Congressman Tom Lantos remarks on Lebanon Before The U.S. House of Representatives
May 18, 2005
The resolution before the Committee expresses Congress ongoing concern that the withdrawal of Syrian troops and intelligence officials from Lebanon be verifiably complete and that the Lebanese people be allowed to choose their own leaders freely and fairly. I commend my colleague and friend Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for bringing these important issues before the Committee.

I join with all my colleagues in admiration of Lebanese people power, which defied the odds and succeeded in expelling all or, at least, nearly all -- of Syrias uniformed forces. And I welcome what we all hope will be a peaceful transition to sovereign, democratic rule in Lebanon.

The Lebanese people are scheduled to vote for their new parliament on four consecutive Sundays beginning May 29. This is an important and welcome step. It is nevertheless regrettable that they apparently will conduct their elections according to a law passed under full Syrian occupation in the year 2000, which could stack the deck in favor of the Syrian elements, particularly Hizballah. We hope that the wisdom of the Lebanese people, displayed in vast numbers, will over-ride the structural deficiencies of the law.

I fully endorse this resolutions advocacy of US assistance to help Lebanon restore democratic rule, including the separation of powers, the rule of law, and the respect for fundamental freedoms. It is firmly in our interest to support this process, as the flourishing of democracy in Lebanon will no doubt have a multiplier effect throughout the region.

Mr. Chairman, Syrian withdrawal and the restoration of democracy in Lebanon absorb our attention at the moment, but we must not forget that it is also vital that the new government in Lebanon fulfill all of its own obligations under UN Security Council resolution 1559. That especially includes the requirement that all militias, including Hizballah, be disarmed and disbanded and that the Government of Lebanon assert its authority over all of Lebanons territory. We will expect the Lebanese Armed Forces -- as a first step -- to put an immediate halt to the flow of arms across the Syrian border to Hizballah.

Mr. Chairman, as you know, I sponsored legislation passed by Congress four years ago, with your support, which made a portion of US aid to Lebanon contingent upon Lebanons taking control of all of its borders. I do not intend to introduce a similar resolution at this moment, as I am hopeful that the new Lebanese government, once it gains its footing, will take the necessary actions to demonstrate its adherence to all aspects of UN Security Council resolution 1559 the resolution that made possible Lebanons rebirth as a nation.

But I will remain seized with these issues regarding Lebanons borders and Hizballah and, in the near future, I will introduce a resolution that I hope will demonstrate that this Committee and this Congress share these concerns. The stability of the entire region depends on an end to militia rule in Lebanon and full implementation of Lebanese sovereignty throughout that country on all of its borders.

The resolution before us focuses on certain crucial ingredients of Lebanese sovereignty the withdrawal of Syrian troops and the holding of free and fair elections. It is an important resolution. I support it, and I urge all of my colleagues to do likewise.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.