Syria's statement on a new withdrawal from Lebanon
A Syrian official source announced the following on Thursday: Following the successful visit of the international envoy, Terry Rod Larsen, early this month to Syria and Lebanon, Syria's people and government express complete surprise over the media and political escalation that has preceded the wrapping up of the international envoy's mission in pursuing the implementation of the resolution 1559.
The source added that initiating from this, Syria expresses utmost care for cooperation with the UN secretary general's envoy to accomplish his mission with the best possible formula, and reiterates commitment to the implementation of the Taif Agreement and bilateral agreements which were concluded between Syria and Lebanon.
On this basis, the withdrawals that have been implemented so far, and those that will follow will be carried out in agreement with Lebanon on the basis of al Taif and the mechanism it contains. Syria sees that the acceleration of the pace of the withdrawals requires enabling the Lebanese army and internal security troops to fill the gap in a way that doesn't harm the security of Lebanon and Syria.
The official source went on to say that Syria also stresses that it is fully interested in completing the investigations into the assassination of late Premier Rafic Hariri and his companions as soon as possible so that the truth can be revealed away from emotional accusation and irresponsible statements. In this regard Syria expresses readiness to extend any help that Lebanon may ask in the current investigations in addition to what Lebanon may ask for other international and Arab help which aim at unveiling this ugly crime.
The source draws the attention of the local and international public opinion to the continued acts of provocations against Syria and Lebanon by some parties within Lebanon and abroad which may lead to negative developments that may harm the interests of all the involved parties,particularly the Lebanese side that always pays a high price form its security, life of its citizens, and prosperity on all levels. The statement was read by Deputy Foreign Minister,Walid Mualem.
