S/PV.2731 Security Council

It is a particular pleasure for me to welcome the newly elected non-permanent menbers of the Security Council - the Permanent Representatives of Argentina, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Japan and Zafiia. I know that I am reflecting the sentiments of the other metiers Of the Council in expressing the conviction that the participation of the new menbers in the Council's work will be an invaluable contribution to the Search for SOlUtiOnS to the complex issues which the Council canfronts in the discharge of its important functions. EXPRESSIONOFTBANXS To TBEOUTCDINGMEMBERSOFTBESE~RITY~~CIL

I wish also,. on behalf of the Council, to express our gratitude to the outgoing ncn-permanent members for their important and invaluable contributions to our work. The representatives Of Australia, Denmark, Madagascar, Thailand, and Trinidad and mbago won our esteem and friendship and contributed their talents in immeasurable ways to the Council's wor k. I am sure that we will continue our fruitful co*peration in the future. EXPRESSIONOFTHANXS 'I0THERETIRlNG PRESIDENT

On behalf of the Council, I wish also to pay a well-deserved tribute to the retiring President of the Security Council, Ambassador Vernon A. Walters, who conducted the Council's work in December with great talent and in a most effective manner. Anbassador Walters evoKed our admiration and respect for the personal qualities and consurmrate diplomatic skills which he displayed in a month when the Council had to deal with many important questions. EXPRESSIONOFWELCDMEIO THE NIB/ IJNDm-SECRETARY-GENERAL EDRFOLITICALAND SECURITY OUNCIL AFFAIRS

It is also my great pleasure to welcome Mr. Vasiliy Safrcnchuk, who has just assumed his functions as Under-Secretaryeneral for Political and Security Council Affairs and is with us for the first time in that capacity in a formal meeting of the Security Council. Mr. Safrcnchuk has had a distinguished career in his oxntry*s Foreign Ministry and is well known to us since not Lang ago he served as the First Deputy Permanent Representative in the Mission of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to the tBited Nations here in New York. He was previously the Head of the Middle East Department and Deputy Head of the Second -ropean Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Soviet vlion. He has also served his country as Ambassador, and most recently was a member of the Group of High-Level Intergovernmental Experts established by the General Asserrbly to review Me efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations. I am sure that I reflect the feelings of all the metiers of the Security Council in bidding him a warm welcome. STATEMENT BY TBE UNDER&SECRETARY-GENERAL mR FOLTJJIC!AL AND SECURITY CDUNCIL AFFAIRS The-PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): I call on the Under- Secretary-General for Political and Security Council Affairs, who wishes t0 make a brief statement. Mr:SAFRONCBUE (Under-Secretary-Generalfor Political and Security Council Affairs): I should like to thank you, it. President, most 8 inCerelY for the warm words of welcome addressed to me on the occasion of my appointment as Under-Secretary-General for Political and Security Council Affairs. i wish to, assure the me‘tiers of the Security Council that in this capacity I shall do my best 3 to facilitate the Councilgs work and assist the Secretary-General in-the discharge of his responsibilities in the political field. I lcok forward to close ' 1 I co-operation with all the metiers of the Council. 1 should also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my predecessor, i r 1 2. Mr. Viacheslav Ustinov, and wish him cZntinued 8uccess in the future= . I_ IU)GPl!U)NOFTBE AGENDA The,agenda, was.a&pted. TBESITUATIGN IN TBEMFDLEEAST REPORTOFTBE SE(RETARY-GENERALGNTBE UNITED-NATfom INTERIM FORCE IN LEBANON (S/18581' and Corr.1 and Add.1) The.PRESIDIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): .I should like to inform metiers of the Council that I have received letters from the representatives of Ireland and Iebana in which they request to be invited to participate in the ,I discussion of the item cn the Council's agenda. In accordance with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council,' to invite those representatives to participate in the discussion without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant prwisions-of the Charter and rules of procedure. rule 37 of the Council's prwisicnal There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Fakhoury (Ijebancn) took a place at the Council table; Mr. McUcnagh (Ireland) took the place reserved for him at the side Of the Council Chamber.

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the i tern on its agenda. bknbers of the Council have before them the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebana (UNIFIL) for the period 11July 1986'to 11January 1987, contained in documents S/18581 and Corr.1 and Add.1. In that report it is mentioned that during the current mandate period 15 metiers of the Force lost their lives. I am sure that I speak for all meIfberS of the Council in extending sincere condolences to th Governments and families of the &ceased who gave their lives in the cause of peace. In addition to the Secretary-General*s report, members of the Council have before them the following documents: S/18580, letter dated 6 January 1987 from the the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General, and s/18597, which contains the text of a draft resolution prepared in the course of the Council's consultations. It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to vote On the draft resolution before it. Unless I hear any objection, I shall put the draft resolution,to the vote now. There being no objection, it is so decided. A vote was taken by shcw of hands. In favour% Argentina, Bulgaria, China, Ccngo, France, Germany, Federal Soviet Socialist Republic of, Ghana, Italy, Japan, Union of Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Vlited States of America Venezuela and !&ambia

