The Security Council is scheduled to meet here this evening to discuss the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Sources here said they expected the Council will approve its extension for an additional six-month period after June 19 when the current mandate of the force expires.
Meanwhile, Secretary General Kurt Woldheim recommended here last night the extension of the UNIFIL mandate. in a report to the Security Council But, Woldheim said, UNIFIL could not function without Israeli cooperation. He charged that continued appeals to the Israelis “have as yet failed to achieve the change of position required for a significant improvement in the deployment of UNIFIL.” Woldheim also pointed out in his report that opposition by the de facto forces (Christian militia) has continued to prevent the full deployment of UN forces in south Lebanon.
In addition, the Secretary General said the attitude of some factions of the “armed elements” (Palestinians) has also posed serious problems for UNIFIL. Increased attempts at infiltration of the UNIFIL area, hijacking of UNIFIL vehicles and firing at UNIFIL positions were also cited by Woldheim. But he maintained that the overall policy of cooperation adopted by the Palestine Liberation Organization had kept such incidents “in check.” UNIFIL is composed of 5800 troops from The Netherlands, Nigeria, Fiji, Norway, Ireland, Nepal, Senegal and France.
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