Mandate of Lebanon Force extended.

• Position: United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

The Security Council on 30 January extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for a period of six months-until 31 July 1989. The 5,889-strong Force, established in March 1978, is commanded by Lieutenant-General Lars-Eric Wahlgren of Sweden.

In unanimously adopting resolution 630 (1989), the Council again reiterated strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries. All parties concerned were called on to co-operate fully with the Force for full implementation of its mandate, which is to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces, restore international peace and security, and assist the Government of Lebanon in ensuring its effective authority in the area.

On 17 February-on the first anniversary of the abduction of Lt.Col. William R. Higgins, Chief of the UN observer group in Lebanon, Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar again appealed to his captors, and to those holding other hostages, to release them unharmed and to show respect for fundamental principles and values of humanity. No aim, he said, could be well served by depriving others of their basic human rights. Colonel Higgins, a United States national, was serving with UNIFIL at the time of his abduction near Tyre.

The Secretary-General said he and his senior staff had taken every opportunity to seek the assistance of anyone who might have influence in obtaining Col. Higgins' release. Although he was disappointed that these demarches had not yet proved successful, he would continue to spare no effort in...