DATE=5/23/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N COUNCIL-LEBANON (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262711
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations Security Council has
strongly endorsed Secretary-General Kofi Annan's plan
for a continuing U-N role in Lebanon following the
pullout of Israeli troops. V-O-A Correspondent Breck
Ardery reports from the United Nations.
TEXT: When it became clear that Israel would be
withdrawing its forces from Lebanon much sooner than
expected, the Security Council held several urgent
closed-door meetings. Then, in a public session, the
Council strongly endorsed the Secretary-General's
latest report on Lebanon. In essence, the report says
U-N troops do have a role in maintaining peace after
the Israeli withdrawal but that the primary
responsibility lies with the three nations principally
involved, Israel, Lebanon and Syria.
Speaking through an English translator, Security
Council President Wang Yingfan of China said the
cooperation of all parties in the region is crucial.
/// WANG TRANSLATOR ACT ///
The Council shares the view of the Secretary-
General that it is crucial that the states and
other parties concerned do their part to calm
the situation, ensure the safety of the civilian
population and cooperate fully with the United
Nations in its efforts to stabilize the
situation, restore international peace and
security, and to assist the government of
Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective
authority in the area following confirmation of
withdrawal.
/// END ACT ///
Although there had been attacks by Hezbollah guerillas
in south Lebanon, U-N officials there say the
situation is now relatively calm. Some U-N forces
have already moved into areas vacated by Israeli
troops and their South Lebanon Army allies.
Terje Larsen, the Secretary-General's special envoy to
the Middle East who is returning to the region, said
the strong endorsement by the Council will help as he
seeks cooperation from all sides. He told reporters
there are two immediate issues facing the United
Nations mission in Lebanon.
/// LARSEN ACT ///
The two most important issues now are to see
that the population in the south and all
civilians in the relevant areas are secure.
Secondly, we have to address immediately the
issue of certifying the withdrawal as soon as
possible. This will be one of the main tasks of
my people who are escorting me on this mission.
/// END ACT ///
Once Mr. Larsen and his team are able to certify
complete Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon and the
complete dismantling of the South Lebanon Army, he
will return to the Security Council to discuss U-N
troop strength in Lebanon. The Secretary-General is
recommending that the U-N force there be raised from
just under five thousand to almost eight thousand.
(Signed)
NEB/BA/LSF/gm
23-May-2000 14:18 PM LOC (23-May-2000 1818 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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