The ongoing cycle of violence: situation in southern Lebanon, occupied territories focus of UN concern.

• Position: United Nations

The ongoing cycle of violence:

Situation in southern Lebanon, occupied

territories focus of UN concern

The ongoing cycle of violence in both southern Lebanon and the occupied territories was the continuing focus of United Nations concern in early l988--in the l5-member Security Council and elsewhere.

The United States on 18 January vetoed a draft resolution by which the Security Council would have strongly deplored what was described as "repeated Israeli attacks against Lebanese territory and all other measures and practices against the civilian population". Another draft concerning the situation in the occupied territories was not adopted on l February because of the dissenting vote of the United States.

Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs Marrack Goulding made two visits to the area early in the year--from 8 to l7 January, to Israel and the occupied territories, and from ll February to l March, to Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and Tunisia.

Lt.-Col. William Higgins, Chief of the Observer Group Lebanon of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization and a United States national, was abducted on l7...