DATE=4/20/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N STATEMENT ON LEBANON (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-261564
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations Security Council issued its
first formal statement today/Thursday on Israel's
decision to withdraw its soldiers from Lebanon.. V-O-A
Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United
Nations the Security Council warns that cooperation
from all parties in the region is more important than
ever
TEXT: The statement takes note of Israel's recent (4-
17) announcement that all of its troops will be out of
Lebanon by July seventh, and commends Secretary-
General Kofi Annan for his work in preparing for the
withdrawal. The statement says cooperation is
required from all parties concerned with Lebanon to
prevent the situation from deteriorating after the
Israeli withdrawal.
The crucial issue is the status of the 45-hundred-
member U-N peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon and
whether that force will be sufficient to prevent
clashes between Israel and guerilla groups in the
area. There are fears that the Israeli withdrawal
will create a security vacuum in south Lebanon that
could lead to escalating tensions between Israel and
Syria.
In an open session, Canadian ambassador Robert Fowler,
this month's president of the Security Council, read
the statement, which says the council will take no
action on the Lebanese situation until Mr. Annan
issues a full report.
/// Fowler Act ///
The Security Council looks forward to the
secretary-general reporting back as soon as
possible on relevant developments, including the
outcome of the consultations with the parties
and all interested member states and those
contributing troops to the United Nations
Interim Force in Lebanon.
/// End Act ///
Mr. Annan is sending a personal representative to
consult with leaders in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon
and Syria. If the council does decide to increase the
size of the U-N force in Lebanon, diplomats say it
should do it soon, since the Israeli withdrawal is
less than three months away. (Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/LSF/JP
20-Apr-2000 12:56 PM EDT (20-Apr-2000 1656 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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