Mideast situation/Lebanon/UNIFIL – SecCo President statement

"Since the President's statement was read out to the Council on 26 April 1979, grave events have occurred in Southern Lebanon which have merely served to show the precarious and fragile situation in that area. That the situation is not even worse is due largely to the presence of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, whose forces are trying to fulfil their mandate in extremely difficult conditions and with an exemplary dedication admired by us all. This was particularly underlined in the report of the Secretary-General to the Council of 9 May 1979, contained in document S/13308.

"In view of the gravity of those events, the Government of Lebanon has decided to request the Council to give further consideration to the situation and has accordingly addressed to me the letter contained in document S/13301.

"Members have been informed of the steps taken to in recent days under auspices of the Council to secure a rapid improvement in that situation. These efforts seem to have produced some results. Talks have resumed between the representatives of the United Nations and the Government of Israel on various points that it is essential to try to settle if the Force is to carry out its mandate successfully.

"These talks must be pursued with perseverance but in an atmosphere conducive to the full implementation of resolutions 425 (1978) and 444 (1979).

"As it has done since the events that led to the establishment of the Force, the Council is following the situation with the deepest attention and concern.

"I am confident that the Council will be meeting at an early date to debate this question and to take any action warranted by developments in the situation.

"In the absence of any objections to this line of action, the President of the Council will proceed with his present diplomatic efforts."