Mideast situation/Lebanon – Letter from Syria

Letter dated 26 December 1985 from the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic

to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General

Further to the letter of 20 November 1985 to you (A/40/909-S/17643) concerning the act of aggression committed by Israeli fighter aircraft which have violated Syrian air space, and on instructions from my Government, I have the honour once again to draw your attention and that of the Security Council to the fact that Israel is continuing to exacerbate tension in tho region, threatening to use force and to violate the rules or international law, as well as the Charter of the United Nations.

Overflight of Lebanese territory by Israeli fighter aircraft constitutes not only a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of a fraternal member of the United Nations but also a direct and deliberate threat to the Syrian forces that are in Lebanon at the request of the legitimate Government of that country and in accordance with the decision adopted by the League of Arab States with a view to contributing to the restoration or security and stability in that country.

Any threat to the security of Syrian forces in Lebanon also constitutes a threat to the security of Syria.  The threats that Israel is openly making against Syria are designed, in particular, to sabotage the sincere efforts our country has made and is continuing to make with a view to contributing to national reconciliation and the restoration of normal life in Lebanon.

The Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, which has frequently warned the international community of the consequences of such acts of aggression by Israel, the resulting exacerbation of tensions in the region and the serious danger that they represent for international peace and security, reaffirms its determination to exercise its legitimate right to defend its security and protect its armed forces.  The international community, which has frequently condemned Israel for its aggressive and expansionist practices, must now adopt a firmer position than ever in the face of Israeli provocations of and challenges to Syria and prevent Israeli fighter aircraft from overflying Lebanese air space.

I should be grateful if you would have the text of this letter distributed as an official document of the General Assembly, under agenda item 38, and of the Security Council.

(Signed)  Dia-Allah EL-FATTAL

Ambassador

Permanent Representative of the

Syrian Arab Republic

to the United Nations

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