HC Deb 23 April 1980 vol 983 cc179-81W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many soldiers in UNIFIL have been killed or injured as a result of the recent aggression by Israeli regular forces against Southern Lebanon.

Mr. Hurd

None.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Lord Privy Seal what action Her Majesty's Government propose to take to strengthen the effectiveness of UNIFIL against the repeated attacks by Israeli forces and the so-called militia operating unlawfully in Lebanese territory.

Mr. Hurd

This question is being urgently considered by the United Nations Security Council. We are prepared to support any reasonable proposals which would enable UNIFIL to fulfil its mandate and resist the unjustified and deplorable attacks of the Haddad militia.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many members of UNIFIL have been killed or injured in the current year by the activities of the fascist militia of Major Haddad in Southern Lebanon.

Mr. Hurd

Reports from the United Nations indicate that since the beginning of this year four members of UNIFIL have died and six have been injured in clashes with the de facto forces of Major Haddad.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Lord Privy Seal what incidents have occurred in the current year involving UNIFIL and the PLO.

Mr. Hurd

There have been two serious incidents involving UNIFIL and Palestinians this year. In the first, Palestinian elements fired on a United Nations helicopter, and in the second a United Nations vehicle was ambushed.

There have also been frequent minor incidents in which Palestinians have attempted to infiltrate UNIFIL's area of control. There have been no UNIFIL casualties this year as a result of Palestinian attacks.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on his discussions with Dr. Waldheim about the situation in Southern Lebanon and in particular the effectiveness of UNIFIL.

Mr. Hurd

I cannot disclose the details of my right hon. Friend's exchanges with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. But the Secretary-General was left in no doubt about our support for UNIFIL and the seriousness with which Her Majesty's Government view the most recent developments in South Lebanon.

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