S/RES/444 (1979)
19 January 1979
RESOLUTION 444 (1979)
Adopted by the Security Council at its 2113th meeting
on 19 January 1979
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 427 (1978) and 434
(1978),
Recalling also the statement of the President of the Security Council of 8
December 1978 (S/12958),
Having studied the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations
Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) contained in document S/13026 and Corr.1 of 12
January 1979,
Expressing concern over the grave situation in southern Lebanon resulting
from obstacles placed against the full implementation of resolutions 425 (1978)
and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978,
Reiterating its conviction that the continuation of the situation
constitutes a challenge to its authority and a defiance of its resolutions,
Noting with regret that UNIFIL has reached the end of its second mandate
without being enabled to complete all of the tasks assigned to it,
Stressing that free and unhampered movement for UNIFIL is essential for the
fulfilment of its mandate within its entire area of operation,
Reaffirming the necessity for the strict respect for the sovereignty,
territorial integrity and political independence of Lebanon within its
internationally recognized boundaries,
Re-emphasizing the temporary nature of UNIFIL as set out in its terms of
reference,
Acting in response to the request of the Government of Lebanon taking into
account the Secretary-General's report,
1. Deplores the lack of co-operation particularly on Israel's part with
UNIFIL's efforts to fully implement its mandate including Israel's assistance to
irregular armed groups in southern Lebanon;
2. Notes with great appreciation the efforts being made by the
Secretary-General, the commanders and soldiers of UNIFIL and the United Nations
staff, as well as Governments which have lent their assistance and co-operation;
3. Expresses its satisfaction with the declared policy of the Government
of Lebanon and the steps already taken for the deployment of the Lebanese army
in the south and encourages it to increase its efforts in co-ordination with
UNIFIL to re-establish its authority in that area;
4. Decides to renew the mandate of UNIFIL for five months, that is, until
19 June 1979;
5. Calls upon the Secretary-General and UNIFIL to continue to take all
effective measures deemed necessary in accordance with UNIFIL's approved
guidelines and terms of reference as adopted by the Security Council (S/12611)
and invites the Government of Lebanon to draw up, in consultation with the
Secretary-General, a phased programme of activities to be carried out over the
next three months to promote the restoration of its authority;
6. Urges all Member States which are in a position to do so to bring their
influence to bear on those concerned so that UNIFIL can discharge its
responsibilities fully and unhampered;
7. Reaffirms its determination, in the event of continuing obstruction of
UNIFIL's mandate, 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);
8. Decides to remain seized of the question and to meet again within three
months to assess the situation.
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