From ask@israel-info.gov.il
TEXT OF CEASE-FIRE UNDERSTANDING
Following is the text of the "understanding" reached on Friday, April 26,
1996, for the cease-fire in Lebanon:
The United States understands that after discussions with the governments
of Israel and Lebanon, and in consultation with Syria, Lebanon and Israel
will ensure the following:
- Armed groups in Lebanon will not carry out attacks by
Katyusha rockets or by any kind of weapon into Israel.
- Israel and those cooperating with it will not fire any kind of
weapon at civlians or civilian targets in Lebanon.
- Beyond this, the two parties commit to ensuring that under no
circumstances will civilians be the target of attack and that civilian
populated areas and industrial and electrical installations will not be
used as launching grounds for attacks.
- Without violating this understanding, nothing herein shall
preclude any party from exercising the right of self-defense.
A Monitoring Group is stablished consisting of the United States, France,
Syria, Lebanon and Israel. Its task will be to monitor the application of
the understanding stated above. Complaints will be submitted to the
Monitoring Group.
In the event of a claimed violation of the understanding, the party
submitting the complaint will do so within 24 hours. Procedures for
dealing with the complaints will be set by the Monitoring Group.
The United States will also organize a Consultative Group, to consist of
France, the European Union, Russia and other interested parties, for the
purpose of assisting in the reconstruction needs of Lebanon.
It is recognized that the understanding to bring the current crisis
between Lebanon and Israel to an end cannot substitute for a permanent
solution. The United States understands the importance of achieving a
comprehensive peace in the region.
Toward this end, the United States proposes the resumption of negotiations
between Syria and Israel and between Lebanon and Israel at a time to be
agreed upon, with the objective of reaching comprehensive peace.
The United states understands that it is desirable that these negotiations
be conducted in a climate of stability and tranquility.
This understanding will be announced simultaneously at 1800 hours,
April 26, 1996, in all countries concerned.
The time set for implementation is 0400 hours, April 27, 1996.
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