[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 69 (Monday, May 23, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H3732-H3735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            URGING WITHDRAWAL OF SYRIAN FORCES FROM LEBANON

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 273) urging the withdrawal of all Syrian 
forces from Lebanon, support for free and fair democratic elections in 
Lebanon, and the development of democratic institutions and safeguards 
to foster sovereign democratic rule in Lebanon, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 273

       Whereas the people of the Lebanese Republic have a rich, 
     proud, and honorable history dating from ancient times to the 
     present;
       Whereas Lebanon and the United States have enjoyed a 
     history of friendship and cooperation which has been marked 
     by the immigration of many Lebanese to the United States 
     where they and their descendants have contributed greatly to 
     the fabric of American life;
       Whereas Syria has dominated the Lebanese political scene, 
     resulting in a deterioration of Lebanon's human rights 
     situation, the manipulation of Lebanese election results to 
     meet Syria's requirements, and the imposition of curbs on 
     Lebanon's media, once the freest in the Arab world;
       Whereas Syria has publicly withdrawn its military forces 
     from Lebanon, leaving behind, however, an intelligence 
     structure;
       Whereas Congress conditioned the lifting of sanctions on 
     Damascus in the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-175) upon the 
     Government of Syria ending its occupation of Lebanon 
     (including the complete withdrawal of intelligence and all 
     other security-related personnel in Lebanon) and upon other 
     factors;
       Whereas the international community has, through the 
     passage of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 
     (2004), reaffirmed its call for the strict respect of 
     Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and 
     political independence under the sole and exclusive authority 
     of the Government of Lebanon;
       Whereas there remains unresolved and as a matter of 
     national and world concern the assassination of Rafiq al-
     Hariri, former Lebanese prime minister, which has justly been 
     condemned as a terrorist act;
       Whereas the international community has begun 
     investigations into the assassination of Rafiq al-Hariri and 
     it is the policy of the United States to urge full 
     cooperation with the investigations;
       Whereas the international community is considering further 
     action to promote Lebanese sovereignty;
       Whereas the emancipation of political prisoners and 
     detainees held in Syrian and Lebanese prisons is a 
     precondition for national reconciliation and a rebuilding of 
     Lebanon's democratic institutions; and
       Whereas general elections in Lebanon are scheduled to begin 
     on May 29, 2005: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of 
     Representatives that--
       (1) Syria should complete its withdrawal of all remaining 
     intelligence and security forces from the Lebanese Republic 
     in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 
     1559 (2004);
       (2) Lebanon should allow unfettered access to international 
     monitors present for the purpose of verifying compliance with 
     United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 (2004);
       (3) Lebanon should hold free, fair, and transparent 
     elections to begin on May 29, 2005, in accordance with all 
     international standards and agreements;
       (4) the United States should aid the people of Lebanon in 
     their efforts to restore the separation of powers, the rule 
     of law, and a proper respect for fundamental freedoms of 
     every citizen; and
       (5) it should be the policy of the United States Government 
     to--
       (A) support free and fair elections in Lebanon by 
     encouraging international election assistance and observers;

[[Page H3733]]

