Sharon takes the blame

Press, 26 October 1982, Page 1

Sharon takes the blame

NZPA Jerusalem The Israeli Defence Minister, Mr Ariel Sharon, has told a judicial inquiry into the Beirut massacre that he personally authorised the entry of Lebanese militiamen info the refugee camps where hundreds of Palestinian civilians were slaughtered. His testimony was read on the Army radio after the inquiry was thrown open to the press for the first time since closed sittings began last Tuesday. The radio said that Mr Sharon read from a prepared statement and was then questioned by the three-man commission, headed by Chief Justice Yitzhak Kahan. The army radio quoted the Minister as saying that his forces moved into Muslim west Beirut last month because there was a danger that Palestinian guerrillas would take control of key positions. The massacre of hundreds of Palestinian civilians occurred between September 16 and 18 after Israeli troops allowed Lebanese militiamen to enter the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. The Israeli Cabinet decided to allow Lebanese forces to take part in the fighting that night, Mr Sharon was quoted as saying.

The decision to allow the militias to carry out the mopping up was taken to minimise casualties among Israeli forces, Mr Sharon said.

Several times Mr Sharon asked the commission to hear the rest of his testimony in secret, saying he wanted to produce classified documents, the radio said.

The commission told him to continue with public testimony and give confideneital evidence later.

After initially refusing to hold an official inquiry, the Prime Minister, Mr Menachem Begin,' agreed to an investigation. into Israel’s role. The inquiry has already heard evidence from the Army Chief of Staff. Rafael Eitan and intelligence officers. Mr Sharon has pledged to take full responsibility if the commission's < report casts any blame on him or his men. Further report, page 8