washington, Israeli negotiators Uri Lubrani, Itamar Rabinovich complain to Lebanese delegate Suhail Shammas, Syrian amb. Muwaffaq al-Allaf over 2/16 katyusha incident.  Meanwhile, Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi, Syrian Pres. al-Asad meet in Damascus to discuss tensions in southern Lebanon.  (Qol Yisra'el 2/17 in FBIS 2/17; MM 2/17; SARR 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

Israel-Jordan-U.S. economic talks in Washington end, Jordanian side expressing reluctance to pursue joint projects with Israel until Israel-Syrian talks achieve progress, Israeli-Jordanian disputes over refugees, water, Arava region resolved.  (Qol Yisra'el 2/18 in FBIS 2/18).

Israeli PM Rabin blames 2/16 katyusha attack on "Black September 13" group, notes "our understandings with Syria regarding Hizballah remain in effect."  (Qol Yisra'el 2/17 in FBIS 2/18; MM 2/18)

Anwar Rashid Tahir Qtait, 24, killed by IDF at checkpoint in Saris [Misilyah??] village, nr. Janin in West Bank, when he makes a "threatening gesture."  In Halhul, IDF shoots and seriously wounds at least 4 Palestinians protesting 2/16 killing of Najwan al-`Izza.  (MM 2/17; IDF Radio 2/17 in FBIS 2/17)

Israeli Yuval Golan, stabbed in Hebron 12/29/93 by Palestinian, dies of wounds, becoming 201st Israeli killed by Palestinians during intifada according to AFP figures.  1,179 Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire in same period.  (AFP 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

Hamas's `Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigade issues statement offering "protection and weapons" to Palestinian collaborators who kill their Shin Bet control officers.  (AFP 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

MK `Abd al-Wahab Darawsha (Arab Democratic party) announces Syrian govt. has allowed him to visit Damascus at head of 31-mbr. delegation to pay condolences on death of Basil al-Asad.  Visit will be 1st official trip by Israeli Arab allowed by Syria.  PM Rabin calls trip a "positive step." (MM, WP 2/18; WT 2/19; NYT 2/20)

Congolese Int. M Martin Mberri confirms Brazzaville has signed $50 m. contract with Israeli company for training, equipping Congolese army.  Officials say 40 Israelis training presidential guard unit, 20 more to come.  Mberri says France will train regular army and police.  Congo armed forces fighting guerrillas loyal to frmr. dictator Denis Sassou-Nguesso for 8 mos.  (WP 2/18)

U.S. Special Coordinator Ross arrives in Damascus for talks with Syrian leadership on peace process. (NYT 7/12)

3-day multilateral seminar on regional arms control opens in Cairo. Seminar focuses on verification of accords to be reached by multilateral arms control talks of the Middle East peace process. (MENA 7/11 in FBIS 7/13)

IDF reinforces artillery batteries in southem Lebanon following PFLP-GC and Hizballah attacks the previous week (see 7/8, 7/9). Israeli negotiator Uri Lubrani charges that recent clashes in southern Lebanon are a "planned escalation" that "would not happen if Syria did not want it." (NYT, WP 7/12)

Israeli Deputy FM Yossi Beilin tells interviewer, "We will not and cannot make any concessions on the issue of Jerusalem.... we have no intention of making any concessions whatsoever." (ITV 6/24 in FBIS 6/25)

Fateh Cent. Comm. concludes meetings in Tunis. (VOP 6/24 in FBIS 6/25)

Arab delegations to peace talks hold coordinating meeting at Syrian mission in Washington, focusing on U.S. role as "full sponsor" and pressure on Israel to meet terms of reference. (JTV 5/24 in FBIS 5/25)

Lebanese delegation proposes partial Israeli withdrawal from "security zone" to test Lebanese government's ability to maintain security in south. Israeli negotiator Uri Lubrani rejects proposal, saying Israel "does not engage in experiments with the safety of its civilians." (Qol Yisra'el 6/25 in FBIS 6/25)

U.S. FBI arrests 8 in New York on suspicion of plotting assassinations and bombings of UN HQ, FBI building, and 2 Manhattan tunnels. (NYT, WP, 6/25)

IDF rebuts 5/27 Amnesty International report, calls human rights org.'s conclusions "hasty." (MM 6/1)

Libyan pilgrims call on Muslims to "topple the Zionist leadership" and establish Jerusalem as capital of democratic Palestinian state. (WT 6/2)

King Fahd tells heads of pilgrimage delegations Saudi Arabia "will spare no effort in helping to achieve all-out peace" between Arabs and Israel. (SPA 6/1 in FBIS 6/2, MM 6/2)

Lebanese Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi visits Msaileh, 1st visit to southern Lebanon since 11/89 election; visit coincides with tour of "security zone" by Israeli Lebanon coordinator Uri Lubrani. (MM 6/2)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbrs. meet with Jordanian PM Sharif Bin-Shakir, request (and receive) explanations of 2 points on the tentatively agreed Israeli-Jordaniangenda for talks-whether or not East Jerusalem is included in the term "occupied territories" (it is), and how UN resolutions, the Palestinian right of return, and refugees in other countries factor into a solution of "the bilateral aspects of the refugee problem" (they will). PLO emerges "comfortable" with the agenda. (MM 11/2; RMC 11/2 in FBIS 11/4)

