Official Syrian Statement on the Incidents in Lebanon
Damascus, May 8, 1973
Following the shelling of Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon by Lebanese army units on May 2, Presidents Hafez al-Assad and Anwar Sadat sent representatives to Lebanon to make efforts to stem the bloodshed and resolve the crisis. After two days of continuous efforts, an agreement was reached between the two sides aimed at removing all causes of tension. This agreement was communicated to the President of Lebanon, who expressed his satisfaction with it. However, within hours, the Turkish ambassador in Beirut observed signals from the sea that were met with signals from the land, followed by gunfire of various kinds, which the Turkish ambassador reported to the Lebanese Foreign Minister. Additionally, Mr. Raymond Edde inquired with the army command about the reasons for the gunfire, and they claimed that an officer had made a mistake and would be held accountable.
The Lebanese army has used all its available weapons against both Lebanese and Palestinians, and Beirut awoke this morning to ongoing artillery and aerial bombardments.
Throughout last night, comrade Abdel Halim Khaddam, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, was making contact with the Lebanese authorities to urge restraint and ceasefire on Beirut neighborhoods and refugee camps. These efforts were met with delay and evasion, confirming the involvement of the Lebanese authorities in a conspiracy targeting the Lebanese and Palestinian people.
The Syrian Arab Republic appeals to the Lebanese people and the Palestinian resistance to stand united and firmly against the authority that is executing an external plan. The Syrian Arab Republic announces that it will stand by the Lebanese and Palestinian peoples and will fully meet its obligations in countering and thwarting this conspiracy.
