S/PV.2788 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them the report Of the secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for the period 25.July 1987 to 22 January 1988, which is contained in document S/19445. In this report it is mentioned that during the period under review seven members of the Force lost their lives. These included two Nepalese soldiers killed by hostile firing and two French, one Irish, one Nepalese and one Swedish soldier who died as -a result of accidents or from other causes. In addition, sadly, as I have already noted, one Australian military observer from UNTSO assigned to Observer Group Lebanon was killed by a mine and a Canadian observer was Severely injured in the same incident. Furthermore, 11 soldiers were wounded by hostile action. I am sure that I speak for all members of the Council in extending sincere condolences to the Governments and families of those who gave their lives in the cause of peace. In addition to the Secretary-General's report, members of the Council also have before them the following other documents: S/19440, letter dated 20 January 1988 from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General; and S/19461, which contains the text of a draft resolution prepared in the course of the Council's consultations. (The President) It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it in document S/19461. 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 show of hands. In favour: Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Senegal, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Yugoslavia, Zambia

There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has therefore been adopted unanimously as resolution 609 (1988). There are no speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has therefore concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. Before adjourning the meeting , I should like to make two points. The first is that very shortly our greatly esteemed colleague the Permanent Representative of Japan will be leaving the Security Council and returning'to his own country. I am sure that all members of the Council would wish to join me in thanking Mr. Kikuchi, who has been a formidable colleague , an excellent friend and a most stimulating person for us all to have enjoyed and known over the years. I am sure members would wish me to pay tribute to his qualities , and I add my own because I have known him for a very long time. We shall be truly sad at his departure. The Council wishes you very well and thanks you for the remarkable services you have rendered. My second point is that the Security Council will resume its consideration Of the item "The situation in the occupied Arab territories" later. I believe it might'be useful if, before we resume our meeting in formal session, we were to meet once more in informal session. This informal session will take place at 3.30 p.m., and we shall then decide when to proceed to a formal meeting. Unless there are any other points, I propose to adjourn the meeting nclw. The meeting rose at 11.25 a.m.