(21 Mar 1998) T/I: 10:43:27
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said on Saturday (21/03) that Israel appeared to be willing to implement a UN resolution calling for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from south Lebanon. Annan made his remarks during a visit to the headquarters of UN peacekeepers in the coastal town of Naqoura inside the Israeli-occupied zone in south Lebanon. The UN presence in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, now comprising 4,470 troops from nine countries, was established to restore Lebanese government authority over the southern part of the country, after an Israeli incursion in 1978 against Palestinian guerrillas. Since 1985 Israeli forces hold a 15-KM (nine miles)-deep zone, saying it is neccessary to protect Israel's northern borders from guerrilla attacks.
SHOWS:
LEBANON 21/03
NAQOURA, SOUTH LEBANON
WS UNIFIL headquarters;
MS Annan inspecting UNIFIL guard of honour;
Annan along UNIFIL troops;
Annan laying wreath at cenotaph in memory of UNIFIL peacekeepers;
MS Annan and UNIFIL officer;
VS salute as last post played ;
VS patrol boats in distance;
SOT Annan (in English): "Implementing a resolution you have to take into consideration the realities on the ground and plan for the implementation and you also need to talk to the parties involved and working with the parties, with UNIFIL and with us, you really come with the best approach to move forward (Reporter: Is there an amendment?) No there is no amendment. No I have not talked about security concerns for Israel";
BAABDA, LEBANON
MS Annan and Lebanese President Elias Hrawi;
VS round table talks.
2.01
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