Mideast situation/Lebanon – Letter from Lebanon

Letter dated 3 February 1987 from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon

to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General

With reference to the letter from the Charge d'affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations (document A/42/94-S/18261 of 20 January 1987), I have the honour to inform you of the following:

It is regrettable that the Israeli representative should raise the subject of anti-semitism in his letter when he refers to an attack on "innocent Lebanese civilians".

It is strange that he should also contradict himself in his letter by saying that "while the Government of Lebanon repeatedly voices its concern for the safety of its citizens, it greets the murder of Jewish citizens with complete silence".

The Lebanese Government, as the Israeli representative admits, has repeatedly voiced its concern and anxiety for the safety of its citizens.  It has spared no effort in working to ensure their safety without distinction or discrimination.

Our citizens – all our citizens – are equal under the Constitution and Lebanese law.  What has befallen some citizens is simply one aspect of what has, regrettably, befallen many Lebanese nationals.

The Lebanese Government has not confined itself simply to denunciation or criticism of the acts of violence carried out against its citizens but has condemned, and continues to condemn, acts of violence carried out against any Lebanese citizen, to whichever community he may belong.

The reference in the letter to anti-semitism is not apposite.  It has been inserted, as is the custom of Israeli officials, in an attempt to arouse international sympathy for Israel and to disguise and justify the savage air, land and sea attacks which it is carrying out against peaceful Lebanese citizens, their property and their possessions.  I do not suppose anyone believes that Israel's bombs make distinctions between those citizens.

The Israeli Government's reservation of its right to seek and bring to justice – apart from the fact that such action lies within the competence of the Lebanese Government alone – incorporates a veiled threat that Israel will carry out fresh attacks which it is planning or has already planned and prepared, and also increases the threat: posed to the lives of Lebanese citizens.

Israel, moreover, is not authorized to protect the world's Jews irrespective of their nationality.  This situation is completely incompatible with international law and the practices followed among States.

I should be grateful if you would have this letter circulated as an official document of the General Assembly, under the item entitled "The situation in the Middle East", and of the Security Council.

(Signed) Rachid FAKHOURY

Ambassador

Permanent Representative

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