128. Letter From President Reagan to Algerian President Bendjedid1
Once again, we face a period of risk and opportunity in the Middle East, one that prompts me to share my thinking with you and other Arab statesmen and to seek your support.
As you are aware, Mr. President, we have succeeded in concluding an agreement for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. This agreement marks an important and necessary first step towards the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanese territory, a requisite condition for the restoration of full Lebanese sovereignty and authority over all Lebanese territory. It seeks to ensure also that the circumstances that led to Israel’s military action last summer will not recur.
From your message of May 2,2 which your Ambassador delivered here in Washington, I know of your concern for Lebanon’s future. Ambassador Newlin has reported to us also Algeria’s consistent support for the restoration of full Lebanese independence and sovereignty. I can assure you, Mr. President, that the United States is firmly committed to that same goal and that implementation of the agreement we have reached is essential to its achievement.
Those who seek peace and stability in the Middle East and who support the Lebanese Government’s commitment to reestablishing with honor full authority over its national territory and destiny share [Page 290] our interest in the successful withdrawal of Israeli and other foreign forces from Lebanon. This goal is important in itself and a step towards resolution of the Palestinian problem which, like you, we consider the heart of the Middle East dispute.
We are aware of the recent contacts your government has had with that of Syria and other Arab states. I hope, Mr. President, that your government will use these contacts with Syria to support the withdrawal agreement. The alternative is continued conflict and bloodshed in Lebanon, with risk to the region as a whole and further delay in seeking a comprehensive settlement to the larger problems of the Middle East.
I know from your message of your concern for these issues, and I do appreciate your willingness to receive Ambassador Walters as you did last September.3
With best regards,
Sincerely,
- Source: Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC Head of State File, Algeria: President Bendjedid (8105773–8407957). No classification marking.↩
- See footnote 3, Document 127.↩
- See footnote 3, Document 114.↩