Activities of the Security Council (16 June 1991-15 June 1992) – SecCo report (excerpts)

Report of the Security Council

16 June 1991-15 June 1992

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Chapter 3

THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

A.United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and developments in the Israel-Lebanon sector

1.Communication received on 15 July 1991 and report of the Secretary-General dated 21 July 1991

Letter dated 15 July 1991 (S/22791) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Report of the Secretary-General dated 21 July (S/22829) containing an account of developments relating to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for the period from 23 January to 20 July 1991, submitted prior to the expiration of the mandate of the Force on 31 July 1991.

2.Consideration at the 2997th meeting (31 July 1991)

At its 2997th meeting, on 31 July, the Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

"The situation in the Middle East:

"Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (S/22829)".

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/22857) that had been prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations, which he proposed to put to the vote.

Decision:  At the 2997th meeting, on 31 July 1991, the draft resolution (S/22857) was adopted unanimously as resolution 701 (1991).

Resolution 701 (1991) reads as follows:

"The Security Council,

"Recalling its resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978, 501 (1982) of 25 February 1982, 508 (1982) of 5 June 1982, 509 (1982) of 6 June 1982 and 520 (1982) of 17 September 1982, as well as all its resolutions on the situation in Lebanon,

"Having studied the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon of 21 July 1991 (S/22829), and taking note of the observations expressed therein,

"Recalling the report of the Secretariat team (S/22129/Add.1) and without prejudice to the views of Member States thereon,

"Taking note of the letter dated 15 July 1991 from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (S/22791),

"Responding to the request of the Government of Lebanon,

"1. Decides to extend the present mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon for a further interim period of six months, that is, until 31 January 1992;

"2. Reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;

"3. Re-emphasizes the terms of reference and general guidelines of the Force as stated in the report of the Secretary-General of 19 March 1978 (S/12611), approved by resolution 426 (1978), and calls upon all parties concerned to cooperate fully with the Force for the full implementation of its mandate;

"4. Reiterates that the Force should fully implement its mandate as defined in resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978) and all other relevant resolutions;

"5. Requests the Secretary-General to continue consultations with the Government of Lebanon and other parties directly concerned with the implementation of the present resolution and to report to the Security Council thereon."

The President then stated that, as a result of consultations held among the members of the Security Council, he had been authorized to make the following statement (S/22862) on behalf of the Council:

"The members of the Security Council have noted with appreciation the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (S/22829) submitted in conformity with resolution 684 (1991).

"They reaffirm their commitment to the full sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries.  In this context, they assert that any State shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

"As the Security Council extends the mandate of UNIFIL for a further interim period on the basis of resolution 425 (1978), the members of the Council again stress the need for the implementation of that resolution in all its aspects.  They express their appreciation for the continuing efforts of the Secretary-General and his staff in this regard.  They reiterate their full support for the Taif Agreement and commend the Lebanese Government for the recent successful deployment of its army in the Sidon and Tyre regions in the process of extending its authority over all Lebanese territory.

"The members of the Security Council take this opportunity to commend UNIFIL's troops and troop-contributing countries for their sacrifices and commitment to the cause of international peace and security under difficult circumstances."

3.Communications received between 1 November 1991 and 28 January 1992 and reports of the Secretary-General

Letter dated 1 November 1991 (S/23192) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Report of the Secretary-General dated 15 November (S/23225) on the situation in the Middle East, containing, inter alia, an account of developments relating to UNIFIL for the period from 20 November 1990 to 15 November 1991.

Letter dated 22 November (S/23241) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Special report of the Secretary-General dated 29 November (S/23255) on UNIFIL.

Letter dated 14 January 1992 (S/23439) from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council, informing the members of the Council of his intention to accept the offer of the Government of Poland to provide the medical unit for UNIFIL.

Letter dated 17 January (S/23435) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 17 January (S/23440) from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Secretary-General, informing him of the agreement of the members of the Council to the proposal contained in his letter dated 14 January 1992 (S/23439).

Report of the Secretary-General dated 21 January (S/23452), containing an account of developments relating to UNIFIL for the period from 21 July 1991 to 21 January 1992, submitted prior to the expiration of the mandate of the Force on 31 January 1992.

Letter dated 21 January (S/23453) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 27 January (S/23479) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 28 January (S/23484) from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council, conveying information concerning the plan for UNIFIL to hand over to the Lebanese army the western part of the Ghanaian battalion sector, west of Marakah, enabling UNIFIL to strengthen its deployment elsewhere in its area of operation.

Letter dated 28 January (S/23485) from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Secretary-General, informing him that the members of the Council had noted the contents of his letter dated 20 January 1992 (S/23484) and welcomed the developments.

4. Consideration at the 3040th meeting (29 January 1992)

At its 3040th meeting, on 29 January, the Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

"The situation in the Middle East:

"Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (S/23452)".

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/23483) that had been prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations, which he proposed to put to the vote.

