Monday, October 1, 1990

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].