The Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution last night calling for an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon and requesting Secretary General Kurt Waldheim “to report back to the Council on the implementation of this resolution as soon as possible and not later than 48 hours from its adoption.” The resolution also reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to the “territorial integrity and independence of Lebanon.”
The resolution, which was drafted by the Council’s West European members, avoided mentioning any punitive measures against Israel and did not single it out for condemnation. This enabled the 15-member Council to vote unanimously for the resolution, eliminating the threat of a veto by the United States.
According to diplomats here, the Arabs were interested in achieving an immediate cease-fire and therefore did not press their original intent to seek sanctions against Israel, a move that might have drawn a U.S. veto. The diplomats, however, explained that the Arabs, by requesting Waldheim to report within 48 hours on the implementation of the cease-fire, left the door open for seeking punitive measures against Israel should Waldheim report back that a cease-fire has failed to go into effect.
The resolution adopted last night was slightly different from the first version of the draft which was circulated here yesterday afternoon. The original draft called on Waldheim to report back to the Council within 72 hours from the time the resolution was adopted. This was later changed to 48 hours, underscoring the urgency of implementing a cease-fire. The Security Council began its deliberations last Friday night, following an urgent request by Lebanon to discuss Israel’s air raid on Beirut and Palestinian bases in the area.
WALDHEIM AND BLUM CONFER
Meanwhile, Waldheim and Ambassador Yehuda Blum of Israel met here today for 25 minutes to discuss Israel’s position on the Council resolution. During the meeting, which was requested by Waldheim, Blum said that the government of Israel is duty bound to protect the peace and security of its citizens. Blum also drew Waldheim’s attention to the statement issued yesterday by Israel’s Cabinet on steps to end hostilities in the area.
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