Resolution 538 (1983)
of 18 October 1983
The Security Council,
Having heard the statement of the representative of Lebanon, 18
Recalling its resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) and all subsequent resolutions on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon,
Recalling further its resolutions 508 (1982), 509 (1982) and 520 (1982), as well as all its other resolutions on the situation in Lebanon,
Reiterating its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries,
Having studied the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon 19 and taking note of the conclusions and recommendations expressed therein,
Taking note of the letter of the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the Secretary-General,20
Responding to the request of the Government of Lebanon,
1. Decides to extend the present mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon for a further interim period of six months, that is, until 19 April 1984;
2. Calls upon all parties concerned to co-operate fully with the Force for the full implementation of its mandate, as defined in resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) and the relevant decisions of the Security Council;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council on the progress made in this respect.

"I have been authorized by the members of the Security Council to make the following statement on their behalf:
" 'The members of the Security Council wish to express their profound concern at the recent and current developments in northern Lebanon which have caused and are still causing widespread suffering and loss of human life. The members appeal to all parties concerned to exercise the utmost restraint and seek freely to attain, and to respect, an immediate cessation of hostilities, to settle their differences exclusively by peaceful means and to refrain from the threat or use of force. The members of the Council highly appreciate the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and of the International Committee of the Red Cross in providing emergency humanitarian assistance to Palestinian and Lebanese civilians in and around the city of Tripoli. The members of the Council will continue to follow the situation in Lebanon with the greatest attention.' "
At its 2501st meeting, on 23 November 1983, the Council proceeded with the discussion of the item entitled "The situation in the Middle East: letter dated 22 November 1983 from the Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/16178)" .'7
Resolution 542 (1983)
of 23 November 1983

Adopted at the 2480th meeting hy 13 votes to none, with 2 abstentions (Poland, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics).
Decisions
At its 2495th meeting, on 11 November 1983, the Council decided to invite the representative of the Sudan to participate, without vote, in the discussion of the question.
At the 2496th meeting, on 11 November 1983, after consultations with the members of the Council, the President read out the following statement: 21
18 /hid., 2480th meeting. '"/hid., document S/16036. 20 /hid., para. 20. 21 Document S/16142, incorporated m tht: record of the 2496th meeting.

The Securit.v Council.
HavinR considered the situation prevailing in northern Lebanon.
Rent/linK the statement made on this question by the President of the Security Council on 11 November 1983. 21
Deeply concerned by the intensification of the fighting, which continues to cause great suffering and loss of human life,
I. Deplores the loss of human life caused by the events taking place in northern Lebanon;
2. Reiterates its call for the strict respect for the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;
3. Requests the parties concerned immediately to accept a cease-fire and scrupulously to observe the cessation of hostilities;
4. Invites the parties concerned to settle their differences exclusively by peaceful means and to refrain from the threat or use of force;

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