Mideast situation/UNIFIL – SecCo President note

NOTE BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL

As a result of consultations held among members of the Security Council, the President of the Council made the following statement at the 2873rd meeting of the Security Council on 31 July 1989 in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in the Middle East":

"The members of the Security Council note with deep regret and sorrow that, during the current mandate period, UNIFIL has suffered additional loss of life and other casualties as a result of various serious incidents in the area of its deployment, including the harassment of its personnel by various armed groups and forces.

"The members of the Council convey in this regard their deep-felt sympathy and condolences to the Governments of Ireland, Norway and Sweden and, through them, to the bereaved families of the victims and pay tribute to the valiant action, courage and self-sacrifice manifested by all the members of UNIFIL, in service of the ideals of peace in the region.

"They take note with great concern of reports appearing today that Lieutenant-Colonel Higgins may have been murdered in Lebanon and, should these reports prove to be true, express their outrage that such a cruel and criminal act should be committed against an officer who serves the United Nations on a peace-keeping mission in Lebanon. They draw attention to Security Council resolution 638 (1989) adopted this morning and condemn all acts of hostage-taking and abduction and demand the immediate safe release of all hostages and abducted persons wherever and by whomever they are being held.

"Given the serious situation in the zone of UNIFIL operations, the members of the Security Council consider it important to reaffirm their profound concern over the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel, who are exposed to constant threats and danger.

"The members of the Security  Council note with appreciation that, as stated in the latest Secretary-General's report on UNIFIL (S/20742), 'significant efforts have been undertaken to improve the security of UNIFIL personnel and facilities' during the current mandate period.

"They call upon all parties to do their utmost in order to ensure the effective reinforcement of the security of the members of the Force and to enable UNIFIL to carry out its mandate, as laid down in Security Council resolution 425 (1978)."

—–