Mideast situation/UNIFIL – SecCo Presidential statement

Statement by the President of the Security Council

At the 4146th meeting of the Security Council, held on 23 May 2000 in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:

“The Security Council welcomes and strongly endorses the report of the Secretary-General of 22 May 2000 (S/2000/460). The Council stresses again the importance of, and the need to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all its relevant resolutions, including its resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 and 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973.

“The Security Council welcomes the intention of the Secretary-General to take all necessary measures to enable the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to confirm that a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon has taken place in compliance with its resolution 425 (1978); and to take all necessary steps in order to deal with possible eventualities, bearing in mind that the cooperation of all parties will be essential. The Council welcomes the intention of the Secretary-General to report on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, in accordance with resolution 425 (1978).

“The Security Council fully endorses the requirements put forward by the Secretary-General for confirming the compliance of all parties concerned with its resolution 425 (1978), calls on all parties concerned to cooperate fully in implementing the recommendations of the Secretary-General, and requests the Secretary-General to report on their fulfilment of the requirements when he reports on the withdrawal.

“The Security Council calls upon the States and other parties concerned to exercise utmost restraint and to cooperate with UNIFIL and the United Nations to ensure the full implementation of its resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978). The Council shares the view of the Secretary-General that it is crucial that the States and other parties concerned do their part to calm the situation; ensure the safety of the civilian population; and cooperate fully with the United Nations in its efforts to stabilize the situation, to restore international peace and security, and to assist the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area following confirmation of withdrawal.

“The Security Council welcomes the decision of the Secretary-General to send his Special Envoy back to the region immediately to ensure that the requirements put forward by the Secretary-General are met and to ensure the commitment of all the parties concerned to cooperate fully with the United Nations in the complete implementation of its resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978).

“The Security Council takes this opportunity to express its appreciation and its full support for the continuing efforts of the Secretary-General, his Special Envoy to the region and his staff. It commends UNIFIL’s troops and troop-contributing countries for their commitment to the cause of international peace and security under difficult circumstances. The Council stresses its concern that all the parties concerned cooperate with the United Nations, and recalls the relevant principles contained in the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel of 1994.”