There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has therefore been adopted unanimsouly as resolution 594 (1987). I shall now call on those representatives who wish to make statements following the voting. Mr. de KEMOULERIA (France)(interpretation from French): In keeping with customary practice - and with great pleasure - I should like to express my delegation's pleasure at seeing you, Mr. President, conducting the work of the Council for this month. I say this because of the lcng-standing, cordial, friendly relations of trust that exist between our two countries, and also because we are well acquainted with you and are familiar with your personal qualities, one of which - your authority -you have just demonstrated by the brisk manner in which you have gavelled this meeting to order. My delegation wishes you the fullest success in the discharge of your presidential duties. I would ask Ambassador Clkun of the mited States of America to convey my congratulations to your predecessor as President last month, Anbassador VernQl Walters, who brought to that office the full measure of his petsma experience, his humor and human warmth and his skill in conducting our work. Please convey to him our thanks and appreciation. It is a pleasant tradition that a welcome be extended to those who are beginning their terms of office as menbers of the Security Council. I should like to begin with Italy, our Latin sister as it were , and to tell our Italian colleague how pleased we are to see him sitting in the Council. To his neighbour, the representative of Japan, let me recall the cultural affinities that exist between France and Japan , affinities that IMY not be well known outside our two countries. Nevertheless, between France and Japan there has been a community of interests for some years, and we are pleased to see you here. (nr. de Kemoularia, France) Zant>ia is a part of Africa, and France and the French Government cherish their African ties. I cordially welcome the representative of Zambia to this Council, where I am sure he will play an important role- My eye now travels ti Ambassador ~elpech of Argentina. lo him,: I should like to say how pleased I am, along with the other metiers of my delegation, to see him sitting at the Council table. Relations between France and Argentina are of lcng standing. Our own personal relations are newer, having existed for only cne yeme but during that time we have enjoyed fruitful co-operation with him and we'welcome him for the good of the Council. The representative of France*s large neighbour, the Federal Republic of Germany, is, by alphabetical chance , sitting next to me here at this table. our mutual history has been marked by many brutal events, but one of the most -remarkable features of modern European history is that the present relations between France and the Federal Republic of Germany are marked by trust and friendship. They are close and well co-ordinated.# His presence represents a pledge of fruitful co-operation in the Council's work, and I am very happy to see him here. It has also been traditional to pay a well-deserved tribute to menbers who have departid the Council. I do not see my friend Mr. Woolcott in the roan, but I should like to express I3 the representative of Australia, t6 my former neighbour from Denmark, to the representatives of Madagascar , of Thailand and of Trinidad and flobaga, the great value ray delegation put upon their co-operation in the work of the Council for the past two years. we do not belittle the merit of those who have just taken their places here when we say haw much we will miss those who have departed. I should also like to welcome the arrival as Under-Secretary4eneral for as a coll&gu& on the Council, in which’he frequently spoke as a colleague and often.participated in tie Council’s debates. His assumption of this post is an assurance that his thoroughness and high standards will be pit to the benefit of the c0mcii. I should like to express our high esteem for his predecessor and to .say to.him how pleased we are to see him undertaking his responsible duties- ‘I :. j (Mr. de ‘Kemoulat ia, France) _’ . ,1 . (Mr. de Kemoular ia, France) I have yielded to tradition, but I have done so with the greatest pleasure. The Security Council has just decided once again to extend the ;mandate of the .mited Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for a period of six months and 12 days, -thereby acceding to the request made to it by the Government of Iebancn.,, France supported that request, voting in favour of it, as it has always done. in .the past. The steadfast nature of my country's attitude gives sufficient proof of its dedication to the United Nations Interim Force and its role in the context of the Situation in southern Lebanon, despite the difficulties that UNIFIL has encountered in fulfilling its mission. That dedication has naturally led us to be constantly concerned about the security of the ccntingents making up the Force. The Council hardly needs reminding that my country took the initiative in this regard by drawing the Council's attention, in April 1986, when France assumed the presidency of the COUncil, to the difficult situation being experienced by UNIFIL and its conseguences for the security of the men of the Force. on several occasions during the year that has just ended we asked the United Nations and the international community to give the fullest attention to that grave situation. In his &test report the Secretary-General has recalled the incidents that have unfortunately occurred in the past six mcnths . Do I need to recall the figures? Fi f teen metier 8 of the Ibrce - five French, four Irish, three Fijians, one Finnish, one Nepalese and one Norwegian - have lost their lives, and 43 soldiers have been injured in the hostilities. I wish to take this occasion to reiterate our sympathy and solidarity with the delegation of Ireland, which my Government has already officially expressed since the new and particularly revolting and shocking incident on 10 January, which cost the life of an Irish non-commissioned officer. (Mr. de Kemoular ia, France) After the successive acts of violence of recent months the Security Council expressed its position clearly by adopting on 23 Septetier 1986 resolution 587 (1986), in which, in particular, it condexned in the strongest terms the attacks committed against UNIFIL. Cur Council also took note of the preliminary security measures decided on by the Secretary-General and requested him to take anY further measures needed to enhance the security of the men of the Force in their peace mission. The French Government wishes to put an reaXd today its satisfaction with the range of measures taken by the SecretaryGeneral within the framework of UNIPIL’s redeployment. My Government, which has closely studied the .Secretary-General’s report of 12 January, agrees with the observations it ccntains , par titularly thase concerning the implementation of resolution 425 (1978) having to do with uNIFIL*s mandate and its positive role. France has no doubt that the ulited Nations Interim Force in . southern Lebanon continues tD be, to use the Secretary-Ceneralts own words,. “an important element of . . . stability* (S/18581, para. 34) in the region. By its very presence, the Force manifests the will, expressed yet again today by the international community, to see Lebanon *s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity restired and respected.

