Resolution 459
(December 19, 1979)
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 427 (1978),
434 (1978), 444 (1979) and 450 (1979) as well as the statement
of the President of the Security Council of 8 December 1978 (S/12958),
of 26 April 1979 (S/13272) and of 15 May 1979 (S/PV.2144),
Recalling the debate of the Security Council on 29 and 30 August
1979 and the statements by the SecretaryGeneral concerning
the ceasefire,
Having studied the report of the SecretaryGeneral on the
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (S/13691),
Acting in response to the request of the Government of Lebanon
and noting with concern the continued violations of the ceasefire,
the attacks on UNIFIL and the difficulties in implementing Security
Council resolutions,
Expressing its anxiety about the continued existence of obstacles
against the full deployment of the Force and the threats to its
very security, its freedom of movement and the safety of its headquarters,
Convinced that the present situation has serious consequences
for peace and security in the Middle East and impedes the achievement
of a just, comprehensive and durable peace in the area,
Reaffirming its call for the strict respect for the territorial
integrity, unity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon
within its internationally recognized boundaries, and welcoming
the efforts of the Lebanese Government to reassert its sovereignty
and restore its civilian and military authority in southern Lebanon,
1. Reaffirms the objectives of resolutions 425 (1978) and 450
(1979);
2. Expresses its support for the SecretaryGeneral's efforts
to consolidate the ceasefire and calls upon all parties
concerned to refrain from activities inconsistent with the objectives
of UNIFIL and to cooperate towards the fulfilment of these
objectives;
3. Calls upon the SecretaryGeneral and UNIFIL to continue
to take all effective measures deemed necessary in accordance
with UNIFIL's approved guidelines and terms of reference as adopted
in resolution 426 (1978);
4. Takes note of the determination of the Government of Lebanon
to draw up a programme of action in consultation with the SecretaryGeneral
to promote the restoration of its authority in pursuance of resolution
425 (1978);
5. Takes note also of the efforts of the Government of Lebanon
to obtain international recognition for the protection of the
archaeological and cultural sites and monuments in the city of
Tyre in accordance with international law and the Hague Convention
of 1954, which considers such cities, sites and monuments as a
heritage of interest of all mankind;
6. Reaffirms the validity of the General Armistice Agreement between
Israel and Lebanon in accordance with its relevant decisions and
resolutions and calls upon the parties, with the assistance of
the SecretaryGeneral, to take the necessary steps to reactivate
the Mixed Armistice Commission and to ensure full respect for
the safety and freedom of action of the United Nations Truce Supervision
Organization;
7. Highly commends the performance of the Force and its commander,
and reiterates its terms of reference as set out in the Secretary
General's report of 19 March 1978 (S/12611) and approved by resolution
426 (1978), in particular, that the Force must be enabled to function
as an efficient military unit, that it must enjoy freedom of movement
and communication and other facilities necessary for the performance
of its tasks and that it must continue to be able to discharge
its duties according to the abovementioned terms of reference,
including the right of selfdefence;
8. Urges all member States which are in a position to do so to
continue to bring their influence to bear on those concerned,
so that the Force can discharge its responsibilities fully and
unhampered;
9. Decides to renew the mandate of the Force for six months, that
is, until 19 June 1980;
10. Reaffirms its determination, in the event of continuing obstruction
of the mandate of the Force, to examine practical ways and means
in accordance with relevant provisions of the Charter of the United
Nations to secure the full implementation of resolution 425 (1978);
11. Decides to remain seized of the question.
Sources: The United Nations |