Following is a translation of excerpts from the address delivered
by Lebanese President Ilyas Hrawi before the UN General Assembly
on September 24, 1991.
"Mr. President, I assure you that Lebanon has today risen
from the wars that plagued it and were imposed on it and has begun
regaining its confidence so it can return to the world scene as
an active player. In the last few months our National Reconciliation
Government has accomplished a great deal. All roads in all sectors
of the country were opened, militias were disarmed and disbanded,
and the only weapons remaining are in the hands of the army. The
Lebanese Army and security forces have deployed throughout the
country deep into our valiant South to stand shoulder to shoulder
with UN forces, to which we extend our gratitude. We have started
reorganizing Government institutions on the principles of democracy
and law. We introduced constitutional amendments on the principles
of freedom, equality, and participation...
"Mr. President, these accomplishments have taken Lebanon
from despair to hope; chaos, to order. A legitimate Government
is now in power in Lebanon and peace and stability have returned.
But we are still working to end some unpleasant consequences of
the conflict, namely the hostage crisis, which came as a result
of the chaos and lack of a strong central Government. Lebanon
denounces this practice as it contradicts our traditions and customs
as well as the most basic human rights. Lebanon has become hostage
to this crisis and its consequences on the international scene.
The Lebanese Government is determined to cooperate with all parties
to put an end to it...
"Mr. President, Lebanon has fulfilled most of the requirements
of the National Reconciliation Accord. That Accord was agreed
to by all Lebanese deputies present at the Taif meetings and approved
by the Arab League. What still has to be implemented is the deployment
of the Army in the South of Lebanon in accordance with UN resolution
425 which calls for immediate and unconditional Israeli withdrawal
from South Lebanon and the Biqa` Valley. As a result of Israeli
aggression, you sent international forces to assure Israeli withdrawal
to beyond our internationally recognized borders.
"We ask that Lebanon's situation and the application of resolution
425 be separated from the Middle East issue, though we support
international measures for lasting peace in the area. But we demand
our rights. Our children in the south are enduring the weight
of Israel's occupation. They are repeatedly subjected to attacks
which threaten their lives, possessions and basic human rights.
The peace process in Lebanon is threatened if Israel maintains
its occupation. How can your organization apply Security Council
resolutions in the Middle East against a country which defied
international resolutions [Iraq], and not in the interest of Lebanon
[as relates to Israel]...
"Mr. President, the war has demolished Lebanon's infrastructure
and paralyzed its most basic services. The Lebanese Government
faces tremendous challenges in rebuilding our capital, Beirut,
and returning displaced people to their homes. Beirut, the intellectual
and trading center of the Middle East, calls on Arab and international
investments to return to Lebanon to help in its reconstruction..."