UNIFIL mandate – Letter from Lebanon

LETTER DATED 19 JANUARY 1989 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF

LEBANON TO THE UNITED NATIONS ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

I have the honour to inform you that the Lebanese Government has decided to request the Security Council to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which expires on 31 January 1989, for a further period of six months, on the basis of the provisions of Security Council resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 501 (1982), 509 (1982), 520 (1982) and of all other relevant resolutions and decisions of the Security Council.

The Lebanese Government is persuaded that, in spite of the difficult conditions in southern Lebanon due to the continuing occupation by Israel in the so-called "security zone", the presence of UNIFIL continues to be highly necessary and constitutes an important factor of stability and an international commitment to the upholding of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon.

The Lebanese Government reaffirms the terms of the mandate of UNIFIL as laid down in resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 501 (1982), 509 (1982) and all other relevant resolutions, and stresses the need to enable UNIFIL to implement these provisions so as to ensure Israel's immediate and unconditional withdrawal from Lebanese territory, the deployment of UNIFIL up to the internationally recognized boundaries and the Force's assistance to the Lebanese Government in extending its sovereignty and authority throughout its territory.

The Lebanese Government seizes this opportunity to pay tribute to the UNIFIL command, troop and administrators and to the troop-contributing countries and to expresses its gratitude for their efforts and sacrifices in serving the cause of peace in Lebanon.  It also pays tribute to the Secretary-General and his aides for the efforts and endeavours which they afford for UNIFIL to continue its presence and its work in southern Lebanon.

I should be grateful if you would have this letter circulated as an official document of the Security Council.

(Signed) M. Rachid FAKHOURY

Ambassador

Permanent Representative

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