Decision:  At the 3040th meeting, on 29 January 1992, the draft resolution (S/23483) was adopted unanimously as resolution 734 (1992).

Resolution 734 (1992) reads as follows:

"The Security Council,

"Recalling its resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978, 501 (1982) of 25 February 1982, 508 (1982) of 5 June 1982, 509 (1982) of 6 June 1982 and 520 (1982) of 17 September 1982, as well as all its resolutions on the situation in Lebanon,

"Having studied the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon of 21 January 1992 (S/23452) and taking note of the observations expressed therein,

"Recalling the addendum to the Secretary-General's report of 22 January 1991 (S/22129/Add.1, dated 28 January 1991),

"Taking note of the letter dated 17 January 1992 from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (S/23435),

"Responding to the request of the Government of Lebanon,

"1. Decides to extend the present mandate of UNIFIL for a further interim period of six months, that is, until 31 July 1992;

"2. Approves the overall objective of the Secretary-General, as set out in paragraph 33 of his report (S/23452), aimed at promoting the greater effectiveness of UNIFIL;

"3. Approves in particular the recommendations summarized in paragraphs 59 (c) (i) and (ii) of the addendum to the Secretary-General's report of 22 January 1991 (S/22129/Add.1);

"4. Invites the Secretary-General to consider further, in consultation with the troop-contributing countries, how to achieve the overall objective referred to in paragraph 2 above, and to take action on the objectives in paragraphs 2 and 3 above;

"5. Reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;

"6. Re-emphasizes the terms of reference and general guidelines of the Force as stated in the report of the Secretary-General of 19 March 1978, approved by resolution 426 (1978), and calls upon all parties concerned to cooperate fully with the Force for the full implementation of its mandate;

"7. Reiterates that the Force should fully implement its mandate as defined in resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978) and all other relevant resolutions;

"8. Requests the Secretary-General to continue consultations with the Government of Lebanon and other parties directly concerned with the implementation of the present resolution and to report to the Security Council thereon."

The President then stated that, as a result of consultations held among the members of the Security Council, he had been authorized to make the following statement (S/23495) on behalf of the Council:

"The members of the Security Council have noted with appreciation the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (S/23452) submitted in conformity with resolution 701 (1991).

"They reaffirm their commitment to the full sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries.  In this context, they assert that any State shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

"As the Security Council extends the mandate of UNIFIL for a further interim period on the basis of resolution 425 (1978), the members of the Council again stress the need for the implementation of that resolution in all its aspects.  They reiterate their full support for the Taif Agreement and commend the Lebanese Government for its continuous successful efforts to deploy units of its army in the south of the country in full coordination with UNIFIL.  The members of the Council urge all the parties concerned fully to support UNIFIL.

"The members of the Security Council express their concern over the continuing violence in southern Lebanon and urge all parties to exercise restraint.

"The members of the Security Council take this opportunity to express their appreciation for the continuing efforts of the Secretary-General and his staff in this regard and commend UNIFIL's troops and troop-contributing countries for their sacrifices and commitment to the cause of international peace and security under difficult circumstances."

5.Communications received between 4 and 17 February 1992 and request for a meeting

Letter dated 4 February 1992 (S/23515) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 17 February (S/23604) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the President of the Security Council, requesting the convening of an urgent meeting of the Council.

Letter dated 17 February (S/23618) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

6.Consideration at the 3053rd meeting (19 February 1992)

At its 3053rd meeting, on 19 February, the Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

"The situation in the Middle East:

"Letter dated 17 February 1992 from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/23604)".

The President stated that, following consultations among the members of the Security Council, he had been authorized to make the following statement (S/23610) on behalf of the Council:

"The members of the Security Council are deeply concerned about the renewed and rising cycle of violence in southern Lebanon and elsewhere in the region.  The Council deplores in particular the recent killings and the continued violence, which threatens to claim additional lives and to destabilize the region further.

"The members of the Council call upon all those involved to exercise maximum restraint in order to bring such violence to an end.

"They reaffirm their commitment to the full sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries, as set out in resolution 425 (1978).  In this context, they assert that any State shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

"The members of the Council express their continued support for all efforts to bring peace to the region on the basis of resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973).  The members of the Council urge all the parties concerned to work vigorously to enhance the ongoing peace process."

7.Communications received between 21 May and 3 June 1992

Letter dated 21 May 1992 (S/23991) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 26 May (S/24008) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 27 May (S/24021) from the representative of Egypt addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a communiqué issued on 26 May 1992 by the official spokesman of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Letter dated 29 May (S/24032) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 1 June (S/24052) from the representative of Bahrain addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a communiqué issued on 24 May 1992 by the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States,

Letter dated 3 June (S/24057) from the representative of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General.

B.United Nations Disengagement Observer Force

1.Reports of the Secretary-General dated 15 and 22 November 1991

Report of the Secretary-General dated 15 November 1991 (S/23225) on the situation in the Middle East, containing, inter alia, an account of developments relating to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

Report of the Secretary-General dated 22 November (S/23233 and Corr.1) containing an account of the activities of UNDOF for the period from 21 May to 20 November 1991, submitted prior to the expiration of the mandate of the Force on 30 November 1991.

