asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in the Middle East; and if he is satisfied that the UNIFIL forces have still a useful role to fulfil.
Ceisteana—Questions. Oral Answers - Middle East UNIFIL Forces.
8.
The situation in the Middle East continues to be of serious international concern. The achievement of peace and reconciliation in that region remains a central priority of our time.
At the heart of the divisions in the Middle East there exists a tragic conflict of rights: the right of all states concerned, including Israel, to live in peace with their neighbours within secure, recognised and guaranteed boundaries and the right to justice for all the peoples of the region, including the Palestinian people who have the right to full self-determination. Ireland, together with its partners in the European Community, has committed itself to uphold and promote the implementation of these principles. Last year, we welcomed the Jordanian-Palestinian Accord as a constructive and far-seeing initiative which could point the way to an important new opening in the Middle East. Despite the many difficulties which exist, there are now some signs of a new flexibility in the region which, however tentative, give grounds for hope that a framework for progress towards peace may be found. For our own part, we would encourage and welcome such a development.
Also in the Middle East, our concern is focused on two areas of tension which continue to pose a threat to international peace and security: the Iran-Iraq war and the situation in Lebanon.
The Iran-Iraq war is now in its sixth year. During the course of this war, Ireland, together with our partners in the Community, has called on both parties to refrain from bombing civilian targets, has condemned the use of chemical weapons and has stressed that the Geneva Convention and other rules of international law must be fully and unconditionally respected. We will continue to support all efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful negotiated solution to this tragic conflict. We hope that a settlement will soon emerge.
In Lebanon, although efforts are continuing to achieve national reconciliation, violence and deep divisions persist. One essential requirement for peace is respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was established by the United Nations Security Council at the request of the Government of Lebanon in 1978 for the purpose of "confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces, restoring international peace and security, and assisting the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area".
As I reported to the Dáil on this issue in November 1985, following the renewal of UNIFIL's mandate, the Government, in agreeing to provide a further contingent to serve with the force, were mindful of the fact that, despite difficulties, UNIFIL remains an important and recognised factor for stability in southern Lebanon. The force continues to provide a measure of protection for the local population against the activities of armed groups in the area. UNIFIL also makes a valuable contribution through the provision of humanitarian assistance. The Government were also mindful of the fact that both the Government of Lebanon and the UN Secretary General expressed the wish that UNIFIL should remain in southern Lebanon.
At the same time, as the Deputy will be aware, UNIFIL has been prevented from implementing its mandate fully. Since I last reported to the Dáil on this issue, the situation in southern Lebanon has remained highly unsatisfactory. Israel has not completed its withdrawal from southern Lebanon and continues to support a local militia known as the South Lebanon Army. The Government share the view of the UN Secretary General that Israel's involvement in southern Lebanon is contributing to a heightening of tension in the area and to the risk of an escalation of violence.
UNIFIL's mandate is scheduled to be renewed on or before 19 April 1986. In the period ahead, the Government will continue to monitor carefully the situation on the ground in southern Lebanon with a view to assessing the future role of UNIFIL and determining the nature of our involvement with the force.