DATE=5/22/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N - LEBANON (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262666
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
/// EDS: Talks scheduled to resume at 10 p.m. EDT ///
INTRO: The United Nations Security Council is
considering a stepped-up presence for U-N peacekeepers
in southern Lebanon following the withdrawal of
Israeli troops. V-O-A Correspondent Breck Ardery
reports from the United Nations.
TEXT: Meeting in closed session, the Council received
a report from U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan in
which he recommends that the U-N peacekeeping force in
Lebanon be increased from less than five thousand to
almost eight thousand.
U-N officials say they expect all Israeli troops will
be out of southern Lebanon very soon, well before the
July seventh date that had originally been set by the
Israeli government. The United Nations will not
consider the Israeli withdrawal complete unless the
South Lebanon Army -- or S-L-A -- is completely
dismantled. A U-N source says the pro-Israeli S-L-A
is already starting to collapse as a result of attacks
by Hizbollah guerrillas.
U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan told reporters he
hopes the recent violence will cease so that an
orderly withdrawal can occur.
/// ANNAN ACT ///
It is unfortunate that we have had the
disturbances that we have, and I appeal to all
parties to work with us in managing an orderly
withdrawal, so that there will be no more
casualties in the region. The people in the
region have suffered enough.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Annan says the orderly withdrawal of Israel from
south Lebanon will depend on the cooperation of all
parties, meaning Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. Mr.
Annan's plan is to have the Lebanese government resume
complete control in the southern area, including the
maintenance of security.
The Security Council will hold another closed meeting
on the situation in Lebanon later Monday night.
(Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/gm
22-May-2000 18:42 PM LOC (22-May-2000 2242 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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