The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): f thank the representative, f thank the representative, of France for his kind words addressed to me. of France for his kind words addressed to me. Mr. BmC!H.(Uni*d Kingdom): I wish first, Sir, to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. YOU br ing to your important task great experience, skill and distinction. We look forward to working with you. 1 also wish to pay tribute to Ambassador Walters, who conducted our affairs in Decetier with such good humour, skill and precision. 1 fear it is beyond me to give a lectute on the histiry and geography of members of the Council. But that makes our welcome to the new menbers no less warm. In the same way, we are sad to say Qoodbye" to the metiers who have left the Council. We also welcome our old friend, Under-Secretary-General Safronchuk to his'new and important responsibilities. My delegation welcomes the unanimous decision by the Council to extend the mandate of the United Wations Interim Force in Lebanm (UNIFIL) to 31July 1987, in accordance with the request made by the Government of Lebancn. We are grateful, too, for the report of the Secretary-General (S/18581). My Government continues to support the deployment of the Force, with the aim, set out in Security Council resolution 425 (1978), of'secuting the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Iebanese territory, the restoration of international peace and security and the return of the Lebanese Government's effective authority in the area. It must be a matter of serious concern to us all that, since the Council last renewed UNIFIL's mandate, no ptogtess has been made towards the implementation Of resolution 425 (1978). We believe, as does the Sectetaryaneral, that the main problem remains Israel’s refusal to complete its withdrawal from Lebanese territory and its retention of a so-called security zane in the area. (Mr. Birch, Dnited Kingdom) The increased violence affecting the civilian population in the area generally is also a serious development, and is strongly to be condemned. We urge all parties to the fighting to respect accepted humanitarian norm.s and to take all Steps to safeguard the lives of civilians. The work of the relief agencies, including the ulited Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine wfugees in the Wear East (DRRWA) , the United Nations Children’s Fund (DWIOEF) and the International E(red Cross, must be allowed to continue unhindered. The murder of a female staff member of DNIOZF on 18 December was particularly deplorable. The violence directed against DNIFIL is egually Unacceptable. We extend our condolences to the family of Corporal McLaughlin, of the Irish contingent, killed on 10 January by fire from Israeli forces, and to the families of all those menbers of DWIFIL who have similarly lost their lives. All par ties must co*per ate fully with the Force in the exercise of its mandate from the Council. My delegation has consistently drawn attention ti DNIFIL’S worsening financial situation. It is wholly unreasonable to expect the troop-contributing countries to Sustain a heavy and unfair financial burden in addition to the sacrifices they are already making. It remains essential that those Menbers that currently are not paying their contributions , or are in arrears of payment , should pay what they we. It remains for me on behalf of my Government to thank the Force Commander, I Major-General Hggglund, and all those under his comnand for the Skill and courage they continue to bring to the task entr US ted them by the Council. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from 8panish)r I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for the kind words he addressed to me- Mr. KMUCHI (Japan): Mr. President, let me at the outset express my sincere thanks for your kind words of welcome to the Council, as indeed also for those uttered by previous speakers. Jap& deeply appreciates the trust and confidence the States Metiers of the mited Nations have demonstraed by electing Japan to the Security Council. In response, I wish to assure the Council that Japan will spare no effort in faithfully discharging its important responsibilities. At the same time, I am pleased to congratulate you, sir, on Your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the mcnth of January. I am confident that you outstanding diplomatic skills and experience , together with Your illus tr ious career as Minister of Justice of .your corntry, will greatly facilitate our wak. Japan has been a strong and steadfast supporter of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UIUIFIL) ever since it was established in 1978. We have the t highest regard for th-is peace-keeping operation, whose officers and soldiers have - under extremely difficult circumstances courageously endeavoured to maintain peace in the tragic land of Ubanon. We should like to take this oppor tunily deeply to mourn the loss of those metiers of the Force who .have given their lives in the . .! cause of peace. MY delegation supported the extension of uNIl?IL’s mandate as contained in draft resolution S/18597. Japan urges all parties concerned, especially Israel, to extend their full co-operation so that the pea&-keeping Force can fulfil its mandate in accordance with Security Council resolution 425 (1978), as stated in paragraph 4 of the resolution we have just adopted. ~,

I ulank the representative of Japan for the kind words he addressed to me. 8. , Mr; -LAUTENXHLAGER (Federal Republic of Germany) : At the very OuMet of mY first statement, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate you, Sir, on Your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the first mcnth Of this (Mr. Lautenschlager, Federal Republic of Germany) year. I am sure that your hi* diplomatic skills and your long experience at the United Nations will make your presidency extremely successful. Our two countries are linked by a long history of friencship and co-peration. Hence I consider it a very fortunate coincidence that our membership in the Council should begin under your. presidency. Let me also pay tribute to Ambassador Walters, who presided over the Council in such an admirable way during the math of Uecemer. Mr. President, I feel encouraged by the kind words of welcome you and other menbers of the Council have addressed to me - and a very special word of thanks goes to my friend and neighbour the Ambassador of France. As a metier of the Security Council my country will have to assume an increased share of global responsibility. We shall base our work cn the established principles of our foreign policy and thus consistently advocate the safeguarding of peace, the renunciation of the use of for&e for the attainment of political objectives, the right to self-determination and human rights. I& pursuing this line we hope also to fulfil the expectations of member countries that have expressed their confidence in us by giving us their votes at the elections held in the General Assembly. With regard to the issue on our agenda to&y, I shall limit myself to a few points. We fully support the role the thited Nations has assumed for the Promotion of the independence , sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. Twelve years after the outbreak of civil war, the suffering and plight of the People of Lebanon contsnues from day to day. The Federal Government remains very concerned about this situation. It shares the view of the secretary-General expressed in the 12 January report that the United Nations Interiin Force in Lebanon (TJNIFIL) continues to ccntribute to stabilizing the situation in south Lebanon. (Mr. fautenschlager , Federal &public of Germany) We therefore consider it of major importance for all Mexrber States to meet their financial obligations with regard to UWIFIL, and we support the appeal cantafned in the Secretary-General’s report. We hi*ly appreciate the contribution of those Men&r States that have detached contingents to UNIFIL. We pay tribute to the officers and soldiers who have lost their lives in fulfilling their duty as members of UNIFIL. In particular, we are shocked and saddened by the most recent incident that cost the life of a young Irish corporal. We extend our deep sympathy to the bereaved family and to the Irish Government. We share the concern expressed by tne Secretary-General in his report. We expect that this incident will be investigated properly . Such tragic events must be avoided in the future. We support the prolongation of UNIFIL~s mandate to 31 July 1987; hence we voted for the &aft resolution in document S/18597. At the same time, we expect that UNIFIL will at long last be given the possibility to fulfil this mandate in .’ its entirety.

