Deputy Press Secretary Speakes on the Assassination of Gemayel
(September 15, 1982)
This latest violent tragedy only reemphasizes the
need for urgency in the search for peace in the Middle East. The United
States intends to continue to press ahead vigorously with the President's
initiative to broaden the participation at the peace talks.
We have been in frequent touch with senior officials
of the Government of Lebanon and with other prominent Lebanese personalities.
Our support for their efforts to maintain order should be clear. We
have also contacted Israeli officials in Beirut, Washington, and in
Israel. They told us that their military moves are limited and precautionary.
We have urged they do nothing to increase tensions.
The central Government of Lebanon remains in place.
We will be consulting with President Sarkis, Prime Minister Wazzan,
and other Lebanese Government officials to explore ways we can support
their efforts to maintain stability. We adhere to the goals we share
with the Government of Lebanon of internal unity and withdrawal of all
foreign forces.
While we deplore the shocking assassination of President-elect
Gemayel, it is essential that we not lose sight of these important objectives
which Lebanon has set for itself. The restoration of central government
authority remains key to Lebanon's future. We will do everything we
can to assist this process through this difficult period in the country's
history. Ambassador Draper has the full support of the President and
will continue to work closely with the Government of Lebanon in pursuit
of its objectives. Those objectives parallel our own support for: the
withdrawal of all foreign military forces from Lebanon; the strengthening
of the central government and the reestablishment of its authority throughout
Lebanon; the creation of conditions which ensure that Lebanon will never
again be a launching pad for attacks against Israel; and the promotion
of national unity and reconciliation, along with strengthening of all
national institutions, including the army.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |