[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 145 (Thursday, October 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SYRIA ACCOUNTABILITY AND LEBANESE SOVEREIGNTY RESTORATION ACT OF 2003

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 15, 2003

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in cautious support of the 
Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Act (H.R. 1828).
  It is entirely appropriate that we send a strong message to the 
Syrian government that they have not done enough to weaken terrorist 
activities in their country. Syria's continued support of international 
terrorist organizations like Hizballah, Islamic Jihad and Hamas is 
unacceptable. The United States has given Syria ample opportunity to 
remove these terrorist threats, and we cannot stand idly by while 
terrorist operations continue.
  In addition, the United States must clearly state that the Syrian 
occupation of Lebanon will not be tolerated. The people of Lebanon 
deserve to be ruled by the Lebanese, and not an occupying Syrian force 
with ties to terrorism. Syrian troops in Lebanon represent a 
destabilizing force that threatens the peace of Israel and the entire 
Middle East region.
  The Syria Accountability Act must be used as a political lever 
intended to send an unmistakable message to Syrian President Assad that 
his government's support for terrorist organizations and occupation of 
Lebanon cannot be allowed. It must not, however, be interpreted as a 
catalyst for military action in Syria. Inflaming the dialogue about 
Syria's reported connections with al-Qaeda or Iraq will only lead to 
rash decisions unreflective of the best interests of the United States 
and our allies in the global war on terrorism.
  We must remain committed engaging the Syrian government in diplomatic 
exchange. Only by talking can we expect to improve our bilateral 
relations with Syria and bring about a peaceful resolution to this 
challenging issue.

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