I thank the representative of the Federal Ilepublic of Germany for the kind words he addressed to me. Mr. BUCCI (Italy) : It is a particular pleasure for me to begin Italy’s term of duty on the Council under your presidency, Sir. I need not recall here the close and longstanding ties of fr iendship which exist between our two countr ies and which have made of Venezuela a new home for large numbers of my fellow citizens. For your part, you are an outstanding representative of your Government, and I am confident that your diplomatic and legal skills will be of gtea t help to the Council in discharging its responsibilities this month. , ‘. (Mr. Bucci, Italy) May I also congratulate your predecessor, -assador Walters of the kited States; cn. the’inasteriy way in which he dir.ected the work of the Council during the math of Decensjer. Given his well-known political and human qualities, we could hardly have expected less of him. Still, he deserves high praise for the able and constructive way in which he handled the delicate issues ‘with klnich the Council was confronted iast month. .I Aould like also-to thank the outgoing ‘menbers for the okstarhng ccntributia they have made to the work of the Council wer the'past two years. Their absence from the C&ncilBs table Gill oertainly be felt and regretted. Finally,.let me convey a warm welcome to Under-Secretary-General safronchuk, who hai just joined the security Council. Since this is the fir& time I have spoken as a member of the Council, all& me'to express my gratitude for the kind words of welcome addressed to US by YOU, bk l President, and other members of the Cobncil today. Let me say a special word. Of thanks to our friend .the 'French tiassador for tie thoughtful remarks he'jUSt addressed to my country. 1. 1. . . . . . . (Mr. Bucci , Italy) We are aware of the heavy burden which has been placed on my country as a metier of this body, which the Charter entrusts with the primary responsibility for the smintenance of internatiaral peace and security. We are also aware that that responsibility ,will be even heavier at a time when the United Nations as a whole is going through ,a critical stage of its existence and when the strengthening of the Council ‘6 role is of crucial importance. For our part we are prepared to co*perate fully with the other metiers of the Council in the search fa effective means to achieve that goal. I should like onsehalf of my avernment to express our appreciation to the Secretary-General for the smooth way in which he has conducted and ccmpletid the redeployment of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in a situation fraught with tensions and difficulties in southern Lebanon. That situation continues to be a source of serious concern to my Government. We fully agree with the Secretary-General when he states in his report that, the ‘. .’ “fears expressed in my earlier reports have been confirmed. The hopes that ,k existed in. 1984 and 1985 that it would be possible to negotiate peacefully the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory have not so far been real ized, Israel’s determination to mintain its ‘security zone’ has provoked equally determined resistance from various armed groups in Lebanon. An increasingly violent conflict has resulted. UWXFIL is seriously affected by that conflict . . . . . (S/l8581 and Cor r .I and Add.1, para. 27) The increasing number of incidents that occurred in ule area throughout 1986, and even in the past few days, which have entailed casualties both among the metiers of UNIFTL and in the civilian population , are a clear indication of the extent to which tensions in southern Lebana, remain acute and dangerous. It is particularly regrettable that some of the latest incidents, in which two Irish . members of the -Force were killed and members of other contingents wounded, were the result of firing by Israeli forces a elements under Israel-i control. Such events can only foster the process of deterioration of the situation in the area which has, been going a-~ for some time and needs urgently to be brought under Omtrol and revel: sed. I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate our most heartfelt condolences to all UNIFIL ccotributor countries that.have suffered casualties and to the families of the soldiers who have fallen in the accomplishment of their duty. My delegation has supported the renewal of the mandate of UNIFIL until 31 July 1987 because we are convinced that in spite of this difficult situation the Force has played a useful role in ensuring relative stability in its area Of operations and can continue to do so. However, UNIFIL cannot be confined indafini tely to activities , including humanitarian assistance to the civilian EWUhtiOn in southern Lebanon, which are certainly worthy but marginal to the main purpose of its mandate. UNIFIL was deployed in southern Lebanon with the task of assisting the Ubanese government in ensuring the return of its authority over that part the country. That is the essence of the mandate of the Force and the primary concern Of all those, including my COvernment, who are deeply comni tted to the preservation of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Lebanon, This result cannot be achieved if the Israeli forces are not withdrawn from the so-called security zone. We are convinced that Israel has a right to protect I its northern territory from cross-border violence. However , we do not agree with the Israeli contention that UNIFIL has neither the mandate nor the means to prevent infiltration across the border. On the contrary, if properly deployed, UNIFIL could effectively carry out the task entrusted to it. m perform its mission, what UNIFIL needs is a broad base of support among the Ubanese population, and it must be perceived as an effective guaranta-of the swereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. (Mr. Bucci, Italy) We therefore sincerely hope that the Government of Israel will review its position and recognize that its security interests will be better served if peace and stability prevail in southern ~ebancn than if the current process of deterioration is allowed to continue. My Government deeply appreciates the efforts made to that end by the Secretary General, and fully supports them.

I thank the representative of Italy for the kind words he addressed to me. Mr. BEIGNO03V (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (interpretation from Russian): Mr. President, it is a sincere pleasure on behalf of the delegation of the Soviet Union ti congratulate you On your assumption of the post of President of the Security Council. We are convinced that your wealth of diplomatic experience will enable you to conduct the work of the Council with your characteristic wisdom and mastery. . Let me take this opportunity to pay tribute to the competent manner in which Ambassador Walters ccnducted our work in December last. We wish also to express our satisfaction with the co-qeration we had with the delegations of Australia, Denmark, Madagascar, Thailand and Trinidad and Tobago as they served as members of the Council in 1985 and 1986, during which they contributed to the Council's work in maintaining international peace and security. I should also like sincerely to congratulate the delegations of Argentina, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Japan and Zambia, which have assumed their responsibilities as members of the Council this year. The Soviet Union has Well developed friendly relations with them all, and in that spirit we shall co-operate With those countries in the Security Council. Lastly let me say that all the metiers of the Soviet Mission to the United Nations regret that in the person of Vassilly S. Safronchuk they have lost a (Mr. Belonogav, USSR) colleague. We find some consolation in the fact that now his great talent, experience and high qualifications have been placed in the service of the interests of the whole international commmity, of all the Menbers of the Organisation. The year 1986, which the united Nations proclaimed as the International Year of Peace, has ended. It aroused many hopes that mankind would prove able to break Out of the succession of years it had spent in the grip of an accelerating arms race and tension in many parts of the'world. Never before, perhaps, had the attention of the world community been so acutely concentrated on vital problems of war and peace. (Mr. Relonogov, USSR) On 8 January of this year, the General Secretary of the Central committee of the CORUnUniSt Party of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Sergeiyevich Gorbachev, addressed a message to the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier PQrez de Cudllar , in which he informed the United Nations of the concrete action taken by the Soviet Union to ensure that 1986 would 1 ive up to the hopes vested in it. That message of Mikhail SergeiyeViCh Gorbachev has been published as an official document of the Security council (s/18571). As -day’s meeting is the first of 1987 I cannot but note that precisely one year ago, on 1s January 1986, the Soviet Union took an initiative which was unprecedented in its objectives and its scope: it proposed a prograrsne for the r establishment of a nuclear-free world and for the elimination of all types of weapons of mass destruction by the end of this century. Throughout the year we flesned out this programme in some particulars and backed it up with practical action. Throughout the past year the Soviet Union maintained its moratorium on nuclear explosions, although others continued developnent work ~1 their already utterly destructive engines of death. The Soviet Union’s extension of its moratorium even beyuad 1 January.1987, until the first United States explosion , affords yet another chance to pat a genuine barrier in the way of the nuclear-arms race. The Reyk javik meeting brought questions of the cause of peaoe, ‘international ‘i security and nuclear disarmament to a previously unattained level, from which new horizons became apparent. All mankind is looking at these newly opened prospects in the hope that persistent efforts to secure radical cuts in and the cmplete elbIIinaii.On of nuclear weapons will, ultimately, yield positive results. For its part, the Soviet ulion has repeatedly affirmed - and,now affirms again in the (Mr. Belonogov, USSR) Security Council - its detetminatian to pursue that course. We are eager to do all we can to defuse crises - including those in the Middle East and &bancn - and to prevent the emergence of further conflicts. As Mikhail Sergeiyevich Gorbachev stressed in his message to the Secretary-General, "the Soviet Union advocates a more prominent and effective United Nations, widespread use of the peaceful methods for resolving disputes called far in the Organizationas Charter and fuller exploitation of the opportunities available to the Security Council and the General Assembly, and it favours [the Secretary-General*s] mediating efforts*. (S/18571, p. 5) In its desire for co-operation with al1.S.tates, the 'soviet Union is prepared to support any constructive proposal, whatever its:origin. The Soviet Union is determined to pursue even further international dialogue and to find fresh new approaches and-novel methods for solving the problems the Security Council will be facing this year. c Today the Security Council is holding its first meeting of 1987. Member.s of ule Council knaw full well that they are facing important problems we must all resolve, arid tasks we must all carry out. In doing this it is extremely important that all the 'possibilities of the Charter be put to the fullest possible use. The Security Council has just renewed the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebancn (UNIFIL). The Council@s consideration of this question is a grim reminder of Israel's cx>ntinuing aggression in *e South or that country. Men the Council created the Force nine years ago, after a large-scale Israeli invasion of Lebanan, it assigned UNIFIL the task of confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory , and of ensuring the restoration of international peace and security. (Mt. Relcnogov, USSR) Unfortunately, we must note yet again that the Council's demands, clearly stated in the mandate of the Force, remain unfulfilled. Stubbornly disregarding the Security Council% demand for the prompt and unconditional withdrawal of its t-s=, Israel is attempting to perpatua& its occupation of those areas and establish a beach-head from which to launch new strikes deep inside Lebanese territory and to destablize the general situation in Lebancn. As stressed in the report of the Secretary-General on the Ulited Rations Interim Force in Lebanon, "Israel's &termination to maintain its 'security zone' has provoked equally determined resistance from various armed groups in Lebanon. An increasingly violent conflict has resulted.... I . . . The main problem remains Israelas refusal to withdraw completely from Lebanon and its insistence on maintaining the *security cone'..." (S/18581, paras. 27-28) The Soviet Union views the problem of guaranteeing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon in the general context of efforts to bring about a comprehensive, peaceful settlement to the Middle East conflict. The principles and machinery for such a settlement are well known. Now the primary reguirement is the anvening of an international conference on peace in the Middle Fast. The decision to convene such a conference has been supported by an overwhelming majority of States in General Assembly resolutions, including at the Assembly's recent forty-first session. Those resolutions affirm the need to convene a conference; moreover they have for the first time endorsed the call for the establishment in the framework of the Security Council of a preparatory committee with the participation of all the permanent members of the Council to take the steps necessary for the convening of a conference. (Mr. Relcnogov, USSR) ., In this way a step has been taken which opens up the way to the practical unblocking of the conflict situation in the Middle East by means of collective efforts - something that the Swiet union and other peace-loving countries have constantly and unswet vingly advocated. -The broad support given to that proposal in .the united rations, as well as at the Eighth Conference of .Heads of State or Covernent of Non-Aligned Countries, h&d at Harare , shows that the struggle to bring about a just and comprehensive Middle East settlement and, secure the convening of an international peace conference on the Middle East is now entering a qualitatively new phase. The Soviet Union's point of view on the need to start preparatory WCrk on the convening of an international conference on Ule Middle East and to set up, within the framework of the Security Council , a preparatory committee for that purpose was recently confirmed onoe again in the statement of the Soviet Foreign Ministry of 7 January 1987. The statement points out that the Soviet Vlion is far from having any.intention of imposing any kind of prepared, strict pre-arrange.8 rules for the work to be done in preparation for the conference. It is a collective nratter and must be the subject of bilateral antacts and multilateral discussions, inter alia in the preparatory committee when it is set up. Mat is needed now, abWe all, is to make a start On untying the knot of tension in the Middle East which is SO dangerous for all. Needless to say; the werall