DATE=5/23/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N / LEBANON (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262674
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations Security Council held late
night consultations (Monday) to discuss the impending
withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. V-
O-A Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United
Nations.
TEXT: The council held two rounds of closed meetings
to discuss a report from U-N Secretary-General Kofi
Annan. Mr. Annan is recommending the U-N peacekeeping
force in Lebanon be increased from about 45 hundred to
almost eight thousand troops. The report says the
United Nations must verify that all Israeli troops are
out of Lebanon and that Israel's ally, the South
Lebanon Army has been disbanded.
The report says, as soon as those conditions are met,
the Lebanese Government should resume all
responsibilities in the formerly occupied areas,
including providing security.
There was a sense of urgency at U-N headquarters
because of indications Israel will withdraw its forces
well before the previously announced deadline of July
Seventh and because of new fighting in the region
involving Hezbollah guerillas and the S-L-A.
There was talk that the council would end its meeting
with a formal statement endorsing the secretary-
general's report. But after the meeting, council
President Wang Yingfan of China told reporters members
want to confer with their governments.
///WANG ACTUALITY///
Since this report is very important and some members
need instructions from their capitals we agreed, after
deliberations, that we would report back to the
capitals and tomorrow morning we will continue with
the consultations.
///END ACTUALITY///
Mr. Wang expressed optimism there will be consensus on
the council on how to proceed in Lebanon. He says the
council strongly endorses the immediate return to the
region of Terje Roed-Larsen, the secretary-general's
special envoy for the Middle East.
The United Nations is attempting to get solid
commitments from the governments of Israel, Lebanon
and Syria that the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
will be orderly and peaceful. In his report, Mr. Annan
says the United Nations cannot assume law and order
functions in Southern Lebanon which are "properly the
responsibility" of the Lebanese Government. (Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/WD
23-May-2000 02:24 AM EDT (23-May-2000 0624 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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