U.S.-PLO DIALOGUE

Following are key dates in U.S. dialogue with Palestine Liberation Organization, suspended Wednesday by President Bush:

Dec. 14, 1988: At Geneva press conference, PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat renounces terrorism, meeting a U.S. precondition for resuming diplomatic dialogue broken off 13 years earlier. Arafat also affirms right of all parties in Mideast conflict “to exist in peace and security, including the state of Palestine, Israel and their neighbors.” Secretary of State George P. Shultz says President Reagan has authorized opening “substantive dialogue” with PLO.

Dec. 15: Israeli officials express shock at resumption of contacts, saying United States was deceived by the PLO.

Dec. 16: U.S. Ambassador Robert H. Pelletreau Jr. holds initial meeting with PLO representatives in Tunisia.

May 30, 1990: Israeli security forces foil attempt by Palestinian guerrillas to land by speedboat on Israeli beach. Palestine Liberation Front, a small, radical PLO faction, claims responsibility.

May 31: Arafat denies PLO had anything to do with attack but declines to criticize it or take action against Abul Abbas, head of Palestine Liberation Front.

June 7: PLO Executive Committee, meeting in Baghdad, Iraq, refuses to condemn raid or expel Abbas.

June 20: Bush says he is suspending contacts pending PLO’s condemning raid and disciplining those responsible.

June 21: PLO Executive Committee denounces suspension of dialogue but agrees to investigate raid.