normalization of .the situation in the Middle East would have a most direct&Id positive impact q the s.ituation which we now encounter in Lebanon. The peoples of the Middle East must be prwided with the peace that they have awaited for so long, and their right to national sovereignty and a secure existence must be reliably guaranteed. Fbr that it is necessary in practice to show a willingness to engage in new political thi’nking and build one Is policies in the light Of mutual interest, on the basis of the principle of equality and identical (Mr. Relonogov, USSR) security i Only in that way will it prove possible to mOve away from the present standstill on the Middle East settlenmnt; and only thus will it prove possible to resolve the situation in Lebanon. Taking into account our approach to the settlement of the problems of the Middle East as set forth by us, the Soviet vlion ccntinues to attach the highest importance to the need to guarantee the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the fsraeli occupation troops from‘Lebanese territory, as clearly demanded in Security Council decisions. An important role in performing that task 'should be played in accord with its mandate by the Ulited Nations Interim Force in Lebanon UJNIFIL) whose presenoe should promote the most prompt attainment of that objective. In conclusion, I express our hope that the year whi'ch has just begun will not bring much work for the Security Council, but also that we will make substantial progress towards the solution of those questions on which we have been working in the recent past. The PRlBIDRNT iinterpretation'from Spanish): I thank the representative of'the Soviet Union for the kind words he addressed to me. -Mt.-OKUN (United States of America): First, on behalf of my delegation, permit me to congratulate you, Sir, in .your capacity as President of the Council . . for this month. We are confident, as are all other metiers of the Council, that your wisdan, skill and broad experience will lead the Council in a gmd and, we hope, fruitful direction. I thank you,Mr. President, and the other members also for the kind words addressed to Asbassador Walters for his stewatdship last month. At OUT first meeting it is, of course, a time to ring out the old and ring in the new, and I should like to add my delegation's welcome to the new metiers that (Mr. Ckun, United States) join us: Argentina, the Federal ~~epublic of Germany, Italy, Japan and Zaeia, courtties with whim my owncountry has warm and fruitful relations. We look forward to usbful and fruitful co*peration here in the Council - the same COeperation that we had from the five departing metiers: Australia,Denmark, N?ida$ascar, Thailand, and Trinidad and Tobago, whose work ~5th us so enriched and conttibuted to all our labours over the past two years. Last, but not least, I welcome an old colleague in a new responsibility - Ambassador Safrcnchuk. We are happy to see him here at the head of the table, where he will sit permanently. I am pleased to reaffirm my Oovernment's strong sqqort for the Unized Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UIUIFIL) Once again by voting to extend its mandate. Despite tne limitations placed upon it, UWIFIL has clearly contributed importantly to efforts to bring stability to southern ~ebaon. While we believe that the best means to bring permanent stability to SouthernLebancn and assure security along the Israeli-Lebanese border are agreed-upon, long-term security arrangements, in the i&rim there appears no real alternatiwe to UWIFIL. We are also pleased to see that all xtenbers of the Council h-ave voted again to extend UWIFIL's mandate and thus have expressed in a positive way their support for the Force. We cannot fail to note again the tragic loss of yet another member of the Force, a menber of the Irish Contingent, and my delegation shares the sorrow and condolences exprebsed to our Irish colleagues here and in Dublin at this loss. Ele fell in the name of peace, and we honour him for that. The PRESIDmT (interpretation from Spanish): I thank the representative of the aited States of America for the kind words he addressed to me* The next speaker is the representative of Ireland. I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement. Mr; McDONAGH (Ireland): I wish first of all to thank the members of the Council for permitting Ireland to address it cn this occasion. I also wish at the outset to express our very warm appreciation to those who have conveyed their commiseraticn to us in connection with Me tragic occurrence of 10 January. (Mr. McDonagh, Ireland) It has not been Creland's practice to speak at meetings of the Council dealing with the auestion of the renewal of the mandate of the United Natdons Interim Force Our attitude to UNIFIL and to United Nations peace-keeping in Lebanon (UNIFIL). operations in general has been clearly defined over the years. Like other troop contributors, we have felt satisfaction and, indeed, pride in our participation in such operations. That participation has been an important element in our conunitment to this Organisation. In regard to UNIFIL in particular, we have shared with fellow troop contributors and with others concerned deep feelings of frustration over the difficulties facing the Force, the obstacles to the full implementation of its mandate, the financial difficulties and, most bitter,of all, the sacrifices of human.life paid by members of the Force bedause of the hazards - often unnecessary hazards - to which they are daily exposed. Too often, those who have chosen to serve selfle&ly have'had to surrender their lives in that service. These casualties of peace-keeping shock us, and, as they inexorably continue, they should have the cumulative effect of spurring us to reexamine relentlessly the t reasons which give rise to them. -? r We have therefore sought to address the Security Council this afternoon because it is meeting in the shadow of the tragic death of an Irish UNIFIL member, Corporal Dermot McLaughlin, on the evening of 10 January 1987. Corporal McLaughlin was killed by a round fired'from an Israeli Defence Force tank during unprovoked I bombardment of the village of Brashit. The Secretary-General's report now before the Council describes this occurrence as a particularly irresponsible act. The Irish authorities fully agree with that evaluation.‘ They have conveyed their views to the Israeli authorities and have indicated their expectation that those responsible for it will be dppropriately disciplined. This is not the first Irish UNIFIL fatality, and Ireland is not the OnlytrOoP contributor that has suffered such losses. However, an immediately practical (Mr. McDonagh, Ireland) effect, if I might use that term, could be that it would at least serve to focus the attention of all concerned on the casual, almost arbitrary, dispensing of death that was involved. In particular we would hope that the Security Council could give urgent attention to this serious aspect of DNIFILBs many problems. Peace-keeping has always had and always will have its inescapable hazards, hazards that we have to recognise and accept. But our peace-keepers surely. have the right to ask that all reasonable measures should be taken to reduce the dangers facing them. They have the right to demand that Israel and all other parties concerned should ensure that their lives are not endangered by apparently pointless ? actions which can bring no possible benefit or advantage to anybody. Those who can impose restraint and discipline on their activities should be asked to do so. This is the thought which we put forward for the Council's consideration in the course , of its review of the range of difficulties facing DNIFIL in its efforts to fulfil its mandate.

