The State Department indicated today that it was encouraged by the apparent easing of tension in the Middle East over the weekend but repeated its call to all parties to exercise “utmost restraint.”
Department deputy spokesman Alan Romberg told reporters, “We once again urge the parties concerned to exercise the utmost restraint in order to reduce the risk of conflict. ” He had no comment on reports that elements of the Palestine Liberation Organization in the Syrian-held Bekaa valley of Lebanon had mutinied against PLO chief Yasir Arafat.
Asked about reports that Lebanon has approached France to mediate the withdrawal of foreign troops from Lebanon, Romberg said, “I’m not aware of that particular report. My understanding is that there have been some discussions between the Lebanese and Syrians and that the Lebanese are looking forward to having some further discussions, but I don’t have any indications to back it up. “
He said the U.S. would not have any objections to France playing a role, but he was not aware that this was actually happening. He said, “Obviously we have remained in very close touch with all of our allies, particularly the MNF (multinational force) contributing nations, so a French role is not surprising.”
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