Concern over Replacement of Syrian Troops by the Pla in South Lebanon

Syria’s decision to pull its forces out of Beirut and other Lebanese cities has aroused serious concern in the Christian enclaves in south Lebanon because the Syrian troops will be replaced by the Damascus sponsored Palestine Liberation Army (PLA). The authorities in Beirut are also alarmed that this move could lead to a resumption of the civil war.

Prime Minister Selim al Hass of Lebanon went to Damascus today for urgent talks with Syrian President Hafez Assad and other top officials. He reported on his return to Beirut tonight that he had persuaded the Syrians to delay for a few days the withdrawal of their troops.

The PLA is a para-military organization which Syria has armed with tanks and artillery. It already controls the south Lebanese coast from Damour to the Zaharani River. While the Christians have been demanding that Syria end its occupation of Lebanon, they view the PLA as a surrogate for Damascus but less likely to restrain Palestinian terrorists. The terrorists have already resumed their daily shelling of Christian positions in south Lebanon.

The Syrians plan to redeploy their forces in the Boqo-valley in eastern Lebanon which they are said to believe is the most likely corridor for an Israeli attack. Only last month, Premier Menachem Begin and other Israeli leaders were expressing concern over what they said was a build up of Syrian military forces in Lebanon. Begin warned that the Syrians may be preparing to attack Israel to divert attention from their political difficulties at home. He noted that Syria has been heavily supplied with advanced weaponry by the Soviet Union.