       (B) support a national dialogue that transcends sectarian 
     divisions and urge the development of democratic institutions 
     and safeguards to foster sovereign democratic rule in 
     Lebanon; and
       (C) call for the immediate release of all political 
     prisoners and detainees held in Lebanese and Syrian prisons.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Today I stand here filled with emotion and hope. When the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. Engel) and I began working on legislation that 
expressly called for Syria's full and unconditional withdrawal from 
Lebanon toward the restoration of the Lebanese independence, we could 
not have imagined that this day would come just a few years later. This 
is a testament to the unwavering commitment, determination, and courage 
of the Lebanese people and to the tireless efforts of the Lebanese-
American community in the United States.
  The elections scheduled to begin on May 29 mark a very important 
moment; but it is only the beginning of a journey toward full 
sovereignty and free, democratic governance. Electoral reform is 
necessary to ensure that future parliamentary and municipal elections 
are to be considered fair. We must help the Lebanese people in their 
quest for a free and fair electoral law as opposed to the current 
Syrian-orchestrated 2000 law that discriminates against certain sectors 
of Lebanese society and would actually help perpetuate Syrian influence 
in Lebanese politics.
  The resolution reflects our commitment to supporting the people of 
Lebanon in their quest to strengthen civil society, develop democratic 
institutions and safeguards, and transcend sectarian divisions. A free 
and democratic Lebanon would have the potential to become a model for 
the region and a source for stability and peace.
  Within this context, we must work to ensure full and immediate 
implementation of all aspects of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559, 
beginning with international verification that Syria has withdrawn all 
security and intelligence forces from Lebanon. That must include the 
removal of pro-Syrian security officers such as the military 
intelligence chief, the police chief, the directors of general security 
and state security. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 
clearly calls for free and fair elections devised without foreign 
interference and influence. We must safeguard against manipulation of 
the election registration process to allow Syria to keep its tentacles 
in Lebanese politics.
  Simultaneously, steps must be undertaken, both bilaterally and in 
consultation with European allies and the United Nations, to ensure the 
immediate and unconditional disarming of all militias and terrorist 
organizations prior to the next round of elections.
  The people of Lebanon should not have to live under repressive 
terrorist organizations any more than being forced to live under an 
oppressive Syrian-sponsored regime. For freedom and justice to fully 
blossom in Lebanon, all Lebanese prisoners of conscience held in Syrian 
and Lebanese jails must be released and the disappeared must be fully 
accounted for.

                              {time}  1645

  The policy of apathy must end.
  Lebanon was once a land of promise, a vibrant democratic society 
known as the ``Paris of the Middle East.'' Ending the occupation and 
conducting free, fair, and transparent elections would take a quickly 
recovering Lebanon one step closer to realizing its full promise.
  To the people of Lebanon, I would like to say that they are an 
inspiration to us all. They remind us of how precious liberty is; and 
we assure them, as they stand for their freedom, the United States will 
stand with them.
  I want to thank the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. 
McCotter) for introducing this important resolution. It was a pleasure 
working on this text with the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter) 
and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), my partner on all of these 
issues. My utmost appreciation goes to the gentleman from Illinois 
(Chairman Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), ranking 
member of the Committee on International Relations, as well as to our 
leadership for moving this resolution expeditiously and bringing it to 
the floor.
  I urge my colleagues to support this measure and, in turn, to support 
the Lebanese people in their efforts to cast off the shackles of 
tyranny and occupation.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in strong support of this resolution. I would first like to 
commend the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter) and the gentlewoman 
from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for their work on this important 
resolution.
  And let me say that I quite agree with the gentlewoman from Florida 
(Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), my dear friend; when we worked together on the 
Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act, we knew 
that we were doing the right thing. We absolutely made the Syrian 
withdrawal of Lebanon one of the four pillars of that act. But even in 
our wildest expectations and dreams, we could never have imagined the 
series of events since the passage of that act, which leads today to 
freedom for the Lebanese people. And I want to thank my colleagues for 
standing with us and passing the Act, giving it bipartisan support and 
enabling us to bring forward this resolution today.
  It is an honor to stand on the floor of the House today, 
approximately 1 month after the Syrian armed forces ended their 
military occupation of Lebanon. Lebanon is at a crossroads, a place 
from which it can move forward towards democracy and freedom or take 
steps back toward the violence which tore it apart so many years ago.
  The people of the Lebanese Republic have a rich, proud, and honorable 
history dating from ancient times to the present, and Lebanon has been 
a free and democratic nation for most of its modern history. Lebanon 
and the United States have enjoyed a history of friendship and 
cooperation which has been witnessed by the immigration of millions of 
Lebanese to the United States where they and their descendants have 
contributed greatly to the fabric of American life.
  Let me say, Mr. Speaker, that in my years in Congress, I have had the 
honor and the pleasure to make many friends in the Lebanese American 
community, and I am proud of the contributions they have made to our 
country and American policy toward Lebanon. The Lebanese American 
community was a very important part of the Syria Accountability Act, 
and the Lebanese American community has played and is continuing to 
play a very important part in the freedom and democracy of Lebanon.
  However, tragically, Syria dominated Lebanese politics and political 
leaders during its occupation, resulting in a deterioration of 
Lebanon's human rights situation, the engineering of Lebanese election 
results to Syria's liking and the imposition of curbs on Lebanon's 
media, once the freest in the Arab world.
  Lebanon, in effect, became a Syrian satellite state where none of its 
leaders would dare defy the Syrian regime in Damascus. Yet a series of 
events caused pressure on the Syrian regime to grow. Beginning with the 
passage of the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Act, 
Congress showed very strongly that we would not tolerate this continued 
Syrian occupation of Lebanon.
  While Syria could have made smart choices at any point, it never did, 
and pressure continued to grow for its full withdrawal from Lebanon, 
again with the President's signing the Syria Accountability Act 1 year 
ago. Our law

