US Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lethtinen
addresses the Hariri Resignation
PRESS RELEASE
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For Immediate Release
October 20, 2004
Washington, DC ---- Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chair of the
Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia of the House of
Representatives, notes with great interest the resignation of Lebanon’s
Prime Minister and the recent United Nations actions, and calls for
increased pressure on the Syrian regime and certain Lebanese officials, in
order to bring an end to Syria’s unacceptable behavior.
Ros-Lehtinen, co-author of the Syrian
Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act implemented by the
President earlier this year, recently asked President Bush to exercise his
authorities under the Act and his May 11, 2004 Executive Order and freeze
the assets of any individual who is found to be contributing to Syria's
occupation of Lebanon, support of terrorism, and pursuit of unconventional
weapons.
Ros-Lehtinen affirms: “I am
gratified by recent developments at the United Nations relating to Lebanon,
particularly the September 2nd UN Security Council Resolution and
yesterday’s Council statement, calling for an immediate withdrawal of
Syrian forces from Lebanon. This is a clear example of U.S. leadership and
commitment, driving the international community to take action to end
Syrian occupation of Lebanon and to hold Syria accountable for its
repeated and flagrant violations of its international obligations.”
“We must maintain the pressure on the Syrian regime and its accomplices in
Lebanon if we are to help bring an end to Syria’s activities that threaten
U.S. and global security and undermine the forces of freedom in the
region,” added Ros-Lehtinen.
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