Execution warning in Lebanon

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34133, 21 April 1976, Page 15

Execution warning in Lebanon

(N.Z.P.A-Reuter —Copyright) BEIRUT, April 20. The leaders of Lebanon’s Leftists and the Palestinian commando movements gave a pledge early today that they would deal most severely with any violation of the country’s shaky cease-fire, no matter what the source.

A joint statement, issued as explosions resounded in several parts of Beirut, made it clear that anyone who committed murder or other serious crimes would be executed in public. “Anyone violating the. cease-fire must shoulder full responsibility before the masses,” the statement said. “This ruling will be strictly observed.” The statement followed a decision by the Higher Military Committee yesterday to form “deterrent forces” to supervise the present ceasefire. The committee, which is

due to meet again today, was established two days ago, and includes leaders of the Left and Right-wing factions and Syrian and Palestinian representatives. Residents on both sides of the Beirut battle lines report shelling and rocket attacks late into the night. Police sources say that about 50 bodies were found yesterday — roughly the daily average throughout the year-long conflict. Fire broke out yesterday at the Lebanese General Security Headquarters, and fire brigade sources say that firemen could not deal with the blaze because of the shooting in the district. There has been no independent information on the (extent of the fire, which was Inear the building where the (Higher . Military Committee I is due to meet this morning. The National Liberal Party, headed by the former President, Mr Camaille Chamoun, did not attend yesterday’s session, saying that the area was too dangerous. It said that its views could be presented by the Phalang-

ists, the largest Right-wing group. The Phalangist Party’s radio service said last night that a night-time curfew had been imposed on three Ri g h t-wing-held suburbs south-east of Beirut, to prevent saboteurs infiltrating.