White House Statements on the
Situation in Lebanon
(August - September, 1982)
AUGUST 10, 1982
We welcome the Israeli assessment as an essential element
in getting the problem solved in Beirut. We are encouraged that the
momentum of the peace process continues to build. Ambassador [Philip
C.] Habib is in Israel, having left Beirut early this morning, where
he will discuss with Israeli officials the several amendments that the
Israeli Government has suggested as a result of their Cabinet meeting,
as well as other issues in the peace process.
We remain cautiously optimistic that the outstanding
issues can be worked out. We are hopeful that there can be rapid movement
toward the implementation of the full peace plan. It is our belief that
negotiations can best move forward when a cease-fire is carefully observed
by all parties.
AUGUST 12, 1982
The President was shocked this morning when he learned
of the new, heavy Israeli bombardment of west Beirut. As a result, the
President telephoned Prime Minister Begin concerning the most recent
bombing and shelling in Beirut. The President expressed his outrage
over this latest round of massive military action. He emphasized that
Israel's action halted Ambassador Habib's 1 negotiations for the peaceful
resolution of the Beirut crisis when they were at the point of success.
The result has been more needless destruction and bloodshed.
The President made it clear that it is imperative that
the cease-fire in place be observed absolutely in order for negotiations
to proceed. We understand the Israeli Cabinet has approved a new cease-fire,
which is in effect. It must hold.
AUGUST 19, 1982
We are of course extremely gratified by the Israeli
Cabinet's approval of the plan, which is a tribute to the remarkable
diplomatic achievement of the President's personal emissary, Ambassador
Philip Habib. It sets the stage for implementation of the plan, which
we expect to start as early as this weekend. We urge the parties to
make every effort to clear up the remaining matters so that implementation
can go forward as soon as possible.
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 1, 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.
SEPTEMBER 16, 1982
appears from press reports and eyewitness accounts
that the Israelis have now moved into strategic positions throughout
West Beirut and control much of that sector of the city. This is contrary
to the assurances given to us by the Israelis both in Washington and
in Israel.
We fully support the Lebanese Government's call for
the withdrawal of Israeli forces, which are in clear violation of the
cease-fire understanding to which Israel is a party. There is no justification
in our view for Israel's continued military presence in west Beirut,
and we call for an immediate pullback.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |