Lebanon pullout

Israeli defense minister Yitzhak Mordechai said yesterday Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon would be impossible unless the Lebanese government demonstrated that it could take charge of security in the area.

He said in broadcast remarks that Israeli withdrawal from its self-declared "security zone" was conditional on comprehensive security moves by Beirut.

"I suggest that all of us respect UN Security Council resolution 425," Mordechai said.

Mordechai urged that Beirut enter into negotiations on "how to respect all the agreements of 425," alluding to the resolution's call for a restoration of "peace and security" in south Lebanon and assisting the Lebanese government to gain authority in the area.