Middle East situation – Meeting request of Lebanon-Israel Mixed Armistice Commission – Letter from Lebanon

LETTER DATED 14 JANUARY 1972 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF LEBANON TO THE UNITED NATIONS ADDRESSED TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL

On instructions from my government., and further to my letter of today, 14 January 1972  (Ref:317/1b/15), I have the honour to bring to your attention the following:

This morning, the Lebanese Government requested a meeting of the Lebanon-Israel Mixed Armistice Commission to review the prevalent situation in the area. The meeting did not take place because of preconditions set by the Israeli representatives. They did, however, deliver to the Lebanese representatives the following warning in the English language:

"SEVERE WARNING:  WE ARE ASKING THAT TERRORIST ACTIVITY FROM LEBANON TOWARD ISRAEL WILL STOP TOTALLY.  IF THAT IS NOT DONE, WE HAVE TO CARRY PERMANENT STAY IN THE REGION IN ONE FORM OR IN ANOTHER.  OF COURSE, THE CONSEQUENCES MIGHT BRING THE PEOPLE TO LEAVE WHICH IS COMPLETELY AGAINST OUR WISH."

By bringing to your attention and to that cf the members of the Security Council this serious and blatant threat directed by Israel against Lebanon, the Lebanese Government wishes to emphasize further the gravity of the situation.  The Lebanese Government strongly protests against the Israeli threats to use force in flagrant violation of the Lebanon-Israel Armistice Agreement and the provisions of the United Nations Charter.

Such threats, added to Israel's repeated violations of Lebanon's territorial integrity, gravely endanger international peace and security.  By following this dangerous course, Israel assumes full responsibility for her acts under the Charter and International Law.

The Lebanese Government forewarns that unless Israel desists forthwith from pursuing the perilous course she has undertaken, the Security Council will be duty-bound to shoulder its responsibilities.

I have the honour to request that this letter be circulated as an official document of the Security Council.

(Signed)     Edouard GHORRA

Ambassador

Permanent Representative

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