Ros-Lehtinen Reaffirms Need to Increase Pressure on Syrian Regime

 

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 2^nd 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.