DATE=6/5/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=LEBANON / U-N (L)
NUMBER=2-263199
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=BEIRUT
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations says it has completed the
charting of a line of withdrawal that can be used to
confirm Israeli forces have pulled out of southern
Lebanon. Establishment of the line is a key step
toward getting U-N peacekeepers into the area. VOA's
Scott Bobb reports from Beirut.
TEXT: A U-N communique issued Monday night said U-N
experts have finished their work, although the
Lebanese and Israeli governments do not agree on
parts of the withdrawal line.
The announcement was a setback for the mission of U-N
special envoy Terje Roed-Larsen, whose aides Sunday
were predicting an agreement after 10 days of shuttle
diplomacy.
U-N officials have been pressed to set the line along
the border between Israel and southern Lebanon since
Israel withdrew its forces two weeks ago after a 22-
year occupation.
According to U-N resolution 2-4-2, the United Nations
must certify Israel has completely withdrawn from
Lebanon before an expanded U-N force can deploy in
the zone.
The Lebanese government refuses to deploy its army in
south Lebanon until Israel has withdrawn from all
Lebanese territory.
Lebanon is also demanding the release of all Lebanese
prisoners in Israel. Diplomatic observers say these
conditions are not likely to be met in the immediate
future. But U-N officials believe they are technical
details that eventually can be resolved.
The lack of an official security presence is causing
unease in the zone, which for two decades has been a
battlefield for Hezbollah guerrillas, Israeli troops
and the once powerful Israeli backed South Lebanon
Army militia.
Some residents fear reprisals and are calling for an
immediate deployment by forces of the United Nations
or the Lebanese army. Others meanwhile are welcoming
home family members who fled years ago because of
threats by local militia members that they were
collaborating with the resistance.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah fighters, who are enjoying
widespread popularity here following the Israeli
withdrawal, Monday staged a parade in Beirut, showing
captured tanks and armored vehicles before cheering
crowds. (signed)
NEB/SB/KBK
05-Jun-2000 18:49 PM LOC (05-Jun-2000 2249 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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