United Nations Security Council Resolution 450

by the United Nations

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2149th meeting, by 12 votes to 0, with 2 abstentions (Czechoslovakia, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics), on 24 June 1979 ([1])

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March, 427 (1978) of 3 May and 434 (1978) of 18 September 1978, and the statement made by the President of the Security Council on 8 December 1978 (S/12958),

Recalling also, and particularly its resolution 444 (1979) of 19 January 1979 and the statements made by the President of the Security Council on 26 April (S/13272) ([2]) and on 15 May 1979, ([3])

Having studied the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, ([4])

Acting in response to the request of the Government of Lebanon and noting with concern the questions raised in its letters addressed to the Security Council on 7 May, ([5]) 30 May ([6])and 11 June 1979, ([7])

Reaffirming its call for the strict respect for the territorial integrity, unity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries,

Expressing its anxiety about the continued existence of obstacles to the full deployment of the Force and the threats to its very security, its freedom of movement and the safety of its headquarters, which prevented the completion of the phased programme of activities,

Convinced that the present situation has serious consequences for peace and security in the Middle East and impedes the achievement of a just, comprehensive and durable peace in the area,

1. Strongly deplores acts of violence against Lebanon that have led to the displacement of civilians, including Palestinians, and brought about destruction and loss of innocent lives;

2. Calls upon Israel to cease forthwith its acts against the territorial integrity, unity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon, in particular its incursions into Lebanon and the assistance it continues to lend to irresponsible armed groups;

3. Calls also upon all parties concerned to refrain from activities inconsistent with the objectives of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and to co-operate for the fulfilment of these objectives;

4. Reiterates that the objectives of the Force as set out in resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978) and 444 (1979) must be attained;

5. Highly commends the performance of the Force and reiterates its terms of reference as set out in the report of the Secretary-General of 19 March 1978 and approved by resolution 426 (1978), in particular that the Force must be enabled to function as an effective military unit, that it must enjoy freedom of movement and communication and other facilities necessary for the performance of its tasks and that it must continue to be able to discharge its duties according to the above-mentioned terms of reference, including the right of self-defence;

6. Reaffirms the validity of the General Armistice Agreement ([8]) between Israel and Lebanon in accordance with its relevant decisions and resolutions and calls upon the parties to take the necessary steps to reactivate the Mixed Armistice Commission and to ensure full respect for the safety and freedom of action of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization;

7. Urges all Member States which are in a position to do so to bring their influence to bear on those concerned, so that the Force can discharge its responsibilities fully and unhampered;

8. Decides to renew the mandate of the Force for a period of six months, that is, until 19 December 1979;

9. Reaffirms its determination, in the event of continuing obstruction of the mandate of the Force, to examine practical ways and means in accordance with relevant provisions of the Charter of the United Nations to secure the full implementation of resolution 425 (1978);

10. Decides to remain seized of the question.

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[1] One member (China) did not participate in the voting.
[2] Ibid., Thirty-fourth Year, 2141st meeting, para. 2.
[3] Ibid., 2144th meeting, para. 2.
[4] Ibid., Supplement for April, May and June 1979, document S/13384.
[5] Ibid., document S/13301.
[6] Ibid., document S/13361.
[7] Ibid., document S/13387.
[8] Ibid., Fourth Year, Special Supplement No. 4.