DATE=5/23/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S-ISRAEL-LEBANON (L)
NUMBER=2-262699
BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The Clinton Administration says it supports
Israel's decision to withdraw from Lebanon, and is
calling on Syrian President Hafez Al-Assad to prevent
Hezbollah guerrillas from harassing Israeli troops as
they leave. V-O-A's David Gollust reports from the
White House.
TEXT: The administration is publicly supporting the
Israeli pullback, and privately is engaged in
intensive diplomacy to try to insure that it does not
lead to an explosion of violence in the region.
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has urged
restraint in phone calls to senior officials of
Israel, Lebanon and Syria, among others. She says
there can be no justification for initiating acts of
violence as Israel carries out the withdrawal in line
with U-N Security Council resolution 4-2-5.
In an address to the pro-Israel lobbying group
"AIPAC," Vice President Al Gore called on Syrian
President Hafez Al-Assad -- who wields heavy influence
in southern Lebanon -- to rein in (EDS: restrain)
Hezbollah guerrillas who are taking control of areas
the Israelis have vacated:
/// Gore Act ///
President Assad can decide to let this happen
without incident as a down payment for peace in
the future. Or by continuing to allow Hezbollah
to harass Israel as her troops withdraw, and
even after they withdraw, he can signal that he
is not interested in progress. Syria may not
choose to pursue peace for now. It is Syria's
choice. But make no mistake, Syria has no right
to pursue a course of conflict that denies peace
to others.
/// End Act ///
Mr. Gore says President Assad "will bear a heavy
responsibility before the entire world" if residents
of northern Israel come under attack after the
withdrawal.
Briefing reporters here, White House spokesman Joe
Lockhart said the administration is awaiting a report
from U-N Secretary General Kofi Annan on support the
United Nations will provide for a transition of
control in the Lebanese territory Israel is giving up.
Mr. Annan has already recommended that the Lebanese
government resume normal responsibilities in that area
and that the U-N force in Southern Lebanon -- "UNIFIL"
-- be expanded. However administration officials say
no consideration is being given to having U-S troops
join the peacekeeping force. (Signed)
NEB/DAG/JP
23-May-2000 11:20 AM EDT (23-May-2000 1520 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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