Deputy Press Secretary Speakes on U.S. Goals in Lebanon
(August 19, 1983)
Four weeks ago President
Reagan reaffirmed his commitment to three fundamental goals in Lebanon -- the earliest possible withdrawal of all foreign forces, the extension
of Lebanese sovereignty throughout its territory, and that Lebanon shall
not again become a source of hostile actions against Israel. The agreement
concluded between Israel and Lebanon on May 17 is an important step
toward achievement of these goals. The President directed that U.S.
efforts be renewed in a mission to the Middle East headed by Ambassadors
Robert McFarlane and Richard Fairbanks.
Since that time Ambassadors McFarlane and Fairbanks have traveled extensively
throughout the region, undertaking intensive talks with Arab and Israeli
leaders. Several conclusions have emerged from these talks.
First and foremost is the solid foundation of support in the Arab world
and in Israel for the principles of full withdrawal and full authority
for the Lebanese Government. Equally clear is the enormity of the task
the Lebanese Government faces in seeking to strengthen the consensus
among the diverse confessional groups in Lebanon which is so essential
to the reconstruction and revitalization of the Lebanese economy and
the establishment of political stability. It is clear that President
Gemayel is committed to these goals.
In its efforts the Government of Lebanon will soon face an opportunity
to restore stability and extend the process of reconstruction and consensus
building to the districts of Alayh and Shuf as the Government of Israel
withdraws its forces from these areas. This move by Israel is the first
in a process of withdrawal envisaged in the May 17 agreement. In recent
weeks some have questioned the motives underlying this withdrawal by
Israel, saying that it presages a permanent partition of Lebanon. We
are convinced that the Israeli Government is committed to the full withdrawal
of its forces in Lebanon. In this regard it is instructive to note official
Israeli statements such as the following:
``It is the policy and the intention of the Government of Israel to
withdraw from the whole of Lebanon and that the redeployment of our
forces along the Awwali line is only part of that total withdrawal.
``It is our firm desire to see a strong central government restoring
its authority over the whole of Lebanon and maintaining security throughout
its 10,452 square kilometers; thus, all allegations regarding Israeli
intentions of bringing about a partition or division of Lebanon are
completely baseless and totally without foundation.''
We are confident that further Israeli withdrawal will take place as
efforts continue to secure the concurrent withdrawal of PLO and Syrian
forces.
The United States pledges its best efforts to help create conditions
which will allow these withdrawals to take place at the earliest possible
moment. Within this context, the Governments of Israel and Lebanon will
coordinate the smooth and orderly return of responsibility in the Alayh-Shuf
areas. Concurrently, efforts by the Government of Lebanon to strengthen
the consensus will continue so that stability and reconstruction can
take hold.
We call upon Syria and the PLO for a corresponding
process of withdrawal so that Lebanon can be restored as a unified,
sovereign, independent country.
Note: Deputy Press Secretary Larry M. Speakes read
the statement to reporters assembled in the briefing facility at the
Sheraton Santa Barbara Hotel in Santa Barbara, Calif., at 10:07 a.m.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |