Abstract
Resolution 444 (1979) of 19 January 1979
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March, 427 (1978) of 3 May and 434 (1978) of 18
September 1978,
Recalling also the statement made by the President of the Security Council on 8 December 1978 (S/12958),
Having studied the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon of 12 January
1979, contained in document S/13026 and Corr.l,
Expressing concern at the grave situation in… [read more] Southern Lebanon resulting from obstacles placed in the way of the
full implementation of resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978),
Reiterating its conviction that the continuation of the situation constitutes a challenge to its authority and a
defiance of its resolutions,
Noting with regret that the Force has reached the end of its second mandate without being enabled to complete all
the tasks assigned to it,
Stressing that free and unhampered movement for the Force is essential for the fulfilment of its mandate within its
entire area of operation,
Reaffirming the necessity for the strict respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political
independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries,
Re-emphasizing the temporary nature of the Force as set out in its terms of reference,
Acting in response to the request of the Government of Lebanon taking into account the report of the
Secretary-General,
1. Deplores the lack of co-operation, particularly on the part of Israel, with the efforts of the United Nations
Interim Force in Lebanon fully to implement its mandate, including assistance lent by Israel to irregular armed
groups in Southern Lebanon;
2. Notes with great appreciation the efforts being made by the Secretary-General, the commanders and soldiers of
the Force and the staff of the United Nations, as well as by Governments which have lent their assistance and
co-operation;
3. Expresses its satisfaction with the declared policy of the Government of Lebanon and the steps already taken
for the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south and encourages it to increase its efforts, in coordination
with the Force, to re-establish its authority in that area;
4. Decides to renew the mandate of the Force for a period of five months, that is, until 19 June 1979;
5. Calls upon the Secretary-General and the Force to continue to take all effective measures deemed necessary in
accordance with the approved guidelines and terms of reference of the Force as adopted by the Security Council
and invites the Government of Lebanon to draw up, in consultation with the Secretary-General, a phased programme
of activities to be carried out over the next three months to promote the restoration of its authority;
6. Urges all Member States which are in a position to do so to bring their influence to bear on those concerned,
so that the Force can discharge its responsibilities fully and unhampered;
7. Reaffirms its determination, in the event of continuing obstruction of the mandate of the Force, to examine
practical ways and means in accordance with relevant provisions of the Charter of the United Nations to secure the
full implementation of resolution 425 (1978);
8. Decides to remain seized of the question and to meet again within three months to assess the situation.
Adopted at the 2113th meeting by 12 votes to none, with 2 abstentions (Czechoslovakia, Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics). [^]