Deadlock over Lebanon remains, Israelis say

US special envoy Philip Habib has not broken the deadlock in Israel- Lebanon talks, Israeli officials said. Mr. Habib planned to leave for Washington today (March 31) and return to the Middle East next week to continue to try to effect a withdrawal of foreign troops from Lebanon. The main stumbling block in the negotiations is still the future of the Israeli-backed militia leader, Maj. Saad Haddad, a senior Israeli official said. Israel has demanded that his forces be integrated into the Lebanese Army and that Mr. Haddad be given a senior command post in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the Soviet government accused Israel of preparing to attack Syria.