UN General Assembly
1999

On 14 July 1999, Lebanon celebrated Lebanese prisoners' day. From this rostrum, we again call for the redoubling of efforts and for bringing more pressure to bear on Israel to release all the Lebanese detainees languishing in Israeli prisons as hostages. Israel's Supreme Court has acknowledged and condoned holding these prisoners. Some of these people are incarcerated in al-Khiyam detention camp inside Lebanese occupied territories. There are many elderly and sick among them who are often denied visits and the humanitarian care usually provided by the International Committee of the Red Cross. This is a breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention concerning the protection of civilians in time of war. On this occasion, Lebanon emphasizes once again its right to be compensated for the loss of life and for the property damage that has been inflicted upon it for many years as a result of Israel's acts of aggression and arbitrary practices against its civilians. Lebanon recalls the need for the unconditional implementation of resolution 425 (1978). Pending the enforcement of that resolution, it is only natural that the