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CU PAN reported TO Butros speaking in Arabic
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Initials EP/1715



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Background: The Lebanese Foreign Minister, Fuad Butros, told newsmen on Tuesday that he was "not pessimistic" about the implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolution calling for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the south Lebanon.

SYNOPSIS: Mr. Butros was speaking to newsmen after meeting with the chief Coordinator of the United Nations peace-keeping missions in Middle East General Aeons Siilasvuo.

Mr. Butros said that his discussions on the situation in south Lebanon had been fruitful, and his meeting with General Siilasvuo had led to what he called "tangible progress" being reached.

The Foreign Minister said that he hoped to see the implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolution calling for the withdrawal of Israeli forces. That resolution had been forward by the United States and was accepted 12 voted to none on March the 19th, although China did not take part in the vote, and the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia abstained.

When he was questioned by newsmen, Mr. Butros said he had not been offered any definite withdrawal plan by General Siilasvuo, but he said, the United Nations commander was working on such a programme.

Mr. Butros also welcomed suggestions that there should be a debate in the Lebanese Parliament on the presence in the area of Palestinians. But, he said, it was important to ensure effective results.