I should like to inform members of the Council that I have received a letter from the representative Of Israel in which he reuuests to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the CouncilL's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I proposer with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the discussion without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Bein (Israel) took a place at the side of the Council Chamber. I now invite the The PRESIDEMT (interpretation from Spanish): table and to make his representative of Israel to take a place at the Council 8 ta tement . Mt;'BEIN (Israel); Allaw me to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the Presidency of the Security Council. Your experience , good nature and statesmanship will no doubt be of valuable assistance in guiding the work of the Council during this month. It is also my pleasure to convey to your predecessor, Ambassador Walters, the Permanent IIlepresentative of the United States, our appreciation for the efficient and distinguished manner in which he ccnducted the work of the Council in the month of Decenber. At the outset, I would like, on behalf of the Government of Israel, to express Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of Corporal DernKbt McLaughlin and to the Government of Ireland. Immediately after this regrettable incident on 10 January, the Israeli Defence Foroe began an intensive investigation of the circumstances leading to Corporal Mcfrbughlin”S death. Yesterday my delegation forwarded to the SecretaryGeneral the preliminary findings of the investigation , reproduced in documents S/18581 and Corr .l and Add.10 I should like to take this opportunity to clarify Israel’s position regarding southern Lebanon and the uli ted Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) . The Government of Isarael has declared repeatedly that it has no territorial claims via-h-vis Lebanon and is solely ccncerned with maintainihg the security Of its northern border and preventing terrorist attacks from tibana against Israeli divilians and populatiar centres. Israel remains strongly committed to wacking with any party in Lebanon that genuinely seeks peace and tranquillity on both sides of the border. During the current reporting period there have been a nunber of attempts to infiltrate Israel’s northern border , and Katyusha rockets have been fired from (Mr. Bein, Israel) Lebanon at targets in Israel. In the wake of recent concerted attempts by the _ Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to reestablish itself in Lebanon there has been intense fighting in Rashadiya, the Sidon area and in Beirut itself. Of special concern to us was the kidnapping and murder of nine Jewish Lebanese citizens, four of whom were murdered in the past few weeks. They were murdered for the sole reason that they were Jewish. In addition, there have been a number of serious attacks by Hezbollah on positions of the South Lebanese Army. In the past week alone 15 soldiers of the South Lebanese Army have been killed and 11 wounded. There can be no doubt that UNIFIL has an important role in maintaining stability in the area under its control and in enhancing prospects for a negotiated solution to this complex and sometimes seemingly intractable situation. UNIFIL has undertaken its role in difficult circumstances and exacting conditions. It has suffered painful casualties in the process. The people of Israel share the grief of the bereaved families and their Governments. Israel pays tribute to the ongoing , : efforts of the troop-contributing countries and believes that every effort should be made to enhance the.security of UNIFIL in order to safeguard the lives of its soldiers. Israel has recently again conveyed its willingness to co-operate with the United Nations in this regard and to exercise its influence wherever possible to prevent attacks on UNIFIL. _ \ (Mr. Bein, Israel) Ultimately, UNIFIL’s peace-keeping role can be enhanced and secured Only through the consent and co-operation of the Governments concerned in effectively ensuring reasonable operational conditions. This is clearly demonstrated by at least two examples of successful peacekeeping operations: the united Nations Disengagement Observer. Force (UNDOF) and the Multinational Force in Sinai, The solution, therefore, to the problem of southern Lebanon and the conditions under which UNIFIL operates cannot be viewed separately from the problem of Lebanon as a whole. Israel withdrew its forces from.Lebanon in pursuance of the decision of the Government of Israel of January 1985, which envisaged certain measures to defend Israel’ s border. It has since become clear that Israel's security-arrangements are, at this stage, the only viable means of providing relative peace on both sides of the border. There are those who believe that the solution simply lies with tsrael abandoning its present security arrangements while UNIFIL deploys southwards to the international border. There is no indication, however, that such a scenario would prevent the intensification of terrorist attacks against Israel from the area Of southern Lebanon. The situation in the whole of Lebanon is not improving; rather, it is deteriorating. The 'battles of the camps’ are intensifying and the danger exists that these r-ivalries of the different factions, with their shifting layalties, will spill over to southern Lebanon and to the border of Israel. UNIFIL alone, despite its best intentions, cannot stop this from happening, and it seems that only the present arrangements can secure - for the time being - relative tranguilllty in the area, (Mr. Bein, Israel) Israel doesnot, however, consider these arrangements as permanent. A stalemate in the present situation is to the detriment of all the parties concerned. Israel is therefore interested in reaching a permanent solution for the security of its border with Lebanon. In order to progress, however, there must be s a clear and defined party which wouid be -able to take upon itself responsibility for the Overall maintenance of security in southern Lebanon. This iS not a task which t&FIL can discharge'alone , and obviously action would be reouired to neutralize extremist elements. At first we thought that the Government of Lebanon would be the appropriate partner, but arrangements negotiated to ensure the integrity of the common border were not implemented, as a result of the abrogation of the 17 May 1983'Agreement by . the Government of Lebanon. Israel remains willing to negotiate and co-operate with the Government of Lebanon or any other credible partner in that country that genuinely seeks, and can ensure, peace in that area. .., a, "In'this context, Israel proposes'that the efforts directed towards a solution be based on the acceptance of the principles of trial periods and a stage-by-stage approach, beginning with an immediate and total cease-fire in the entire area for a period of at least six months. Once these principles are accepted and implemented by the parties concerned it will then be possible to negotiate the territorial and hinding aspects of a permanent solution. These principles should constitute an accepted framework for a dialogue bn lines similar to those envisaged in Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and.338 (1973) The solution is not in the hands of the Government of Israel alone, nor can it be reached through unilateral acts which,would once again expose Israeli and, . indeed, Lebanese citizens, to the danger of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. Israel, for its part, is ready to consider any viable proposal that would (Mr. Bein, Israel) adeouately take account of the legitimate security concerns for its northern border, and will work with any party in Lebanon that seeks peace on both sides of the border.

