Statement on Deployment of United States Forces in Beirut
(August 20, 1982)
The President. Thank you all, and let me just say
in advance, I'll be taking no questions, because Secretary Shultz, a
little later today, will be having a full press conference. So, you
can take everything up there with him.
Ambassador Habib has informed me that a plan to resolve the west Beirut
crisis has been agreed upon by all the parties involved. As part of
this plan the Government of Lebanon has requested and I have approved
the deployment of United States forces to Beirut as part of a multinational
force.
The negotiations to develop this plan have been extremely complex and
have been conducted in the most arduous circumstances. At times it was
difficult to imagine how agreement could be reached, and yet it has
been reached. The statesmanship and the courage of President Sarkis
and his colleagues in the Lebanese Government deserve special recognition,
as does the magnificent work of Ambassador Habib. Phil never lost hope,
and in the end his spirit and determination carried the day, and we
all owe him a debt of gratitude.
The parties who made this plan possible have a special responsibility
for ensuring its successful completion, or implementation. I expect
its terms to be carried out in good faith and in accordance with the
agreed timetable. This will require meticulous adherence to the cease-fire.
Violations by any party would imperil the plan and bring renewed bloodshed
and tragedy to the people of Beirut, and under no circumstances must
that be allowed to happen.
As you know, my agreement to include United States forces in a multinational
force was essential for our success. In the days ahead, they and forces
from France and Italy will be playing an important but carefully limited,
noncombatant role. The parties to the plan have agreed to this role
and have provided assurances on the safety of our forces.
Our purpose will be to assist the Lebanese Armed Forces in carrying
out their responsibility for ensuring the departure of PLO leaders,
officers, and combatants in Beirut from Lebanese territory under safe
and orderly conditions. The presence of United States forces also will
facilitate the restoration of the sovereignty and authority of the Lebanese
Government over the Beirut area. In no case will our troops stay longer
than 30 days.
The participation of France and Italy in this effort is further evidence
of the sense of responsibility of these good friends of the United States.
Successful resolution of the west Beirut crisis by responsible implementation
of the plan now agreed will set the stage for the urgent international
action required to restore Lebanon's full sovereignty, unity, and territorial
integrity; obtain the rapid withdrawal of all foreign forces from that
country; and help ensure the security of northern Israel.
We must also move quickly in the context of Camp David to resolve the
Palestinian issue in all its aspects, as well as the other unresolved
problems in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Only when all these steps are
accomplished can true and lasting peace and security be achieved in
the Middle East.
End of statement. Thank you.
Q. Mr. President, how can you be sure that American troops will stay
safe?
The President. I said no questions because of the press conference
that's coming up later, and that will be covered. And I assure you that
every precaution is taken and that your questions will be answered fully
by the Secretary with regard to that -- and to their withdrawal, if
there is any violation of any of the provisions that have been agreed
upon.
Q. If they're shot at, will they be withdrawn, sir, immediately?
The President. What?
Q. If they're shot at, will they be withdrawn immediately?
The President. Yes. Yes.
Q. Did the congressional leaders not want to appear with you here today?
Deputy Press Secretary Speakes. We said no questions, please.
The President. No, they said the Senate had to run
because they were due in at 9 o'clock in their session that began, so
they broke up and decided to go back on the Hill. And I think they all
want to go home. So do I.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |