12th Message to Congress on the U.S. Sinai Support Mission
(October 20, 1981)
I am pleased to transmit herewith the Twelfth Report
of the United States Sinai Support Mission. It covers the Mission's
activities during the six-month period ending October 1, 1981. This
report is provided in accordance with Section 4 of Public Law 94-110
of October 13, 1975.
The Sinai Support Mission and its overseas arm, the
Sinai Field Mission, have since 1976 made unique contributions to the
peace process in that part of the Middle East, first by establishing
and operating the tactical early warning system that made possible the
second disengagement agreement between Egypt and Israel, and when that
mission was successfully completed in January 1980, by undertaking during
the interim withdrawal period the verification of Egyptian and Israeli
adherence to the military limitations called for in their 1979 Peace
Treaty.
This second peacekeeping role will end on April 25,
1982, the date established under the Treaty for the completion of Israeli
withdrawal from the Sinai. At that time, the Sinai Field Mission will
relinquish its verification responsibilities to the new Multinational
Force and Observers being established to supervise implementation of
the Treaty's security arrangements after Israel's withdrawal.
Funding for the Sinai Support Mission for Fiscal Year
1981 was authorized at $16 million. Only $10 million is being requested
for Fiscal Year 1982, a level that will fund the Mission's operations
during its final months and the projected costs of its phase out after
April 25, 1982.
The role of the Sinai Support and Field Missions has
been a concrete example of the United States' commitment to the achievement
of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Our participation in
the Multinational Force and Observers will be the next crucial step
in the further promotion of that peace. I am counting on the continuing
support of the Congress for our role in the peace process.
RONALD REAGAN
The White House,
October 20, 1981.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |