At its 2073rd meeting, on 18 March 1978, the Council decided to invite the representative of the Sudan to participate, without vote, in the discussion of the question.
At its 2074th meeting, on 19 March 1978, the Council decided to invite the representatives of Iraq, Mongolia, Pakistan and Qatar to participate, without vote, in the discussion of the question.
Resolution 425 (1978)
ol 19 March 1978

Resolution 426 (1978)
of 19 March 1978
The Security Council
1. Approves the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolution 425 (1978), contained in document S/12611 of 19 March 1978 ;23
2. Decides that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon shall be established in accordance with the above-mentioned report for an initial period of six months, and that it shall continue in operation thereafter, if required, provided the Security Councii so decides.
Adopted at the 2075th meeting by 12 votes to none, with 2 abstentions (Czechoslovakia, Union of Sovi~t Socialist Republics).'4

The Security Council,
Taking note of the letters from the Permanent Representative of Lebanon111 and from the Permanent Representative of Israel,20
Having heard the statements of the Permanent Representatives of Lebanon and Israel,21
Gravely concerned at the deterioration of the situation in the Middle East and its consequences to the maintenance of international peace,

Decision
At its 2076th meeting, on 3 May 1978, the Council proceeded with the discussion of the item entitled "The situation in the Middle East: letter dated 1 May 1978 from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council (S/12675) ".25

Convinced that the present situation impedes the achievement of a just peace in the Middle East,
1. Calls for strict respect for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;
2. Calls upon Israel immediately to cease its military action against Lebanese territorial integrity and withdraw forthwith its forces from all Lebanese territory;
3. Decides, in the light of the request of the Government of Lebanon, to establish immediately under its authority a United Nations interim force for Southern Lebanon for the purpose of confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces, restoring international peace and security and assisting the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area, the force to be composed of personnel drawn ~ from Member States;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council within twenty-four hours on the implementation of the present resolution.
Adopted at the 2074th meeting by 12 votes to none, with 2 abstentions (Czechoslovakia, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)."
1o Ibid., documents S/12600 and S/12606. 20 Ibid., document S/12607. 21/bid., Thirty-third Year, 2071st meeting. 22 One member (China) did not participate in the voting.

Resolution 427 (1978)
of 3 May 1978
The Security Council,
Having considered the letter dated I May 1978 from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council,26
Recalling its resolutions 425 ( 1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978,
1. Approves the increase in the strength of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon requested by the Secretary-General from 4,000 to approximately 6,000 troops;
2. Takes note of the withdrawal of Israeli forces that has taken place so far;
3. Calls upon Israel to complete its withdrawal from all Lebanese territory without any further delay;
4. Deplores the attacks on the United Nations Force that have occurred and demands full respect for the United Nations Force from all parties in Lebanon.
Adopted at the 2076th meeting by 12 votes to none, with 2 abstentions (Czechoslovakia, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics).'7
23 See Official Records of the Security Council, Thirty-third Year, Supplement for January, February and March 1978.
24 One member (China) did not participate in the voting. 2:1 See Official Records of the Security Council, Thirty-third Year, Supplement for April, May and June 1978. 28[bid., document S/12675. 27 One member (China) did not participate in the voting.

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