Begin's Lebanon plan: all foreign troops out

Prime Minister Menachem Begin will attempt to win United States support for a pullout of all foreign forces from Lebanon, when he meets President Reagan next week in Washington.

Sources in Jerusalem say Mr. Begin is expected to spell out Israel's vision of a new political order for Lebanon. The central feature is said to be the departure from Lebanon of Syrian, Israeli, and Palestine Liberation Organization forces.

Israel also wants US support for formation of a multinational force to police a 25-mile demilitarized zone that Israel wants to create north of its border to ensure that the PLO will not shell settlements. Israeli leaders have said they would like to see US troops in the proposed force, just as there are US troops in the in the Sinai.

Washington is expected to attempt to curb Israeli ambitions in Lebanon, particularly in Beirut, and to clarify Israel's intentions to leave Lebanon.

The Israeli leadership has thus far been pleased with Washington's position on the Lebanese situation, particularly Secretary of State Haig's assertion last week that there can be no return to the previous status quo in Lebanon.

You've read  of  free articles. Subscribe to continue.
QR Code to Begin's Lebanon plan: all foreign troops out
Read this article in
https://www.csmonitor.com/1982/0617/061758.html
QR Code to Subscription page
Start your subscription today
https://www.csmonitor.com/subscribe