§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Lord Privy Seal what is the latest information available to him with regard to the situation of the Christian community in the Lebanon; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdThe present instability within Lebanon seriously affects all the communities. A ceasefire arranged by the Arab League has been in force in central Lebanon since 8 June. There have been outbreaks of fighting since, but for the most part the ceasefire has held. The Arab League Follow-Up Committee's efforts to promote national reconciliation in Lebanon continue. These efforts have our full support. National reconciliation and the restoration of the full authority of the Lebanese Government provide the only assurance of the security of all communities in Lebanon, both Christian and Muslim.