Washington Report, November 15, 1982, Page 6

Facts For Your Files: A Chronology of U.S.-Middle East Relations

October 28:

U.S. envoy Morris Draper held talks, in Beirut with Lebanon's President Amin Gemayel on the establishment of a framework for discussions between the Lebanese and Israeli governments on the withdrawal of Israeli, Syrian and Palestinian forces from Lebanon.

October 29:

The U.S. began its rotation of the U.S. marines in Lebanon who have been part of the multinational force since Sept. 29.

Marines of the 32nd amphibious unit turned their positions over to the U.S. marines of the 24th amphibious unit.

November 1:

U.S. State Department spokesman John Hughes said that President Reagan had approved a plan whereby some of the 1,200 U.S. marines serving with the multinational peacekeeping force in Beirut would begin "limited-patrols" in conjunction with Lebanese, French and Italian troops of main thoroughfares in predominantly Christian East Beirut.

November 1:

A U.S. marine stationed near the Beirut International Airport was treated for a superficial skin wound after being hit by debris from a booby-trapped car that exploded about 30 yards from his position. In response to reports that the explosion may have been aimed at U.S. soldiers White House spokesman Larry Speakes said: "We haven't been able to make a judgment as to who the intended victim was."

November 2:

U.S. Defense Department officials said that a proposed aid package to Lebanon included plans to send 50 to 60 U.S. military advisors there to help train the Lebanese Army. The aid package also provides for the supply of armored troop carriers, communications gear, howitzers and tanks.

November 4:

Responding to an announcement that Israel was going ahead with its plans to build more settlements on the West Bank, I J.S. State Department spokesman Alan Romberg said: "We (the Administration) cannot understand why when we are actively seeking broader participation in the peace process, Israel persists in a pattern of activity which erodes the confidence of all. . ." Mr. Romberg added that the settlement policy "raises questions about Israel's willingness to abide by the promise of (U.N. Security Council) resolution 242 that territory will be exchanged for true peace."

November 4:

A contingent of U.S. marines with the muIti-national force in Beirut began patrolling major roadways in East Beirut.

November 5:

U.S. Defense Department officials said that about 2,500 American troops will participate in separate military maneuvers with Omani, Somali and Sudanese forces in the Gulf and in the Indian Ocean in December.

November 11:

President Reagan announced that he had approved Philip C. Habib as his special representative to the Middle East with authority to negotiate both the withdrawal of foreign forces from Lebanon and the implementation of President Reagan's peace plan.

November 11:

When asked at a news conference if he would consider sanctions against Israel because of its settlements policy President Reagan said: "Well, I don't think that it would be good diplomacy to be threatening or anything. And I don't believe that's necessary. I think that ... all of us realize that peace is the ultimate goal there."