*EPF508 09/03/2004
Text: U.N. Security Council Calls for Respect of Lebanese Sovereignty
(Resolution 1559 asks for withdrawal of all foreign forces) (560)

The U.N. Security Council adopted Resolution 1559 calling for Lebanese sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence to be respected.

The resolution, adopted September 2 in a 9-0 vote with six abstentions, also called upon remaining foreign forces to withdraw from Lebanon and expressed the Security Council's support for "a free and fair electoral process in Lebanon's upcoming presidential election."

Explaining the resolution to reporters after the vote, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Danforth said, "The government of Syria has imposed its political will on Lebanon, and has compelled the cabinet and Lebanese National Assembly to amend its constitution and abort the electoral process by extending the term of the current president by three years."

Danforth added that the "presence of armed Hizballah militia elements, as well as the presence of the Syrian military and Iranian forces in Lebanon, hinders" the goal of the Lebanese government exercising control over all Lebanese territory.

Following is the text of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559:

(begin text)

United Nations
Security Council
2 September 2004

Resolution 1559 (2004)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 5028th meeting, on
2 September 2004

France, Germany, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America:

The Security Council,

Recalling all its previous resolutions on Lebanon, in particular resolutions 425
(1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978, resolution 520 (1982) of 17 September
1982, and resolution 1553 (2004) of 29 July 2004 as well as the statements of its President on the situation in Lebanon, in particular the statement of 18 June 2000 (S/PRST/2000/21),

Reiterating its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and
political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders.

Noting the determination of Lebanon to ensure the withdrawal of all non-
Lebanese forces from Lebanon, Gravely concerned at the continued presence of armed militias in Lebanon, which prevent the Lebanese Government from exercising its full sovereignty over all Lebanese territory,

Reaffirming the importance of the extension of the control of the Government
of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory,

Mindful of the upcoming Lebanese presidential elections and underlining the importance of free and fair elections according to Lebanese constitutional rules devised without foreign interference or influence,

1. Reaffirms its call for the strict respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon throughout Lebanon;

2. Calls upon all remaining foreign forces to withdraw from Lebanon;

3. Calls for the disbanding and disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias;

4. Supports the extension of the control of the Government of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory;

5. Declares its support for a free and fair electoral process in Lebanon's upcoming presidential election conducted according to Lebanese constitutional rules devised without foreign interference or influence;

6. Calls upon all parties concerned to cooperate fully and urgently with the Security Council for the full implementation of this and all relevant resolutions concerning the restoration of the territorial integrity, full sovereignty, and political independence of Lebanon;

7. Requests that the Secretary-General report to the Security Council within thirty days on the implementation by the parties of this resolution and decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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