US action against individuals supporting Syrian efforts in Lebanon
Lebanon-Syria-USA, Politics, 11/6/2007

The US Department of the Treasury yesterday designated four individuals affiliated with the Syrian regime's efforts to reassert Syrian control over the Lebanese political system. Two of the individuals are Lebanese, one of whom is a member of parliament, and the other an ex-member of parliament.

"Syria has used all means at its disposal – from bribery to intimidation to violence – to undermine the legitimate political process in Lebanon," said Stuart Levey, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. "Today's action exposes four individuals involved in such activities and serves as a warning to others who would do likewise."

Syrian troops formally withdrew from Lebanon in April 2005 after a 29-year military presence.

The Treasury said "The Syrian regime is working through Lebanese proxies to exert control over the Lebanese political system; to weaken the majority pro-government March 14 Coalition; and to undermine Lebanese sovereignty and security. The regime has used a range of tools to further these objectives, including bribing politicians, intimidation, interference in the selection of a new president, support for violence, and providing arms to militias and terrorist groups. The four individuals designated today have worked to undermine Lebanese sovereignty and support the Syrian regime's efforts to interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs."

Asked about the US treasury yesterday taking action against some Lebanese citizens, US Department Of State Sean McCormack said today that the reason for this is " these are individuals that were very clearly, in our view, identified as trying to interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs and trying to undermine the progress that this Lebanese Government is making in terms of establishing -- reestablishing its sovereignty, reestablishing Lebanon as a fully sovereign and independent state free from control by outside influences."

He added "And these were individuals that were playing a role in trying to undermine those efforts and we thought it was appropriate not only as a practical matter to do these designations but also to send a message, and send a message to those who would try to interfere in the upcoming electoral processes in Lebanon that they should not try to interfere in Lebanon's affairs, that the world is watching, we are watching, and that Lebanon's neighbors are watching."

McCormack said "A great example of that is just the other day -- or on Tuesday -- I think it was Saturday or Sunday when -- Sunday -- Saturday, when the Secretary was in Istanbul, she had a meeting with a number of foreign ministers -- the French Foreign Minister, the Foreign Minister of the UAE, of Egypt, of Saudi Arabia, the Chairman of the Arab League. I don't want to leave anybody out. But they issued a statement that I think Tom gave to you yesterday sending a very clear message to Syria that they should not try to interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs."

He added "So it's an important period coming up here in Lebanon, the next two and a half weeks. And it is our hope that this process will be one that is driven by Lebanese who are informed by Lebanese concerns and who want to try to build a better future for Lebanon."

Lebanon, according to McCormack is also on the agenda of the French president's meeting with US President George W. Bush because it " is an issue that's been of great importance to France."

The designations freeze any assets the designees may have located in the United States, and prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with these individuals.

Following the information the US gave about these individuals:

Assaad Halim Hardan
AKAs: Assad Hardan
As'ad Hardan
DOB: July 31, 1951
POB: Rashayya al-Fakhar, Lebanon
Profession: Member of Parliament, Lebanon
Political Affiliation: Chief of the Syrian Socialist Nationalist Party (SSNP) Central
Political Bureau

Assaad Hardan is a senior official in the SSNP. During 2007, the SSNP received arms and military training from Syria and Hizballah. Hardan works with senior Syrian officials to significantly influence Lebanese politics in furtherance of Syria's efforts to undermine Lebanese sovereignty.

Wi'am Wahhab
AKAs: Wi'am Wihab
Wiam Wahhab
Wiyam Wihab
Wiyam Wahab
DOB: 1964
POB: Al-Jahiliya, Shouf Mountains, Lebanon

Wi'am Wahhab, a former member of the Lebanese Parliament, works with senior Syrian officials to significantly influence Lebanese politics in furtherance of Syria's efforts to undermine Lebanese sovereignty.

Hafiz Makhluf
AKA: Hafez Makhlouf
Position: General Intelligence Directorate senior official
Military Rank: Colonel
DOB: Circa 1975
POB: Damascus, Syria

Colonel Hafiz Makhluf, a senior official in the Syrian General Intelligence Directorate, has supported the reassertion of Syrian control or otherwise contributed to Syrian interference in Lebanon.

Makhluf is a maternal cousin to Syrian President Bashar al-Asad. He is also the brother of Rami Makhluf, Syria's leading businessman, who has been the subject of persistent allegations of corruption and cronyism.

Muhammad Nasif Khayrbik
AKAs: Muhammad Nasif Khayr-Bayk
Mohammed Nassif Khairbek
Mohammad Nasif Kheirbek
Address: Damascus, Syria
Position: Deputy Vice President for Security Affairs
Military Rank: Major General
DOB: April 5, 1937

As of early 2007, Khayrbik was one of several key advisors to Syrian President Bashar al-Asad. In early 2006, Khayrbik was named Deputy Vice President for Security Affairs. In this position, Khayrbik has played a central role in Syria's continuing policy of destabilizing Lebanon and Syria's relationship with known designated terrorist organizations, including Hizballah. In early 2006, Khayrbik coordinated Syrian and Hizballah positions during regular meetings with Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary General of the Lebanese Hizballah.

Khayrbik has long served the Syrian regime, having served as a close advisor to former President Hafiz al-Asad. In mid-1999, President Hafiz al-Asad appointed Khayrbik as the deputy director of the Syrian General Intelligence Directorate (GID), a position he served in until February 2006.

Previous Stories:
  US views on Syria's position regarding Lebanon   (9/5/2007)
  US House Speaker trip to Syria criticized by White House   (4/2/2007)
  Hariri and the US support to Lebanon   (11/18/2006)

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