State Department on Lebanon and Syria
Press Statement
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
May 5, 2006
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
May 5, 2006
The United States condemns the 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 warr ants 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. These actions are cynical attempts by the Syrian government to continue
its interference in the Lebanese political process. These actions must come to
an end now.
The international community will continue to hold the Syrian regime accountable
for its behavior and has underscored the necessity of Syrian cooperation with
the UN International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC)
investigation of the Hariri assassination and implementation of UNSCR 1559,
including by delineating its border with Lebanon, and establishing normal
bilateral relations with Lebanon as evidence of its acceptance of Lebanese
sovereignty.
The United States, and the international community, stand with the Lebanese
people as they seek to reassert their independence and strengthen their
democracy, and we support their call for truth and justice.
2006/461
Released on May 5, 2006
for Lebanese MP Walid Jumblatt, Telecom Minister Marwan Hamadeh, and journalist
Fares Kashan to appear for questioning. These warr ants 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. These actions are cynical attempts by the Syrian government to continue
its interference in the Lebanese political process. These actions must come to
an end now.
The international community will continue to hold the Syrian regime accountable
for its behavior and has underscored the necessity of Syrian cooperation with
the UN International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC)
investigation of the Hariri assassination and implementation of UNSCR 1559,
including by delineating its border with Lebanon, and establishing normal
bilateral relations with Lebanon as evidence of its acceptance of Lebanese
sovereignty.
The United States, and the international community, stand with the Lebanese
people as they seek to reassert their independence and strengthen their
democracy, and we support their call for truth and justice.
2006/461
Released on May 5, 2006
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