PM Rabin tells cabinet that the term "withdrawal" inlatest proposal to Syria applies to IDF forces, not to settlements on the Golan Heights, and that distinction has been made clear to Syria. (ITV 11/1 in FBIS 11/2)

Israel announces that Israeli and Jordanian negotiators have agreed to place the water issue at the top of the agenda when the talks reconvene 11/9. (Qol Yisra'el 11/1 in FBIS 11/6)

Head of Israeli delegation to talks with Lebanon, Uri Lubrani, announces that in the latest round Israel offered Lebanon an increased civilian govt. presence in the "security zone," and proposed bilateral talks between military officers. Lebanon has not accepted nor rejected either proposal. (Qol Yisra'el 11/1 in FBIS 11/2)

Itamar Rabinovich, head of the Israeli negotiating team with Syria, is appointed ambassador to the U.S., to take over in the coming months. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 11/1 in FBIS 11/3; NYT 11/2)

Israel shells eastern edges of "security zone," injuring 5 Lebanese civilians. (VOL 11/1 in FBIS 11/3)

Al-Hayat reports that Russia will sell Syria 36 fighter aircraft, 300 T-72 and T-74 tanks, and some Sa-10 and Sa-16 missile batteries (equivalents of the U.S. Patriot anti-missile system) as part of a 1991 $2 billion weapons accord. (WT 11/3)

Israeli state attorney recommends that Israel take no action against Hanan Ashrawi for her alleged contacts with PLO officials, as had been recommended by Israeli police. Israeli attorney general must now decide Ashrawi's fate. (MM 11/19)

Jerusalem chief of police apologizes for 11/18 raid on Islamic court offices in E. Jerusalem (but does not return documents) as some 100 Palestinians, including members of the Islamic Higher Council, demonstrate against the raid in E. Jerusalem. Merchants in Hebron joined with those in the old city in strike to protest the raid. (MM 11/19)

E. Jerusalem, Hebron merchants strike ends. Nablus merchants strike 11/18 death of imam shot by IDF. (MM 11/19)

Labor party opens national convention in Jerusalem, struggles to develop a new election program to attract voters. (MM 11/19, 11/20)

European Commission announces EC will donate $61 million in aid to Palestinians in o.t. to help overcome economic effects of Gulf war. Grant is first expenditure from a $280- million assistance package established by EC in March 1991. (MM 11/19)

PM Shamir declares Israel will not release more Lebanese prisoners until it receives its missing servicemen. FM Levy calls on UN, Western countries to avoid "discrimination" during prisoner-hostage release negotiations, a reference to increased Israeli concern that such talks are focusing solely on Western hostages and ignoring Israeli demands for information on its servicemen missing in Lebanon. Israeli negotiator Uri Lubrani travels to New York for talks with UN Secy. Gen. Perez de Cuellar to push for progress on releasing airman Ron Arad, only Israeli hostage believed to be alive. Reversing earlier UN policy seeking a multilateral release, Perez de Cuellar states that he now accepts separating question of Western hostages from that of Israeli captives. (Qol Yisra'el 11/19 in FBIS 11/19; WP 11/21)

Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi states that as long as Israel refuses to implement UN Sec. Council Resolution 425, calling for Israeli withdrawal from S. Lebanon, he cannot stop attacks by anti-Israeli resistance forces. (MM 11/19)

Military Action:

Lebanese Army patrol opens fire on illegal protest against withdrawal agreement by Shiite Muslims in Beirut suburb of Bir Abed, grenade reportedly thrown at patrol; demonstration also in Baalbek; fighting in Tripoli between Palestinian forces and Muslim militia.

Casualties:

1 killed, 10 injured in Beirut protest; Syria cuts off road, telephone and telex links between Syrian controlled areas of Lebanon and rest of country; many schools in Beirut closed; 4 persons killed in Tripoli fighting.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Uri Lubrani, former senior Israeli representative in Uganda, Ethiopia and Iran, reportedly selected to coordinate relations with Lebanon under terms of withdrawal agreement.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanon, Israel and US sign troop withdrawal agreement at consecutive ceremonies in Khalde and Kiryat Shemona.

Arab Governments: Saudi Arabia and Sudan support Lebanon on agreement; Libya asks Lebanese ambassador in Tripoli to leave, withdraws its ambassador in Beirut; Jordan announces that Palestinians from West Bank and Gaza can enter the country only across Jordan River bridges; Egypt Air lands first flight in Beirut since 1979.

US and Other Countries: State Dept. says Congress, but not public, will be informed of all details of secret US agreements with Israel and Lebanon; agreement with Israel reportedly recognizes its right of self-defense to retaliate against attacks in Lebanon, acknowledges that it can delay withdrawing troops until Syria and the PLO withdraw, pledges to help bring about Syrian and PLO withdrawal and to see that Lebanon lives up to its agreement with Israel; Reagan indicates he is ready to release 75 F-16 jet fighters to Israel.