I thank the representative of Israel-for the kind words he addressed to me. I now call on the representative of Lebanon. Mr. FARHOURY (Lebanon) (interpretation from Arabic): I wish at the outset to thank the Council.for agreeing to invite the delegation of Lebanon to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda. 'It gives me great pleasure, Sir, to congratulate you on behalf of my delegation on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the Current month, and to assure you of our fullconfidence in your oualifications, wisdom and diplomatic skill, which will stand you in good stead in successfully guiding the Council's work. I am also happy to express our deep appreciation to your predecessor, Ambassador Vernon Walters, the Permanent Representative of the United States, for the competence, effectiveness and sound management he evinced during his presidency in December. I also congratulate Ambassador Safronchuk on being appointed Under-Secretary-General for Political and Security Council Affairs, and express thanks and appreciation to his predecessor. The Council has agreed for the 22nd time to renew the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The recuest of the Lebanese Government that its mandate be renewed was again unavoidable, because in the eight and a half years or more since its establishment under Security'Council resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) UNIFIL has failed to carry out the'task entrusted to it: by the Council, owing to Is-rael's refusal to implement those resolutions and subseauent (Mr. Fakhoury, Lebanon) relevant resolutions calling for Israel's full and unconditional withdrawal from Lebanese territory, for the deployment of the Force up to the internationally recognized border, and for assistance to the Lebanese State to regain its sovereignty and authority over the whole of its territory. I retterate that by its repeated recuests for the renewal of UNIFIL's mandate the Lebanese Government did not intend to make the Force permanent, since Lebanon had called upon the Council, and is still calling upon it, to enable the Force to carry Out its task so that Lebanon may regain its sovereignty and authority over the whole of its territory and the members of the Force may return to their countries and families, after carrying out their mission of maintaining international peace and security. Israel has not only refused to implement United Nations resolutions, but has directly, using its own army , or through the so-called South Lebanon Army, created obstacles and committed unwarranted, blatant aggression against the positions of the international contingents. I do not need to go into the details of those acts of aggression and list the dead and wounded , as those matters are dealt with in detail in the Secretary-General's report. But we note that, as indicated ,in the report, there is an increased threat to the Force posed by the Israeli army and the so-called South Lebanon Army. Lebanon appreciates the bravery and steadfastness of UNIFIL in difficult and at times grave circumstances. (Mr. Fakhoury, Lebanon) Lebanon extends its thanks and appreciation to the Force Commander, its officers, soldiers and administrative staff, as well as to the observers from the Truce Supervision Organisation. ft also appreciates the efforts of the Secretary-General and his assistants to implement this Council’s resolutions. On behalf of the Government and the people of Lebanon I cannot but express our great Sorrow at the injuries inflicted upon members of-some contingents of the Force. We extend our condolences to the families of the fallen among the contingents of France, Fiji, Finland, Norway, Nepal and Ireland, who were martyred in the performance of the sacred task of maintaining peace. To the Government and the people of Ireland, I extend special heartfelt condolences on the death of a corporal in the Irish contingent by unwarranted fire from Israeli for&es, thus emphasising Lebanon’s condemnation of acts of aggression against the Force by any party, its concern over the safety of the Force and its readiness to continue, within the limits of its capabilities, to thwart any threat to the Force. My delegation thanks the Council for its positive response to the Lebanese Government’s reauest and the Secretary-General for his support of that recuest. While congratulating Argentina, the Federal Republic of Germany, 1.taly, Japan and Zambia on their accession to the Council as non-permanent members, I also ex’press to their representatives my delegation’s full confidence in their ability to discharge their responsibilities under the United Nations Charter. Lebanon calls upon the Council and its members , collectfvely and. individually, to undertake prompt and effective endeavours to implement resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978), as well as all other relevant resolutions. while Israel bears a direct responsibility for obstructing UNIFfLas task, this Council’s has the fundamental responsihility.to enable the Force to carry out its mission by removing the impediments facing it. If Israel continues its obstructionist stand, it will (Mr. Fakhouty, Lebanon) be incumbent upon the Council to consider practical ways and means to secure the full and unconditional implementation of its resolutions. My delegation associates itself with the Secretary-General’s appeal t0 all States Members of the United Wations to pay in full their assessed contributions to, the expenses of the Force , so that the international community’s contribution will become-collective and constitute moral and material support for the success Of the task of the most important peace-keeping operation of the present time. I had intendeb to conclude my statement at.this point. However,. the statement of’the representative of Israel has prompted me to say the.following. I should Simply like to say to him that this Council adopted a resolution, subsequently confirmed by numerous other resolutions , confirming the necessity of Israel’s_ r withdrawal from the occupied Arab territories. Hence it. is Israel’s duty t0 withdraw and obey these resolutions. AS for the pretext that they are extraneous to the subject, that is a mere red herring devoid of any.seriousness. The PRESIDEWT (interpretation from Spanish): I thank the representative of Lebanon for the kind words he addressed to me. Mr. DELPECH (Argentina) (interpretation from Spanish): Allow me t0 express my thanks to you, Mr. President, for your words of welcome to my country as a member of the,Council. My thanks also go to the.other delegations that expressed Similar sentiments, especially the delegation of France and Ambassador de. Kemoulat ia. It is a particular pleasure for me that this first statement by our delegation should be made under your presidency. we know you well and fully appreciate your personal and professional qualities. We are convinced that they will be of .great assistance in ensuring the effective guidance of the work of the Council this month; Similarly, that Venezuela should be presiding over the Council this month (Mr. Delpech, Argentina) is a happy coincidence since, together with your delegation, we hope fully to represent the objectives and principles that guide Latin American countries at the United Nations. On this occasion I wish also to mention the skilful and effective way in which the Permanent Representative of the United States of America, Ambassador Vernon Walters, guided the work of the Council last December. We have succeeded the delegation of Trinidad and Tobago and its Permanent Representative, Ambassador Alleyne, and I wish to pay tribute to them. We shall at all timt?S~ seek to ensure that our participation here represents a continuation of his valuable contribution to the work of this lofty body. Argentina was a member of the Council on four previous OtxaSiOnS. We are fully aware of the importance of the functions entrusted to the Security Council under the United Nations Charter. I wish to assure you, Mr. President, and the other members of the Council that we shall always be inspired by the firm determination to contribute to the Council's fulfilling its mandate for the _ maintenance -of international peace and security on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations and in keeping with the purposes and principles of the Charter. These are revered purposes and principles, and they are fostered by my country. Our participation in the Council will be guided by them, and it is within that framework that we shall act in keeping with the values, purposes and objectives of our international foreign policy. We offer you, Mr. President, and the other members of the Council our full co-operation in contributing.to the success of our work. Lastly, the Argentine delegation extends a.warm welcome to the delegations of the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Japan and Zambia, which, like our own, have become members of the Council this year. (Mr. Delpech, Argentina) I could not conclude my statement without bidding farewell t0 Mr. Viacheslav Ustinov and congratulating the new Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Vasiliy Safronchuk on his recent appointment to head the Department of Political and Security Council Affairs. We are convinced that his activities will represent a continuation of the work of his predecessor, to the benefit of our Organisation.

I thank the representative of Argentina for his kind words. As President of the Council for this month, I should like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Council to express our welcome. Assuming my capacity as the representative of Venezuela, f wish to express my delegation’s pleasure at the presence in the Council of the very distinguished representative of the Argentine Republic, a country with which my own country enjoys the closest relations of friendship and co-operation. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. There no further speakers for this meeting. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. The meeting rose at 6 p.m.