Withdrawal from Lebanon

Withdrawal from Lebanon
(Communicated by the Israel Mission to the United Nations)

The Israel Ambassador to the U.N., Dr. Yehuda Lancry, today conveyed to the United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, a letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. David Levy, regarding the decision of the government of Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanon.

The Ambassador delivered the letter at a special meeting held this morning with the Secretary General in his office. In the course of the meeting, the Ambassador clarified orally various points related to the government decision.

The Foreign Minister states in his letter that the decision adopted by the Israeli government is in accordance with Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426. He further states that the government of Israel intends to carry out its decision in full cooperation with the United Nations. "The government of Israel will do its utmost to assist the United Nations in performing its other tasks as encompassed in the above mentioned resolutions, including the restoration of international peace and security."

Text of letter from Israel Foreign Minister David Levy to United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan

Jerusalem, 16 April 2000

Mr. Kofi Annan
Secretary General
The United Nations
New York

Excellency,

I am writing to notify you, in pursuance of recent contacts, of the decision of the government of Israel to withdraw its forces present in Lebanon, to be completed by July 2000. We intend to carry out the above in full accordance with Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426 (1978).

The government of Israel intends to cooperate fully with the United Nations in the implementation of its decision.

The government of Israel will do its utmost to assist the United Nations and cooperate in performing its other asks as encompassed in the above mentioned resolutions, including the restoration of peace and security.

Yours sincerely,
David Levy