S/PV.2851 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council is meeting today in accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations. After consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorised to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The members of the Security Council express their grave concern at the recent deterioration of the situation in Lebanon, which has left many victims among the civilian population and caused considerable material damage. "In view of the threat that this situation poses to peace, security and stability in the region, they express encouragement and support for all 1 . ongoing efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Lebanese crisis, notably those made by the Ministerial Committee of the League of Arab States, led by \ (The President) His Excellency 'Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kuwait. "They urge all the parties to put an immediate end to the-confrontations, to respond favourably to the appeals launched for an effective cease-fire and to avoid any action that might further heighten the tension. "They reaffirm their support for the full sovereignty,-independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Lebanon. "The members of the Security Council also stress the importance of the role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and reaffirm their resolve to continue to keep,the evolution of the situation in Lebanon under close review." The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. Before adjourning the meeting, I should like to express my appreciation to all the members of the Council and to the Secretary-General and his colleagues who have given me their valuable assistance and co-operation during the month of March. I also wish to include in those thanks all the United Nations Secretariat staff. The meetina rose at 6.20 o.m.