The Security Council was scheduled to vote tonight on a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) coupled with a call on Israel “to cease forthwith its acts against the territorial integrity, unity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon.” The resolution calls on Israel “in particular” to cease “its incursions into Lebanon and the assistance it continues to lend to the irresponsible armed groups.” The latter was an apparent reference to the Christian militia in south Lebanon.
The resolution does not refer to acts of violence by the Palestine Liberation Organization but calls on “all parties concerned to refrain from activities inconsistent with the objectives of UNIFIL.” The resolution “strongly deplores acts of violence against Lebanon that have led to the displacement of civilians; including Palestinians, and brought about the destruction and loss of innocent lives.” The UNIFIL mandate is due to expire June 19.
Earlier, a member of the Egyptian delegation, Nabil Elaraby, condemned Israel for its actions in south Lebanon. Addressing the Security Council on Lebanon’s complaint against Israeli attacks, he said that such actions by Israel. “violate and do not conform with the spirit of a just and comprehensive peace to which Egypt is committed and is earnestly striving to achieve.” He said that in order to stop the bloodshed in the Middle East, it was imperative to resolve the Palestinian problem.
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