Haig asks Soviets to help ease tension

Press, 1 May 1981, Page 7

Haig asks Soviets to help ease tension

NZPA-Reuter Washington

American officials, worried at increased fighting between Syrian and Israelibacked forces in Lebanon, have appealed to the Soviet Union to help end the conflict.

The Secretary of State (Mr Alexander Haig) said the Administration was closely monitoring developments in Lebanon and his department was following the “very worrisome” situation minute by minute.

The State Department’s spokesman, Dean Fischer, told journalists earlier that it was “incumbent on all Governments in the world, including the Soviets, to do their best to calm the situation.”

The public appeal to Moscow to use its influence with Syria came as American concern deepened over the intensified fighting in Lebanon, particularly around the Christian town of Zahle under siege by Syrian troops. But Mr Haig said it was too early to say whether the Kremlin could exert a moderating influence in the crisis.

“I wouldn’t read anything unusual into it, other than to note that Moscow has special influence in one of the capitals that is a participant in the problem right now,” Mr Haig said. The Soviet Union recently supplied arms to Syria. The two countries signed a treaty of friendship last October. Asked what the United

States wanted Kremlin leaders to do, Mr Fischer replied: “Exercise their good offices to calm the situation.”

Reading from a carefully worded statement, Mr Fischer said he wanted to make it clear that the United States had not given a “green light” to Israel’s recent military actions in Lebanon. But he declined to say that the Administration disapproved of them.

“I stand by the statement

... The United States has undertaken intensive and sustained efforts with all Governments and with virtually all parties which have any influence or interest in developments in Lebanon in order to bring about a stable situation,” Mr Fischer said.