UN Security Council Resolutions:
Resolution 481

(June 19, 1981)

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The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 434 (1978), 444 (1979), 450 (1979), 459 (1979), 467 (1980), 474 (1980), and 483 (1980),

Recalling the statement made by the President of the Security Council, at the 2266th meeting on 19 March 1981 (S/14414),

Noting with concern the violations of the relevant Security Council resolutions which had prompted the Government of Lebanon to repeatedly ask the Security Council for action, and particularly its complaint of 3 March 1981 (S/14391),

Recalling the terms of reference and general guidelines of UNIFIL, as stated in the report of the Secretary­General of 19 March 1978 (S/12611) confirmed by resolution 426 (1978), and particularly:

(a) That "the Force must be able to function as an integrated and efficient military unit,"

(b) That "the Force must enjoy the freedom of movement and communication and other facilities that are necessary for the performance of its tasks,"

(c) That the Force "shall not use force except in self­defence,"

(d) That "self­defence would include resistance to attempts by forceful means to prevent it from discharging its duties under the mandate of Security Council,"

Having studied the report of the Secretary­General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon of 15 June 1981 (S/14537), and taking note of the conclusions and recommendations expressed therein,

Convinced that the deterioration of the present situation has serious consequences for international security in the Middle East and impedes the achievement of a just, comprehensive and durable peace in the area,

1. Reaffirms its repeated call upon all concerned for the strict respect for Lebanon's political independence, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity and reiterates the Council's determination to implement resolution 425 (1978) and the ensuing resolutions in the totality of the area of operation assigned to UNIFIL up to the internationally recognized boundaries;

2. Condemns all actions contrary to the provisions of the above­mentioned resolutions that have prevented the full implementation of UNIFIL's mandate, causing death, injury and destruction to the civilian population as well as among the peace­keeping force;

3. Supports the efforts of the Lebanese Government in the civilian and military fields of rehabilitation and reconstruction in southern Lebanon, and supports, in particular, the deployment of substantial contingents of the Lebanese Army in the "area of operations" of UNIFIL;

4. Decides to renew the mandate of UNIFIL for another period of six months, that is, until 19 December 1981;

5. Requests the Secretary­General to assist the Government of Lebanon in establishing a joint phased programme of activities to be carried out during the present mandate of UNIFIL, aimed at the total implementation of resolution 425 (1978) and to report periodically to the Council;

6. Commends the efforts of the Secretary­General and the performance of UNIFIL, as well as the support of the troop­ contributing Governments and of all Member States who have assisted the Secretary­General, his staff and UNIFIL, in discharging their responsibilities under the mandate;

7. Decides to remain seized of the question and reaffirm its determination, in the event of continuing obstruction of the mandate of UNIFIL, to examine practical ways and means to secure its unconditional fulfilment.

Sources: The United Nations