2.Consideration at the 3019th meeting (29 November 1991)

At its 3019th meeting, on 29 November, the Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

"The situation in the Middle East:

"Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/23233 and Corr.1)".

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/23250) that had been prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations, which he proposed to put to the vote.

Decision:  At the 3019th meeting, on 29 November 1991, the draft resolution (S/23250) was adopted unanimously as resolution 722 (1991).

Resolution 722 (1991) reads as follows:

"The Security Council,

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/23233 and Corr.1),

"Decides:

"(a)  To call upon the parties concerned to implement immediately its resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973;

"(b)  To renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for another period of six months, that is, until 31 May 1992;

"(c)  To request the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on the developments in the situation and the measures taken to implement Security Council resolution 338 (1973)."

On behalf of the Security Council, the President made the following statement (S/23253) regarding resolution 722 (1991):

"In connection with the resolution just adopted on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, I have been authorized to make the following complementary statement on behalf of the Security Council:

'As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/23233 and Corr.1) states, in paragraph 24:  "Despite the present quiet in the Israel-Syria sector, the situation in the Middle East as a whole continues to be potentially dangerous and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached."  That statement of the Secretary-General reflects the view of the Security Council.'"

3.Report of the Secretary-General dated 19 May 1992

Report of the Secretary-General dated 19 May 1992 (S/23955) containing an account of the activities of UNDOF for the period from 21 November 1991 to 19 May 1992, submitted prior to the expiration of the mandate of the Force on 31 May 1992.

4. Consideration at the 3081st meeting (29 May 1992)

At its 3081st meeting, on 29 May, the Council included the following item in its agenda without objection:

"The situation in the Middle East:

"Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/23955)".

The President drew attention to the text of a draft resolution (S/24026) that had been prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations, which he proposed to put to the vote.

Decision:  At the 3081st meeting, on 29 May 1992, the draft resolution (S/24026) was adopted unanimously as resolution 756 (1992).

Resolution 756 (1992) reads as follows:

"The Security Council,

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/23955),

"Decides:

"(a)  To call upon the parties concerned to implement immediately its resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973;

"(b)  To renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for another period of six months, that is, until 30 November 1992;

"(c)  To request the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on the developments in the situation and the measures taken to implement Security Council resolution 338 (1973)."

On behalf of the Security Council, the President made the following statement (S/24030) regarding resolution 756 (1992):

"In connection with the resolution just adopted on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, I have been authorized to make the following complementary statement on behalf of the Security Council:

'As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/23955) states, in paragraph 20:  "Despite the present quiet in the Israel-Syria sector, the situation in the Middle East as a whole continues to be potentially dangerous and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached."  That statement of the Secretary-General reflects the view of the Security Council.'"

C.Other aspects of the situation in the Middle East

Communications received between 18 June 1991 and 4 March 1992 and reports of the Secretary-General

Letter dated 18 June 1991 (S/22718) from the representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a letter (undated) from the Secretary of the People's Committee of the People's Bureau for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation to the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 1 July (S/22766) from the representative of the Netherlands addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the declaration on the peace process in the Middle East issued on 29 June 1991 by the European Council.

Letter dated 29 July (S/22855) from the representative of Egypt addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a letter dated 21 July 1991 from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt to the Secretary-General, concerning initiatives of arms limitation and disarmament in the Middle East.

Letter dated 30 July (S/22906) from the representative of the Netherlands addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the declaration on the Middle East issued on 29 July 1991 by the European Community and its member States.

Letter dated 30 September (S/23104) from the representatives of China, France, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America addressed to the Secretary-General, enclosing the text of the statement issued on 27 September 1991 by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the five permanent members of the Security Council following a meeting with the Secretary-General.

Letter dated 29 October (S/23176) from the representative of Israel addressed to the Secretary-General.

Report of the Secretary-General dated 8 November (S/23204 and Corr.1), submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 45/68 of 6 December 1990 on the question of convening the International Peace Conference on the Middle East.

Letter dated 11 November (S/23211) from the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic addressed to the Secretary-General.

Report of the Secretary-General dated 15 November (S/23225) submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 45/83 A of 13 December 1990 and covering developments in the Middle East in all their aspects for the period from 20 November 1990 to 15 November 1991.

Letter dated 6 January 1992 (S/23381) from the representative of Portugal addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a statement issued on 4 January by the European Community and its member States.

Letter dated 4 March (S/23680) from the observer of Palestine addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a document presented on 3 March 1992 by the Palestinian delegation (Palestinian side of the joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation) to the Israeli delegation, during the round of negotiations in Washington, D.C.

Letter dated 4 March (S/23712) from the representative of Kuwait addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of a communiqué issued by the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council at its forty-second session, held at Riyadh on 1 and 2 March 1992.

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