On the redeployment of the Syrian forces in Lebanon
Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 7/16/2001

The United Arab Emirates UAE daily al-Khaleij quoted an official Syrian source as saying that the redeployment process carried out by the Syrian forces working in Lebanon is a second phase and is expected to be completed by the beginning of August ( next month).

The Syrian source denied the withdrawal to have any link to the Israeli threats, stressing that the current withdrawal plan was set before and is one of the Taif Conference resolutions.

The Syrian official explained that the recent Israeli raid ( against the Syrian position in Lebanon) did not affect the current redeployment operation, noting that this withdrawal has two main dimensions: The first pertains to the Syrian military aspect, which no more sees that the Israeli threats require a land confrontation similar to that took place in 1982, as Syria sees that the danger lies in the direct air strikes, besides the current pullout operations ( of the Syrian forces from Lebanon) are a result in a change of the tactical battle and that Syria needs these forces more than any time before inside its territories to counter the Israeli escalations.

The Syrian official added the second aspect is political which is expressed in a clear detente in the inter- Lebanese dialogue and in Syria's relations with the Lebanese opposition or pro Lebanese trends, noting that the stability of the Lebanese establishments has practically reinforced the ability of the Lebanese army to take over all positions which the Syrians are evacuating.

The source stressed that the timing of redeployment of the Syrian forces in Lebanon has its importance because it coincides with Sharon's statements concerning the Golan. This, however, was considered by certain Arab and foreign military sources as a declaration of war against Syria. And this is in return necessitates that Damascus should seriously deal with the possibilities that might arise from the current regional condition, noting that President Bashar al-Assad who concentrated during his visit to Germany on peace as a strategic option, was met in Israel in attempts to liquidate peace efforts through liquidating peace opportunities, made by Sharon's statements.

A matter which increases the possibility of escalated tension between the two sides in the few coming months. N.

Previous Stories:
  On the redeployment of the Syrian forces in Lebanon   (6/20/2001)
  Syrian- Lebanese summit to be held soon   (6/19/2001)
  On the redeployment of the Syrian forces in Lebanon   (6/18/2001)

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