(Communicated by Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
June 21, 2000
In a meeting today (21/6) between Foreign Minister David Levy and
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, the two discussed the success of
the redeployment of the IDF from Lebanon in accordance with UN
Security Council Resolution 425.
The Secretary General praised the Israeli withdrawal, which he
said was carried out "with willpower and with determination. We
have achieved much together through cooperation and hard work".
Foreign Minister David Levy noted that a heavy feeling exists
whereby Israel is being accused of violations at a time in which
it has acted in accordance to what was agreed upon in the UN, was
positioned exactly on the borderline and has acted in full
coordination with the United Nations organization. "A heavy
feeling has been created on our side as if we are in violation of
understandings and that is after you announced in the Security
Council that we acted in accordance with Resolution 425. The
other side must not be allowed to rely on claims that we are not
following understandings", Minister Levy stated.
The Secretary General said that there are claims of violations
but most of them are extremely minor ones. They must be examined,
but not so as to give a pretext to detract from the great
success, which is a result of Israel's brave decision.
Foreign Minister Levy also raised the subject of the village of
Ghajar and said that "a creative solution should be found so that
agitation will not be created in the area. The division will not
be beneficial and tragedy must be avoided".
The Foreign Minister arranged a meeting today for representatives
of Ghajar - who had turned to him and the Foreign Ministry in an
emotional appeal to help prevent their village being divided -
with the UN Under Secretary General for Political Affairs, Kieran
Prendergast, who promised to deal with their request.
With regard to the situation in South Lebanon, the Foreign
Minister said that despite the quiet, the things happening
beneath the surface, such as the continued Iranian involvement in
supplying arms to the area, cannot be ignored.
Following strenuous activity by the Foreign Minister and the
Foreign Ministry with the Secretary General and his staff of
assistants, a meeting was set today for a delegation of the
families of Israeli soldiers missing-in-action with Under
Secretary General Prendergast. Representatives of the families
expressed satisfaction regarding the meeting which took place
today in the afternoon.