2006 Speeches

Statement Condeming Syrian Warrants for Arrest of Lebanese Citizens

April 6, 2006

We condemn the reported issuance of warrants by a Syrian military court for Lebanese MP Walid Jumblatt, Telecom Minister Marwan Hamadeh, and journalist Fares Kashan to appear for questioning. These warrants are allegedly connected to a case filed by the Syrian military judiciary against the three Lebanese for “inciting the US administration to occupy Syria” and “defaming” Damascus by holding it responsible for the assassinations and bombings in Lebanon last year.

This is yet another cynical attempt by the Syrian government to continue its interference in the Lebanese political process and its crude attempts to intimidate the Lebanese people and their political leaders.

The UN International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC) found converging evidence pointing towards the probably involvement of Syrian and Lebanese security officials in the assassination of former Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri. The UNSC has repeatedly called for full Syrian cooperation with the investigation in resolutions 1636 and 1644. We reiterate the need for Syria to comply with Commissioner Brammertz's request for interviews with Syrian officials.

The Lebanese people have accomplished much over the past year: They have compelled Syrian troops to withdraw from Lebanon, and they have held free and fair parliamentary elections. Though much remains to be done, the forces of repression will not stifle the voices of freedom, and the Lebanese people have shown the tenacity to prevail.

The United States, and the international community, stand with the Lebanese people as they work to reassert their independence and strengthen their democracy, and we support their call for national dignity, truth, and justice.

The international community should continue to hold the Syrian regime accountable until it responds to concerns on its responsiveness to the UNIIIC, interference in Lebanon, insufficient action on the Iraqi border, sponsorship of Palestinian terrorist groups, and its harsh crackdown on civil society.