[[Page H3734]]

ultimately led to the Security Council's adoption of Resolution 1559, 
which demanded Syria's withdrawal from Lebanon and the disarmament of 
Hezbollah and other armed groups.
  Yet the most recent developments in the effort to press Syria to 
leave Lebanon were sparked by the terrorist murder of former Prime 
Minister Rafik Hariri in Beirut. His assassination, which must still be 
thoroughly investigated by Lebanon and the international community, 
triggered a series of popular protests with hundreds of thousands of 
Lebanese taking to the streets. At one point in one of the 
demonstrations, literally one-quarter of the entire population of 
Lebanon took to the streets of Beirut to demand that the Syrian 
occupation end.
  Yet, while Syria has today withdrawn its military forces from 
Lebanon, reports indicate that it has left behind a pro-Syrian 
intelligence structure within the Lebanese intelligence agencies. There 
are lots of spies, Syrian spies, still in Lebanon and lots of Syrian 
nationals still in Lebanon trying to control things. These people must 
leave, as well, and the sooner the better.
  And it must be pointed out, Mr. Speaker, that not all parts of 
Security Resolution 1559 have been implemented. Hezbollah, the 
terrorist organization which receives support from Iran and Syria, 
remains armed to the teeth and occupies much of southern Lebanon. As 
Hezbollah has not given up its weaponry and its intent to maintain a 
military answer to the political questions of the Middle East, 
Hezbollah must remain completely isolated by the international 
community.
  Earlier this year, the House passed a resolution urging the European 
Union to put Hezbollah on its terrorist list. As we consider this 
resolution today, let us renew that call. Hezbollah is a terrorist 
organization.
  Finally, all political prisoners and the ``disappeared'' must be 
released and returned to their families. They are still existing in 
Lebanon, and we must get to the bottom of the disappeared people as 
well.
  Today, the United States must stand for the same basic values in 
Lebanon to which we adhere at home and around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, Lebanon is scheduled to hold elections on May 29, this 
Saturday. As such, Congress stands with the Lebanese people as they 
proceed to restore democracy in their once again sovereign nation. It 
is our hope that the upcoming elections will be free, fair, 
transparent, and in accordance with all relevant international 
standards on elections.
  However, I must express one note of concern about the elections. The 
electoral districts in which Lebanese candidates for parliament run 
later this week were drawn in accordance with the 2000 electoral law, 
which was written by the Syrian-dominated regime during the occupation. 
I am concerned that this has deprived many Lebanese from true 
representation as the districts were apparently drawn unfairly, packing 
certain groups of people into some districts while underrepresenting 
others. However, once these elections are completed, the United States 
should help the people of Lebanon in their efforts to restore the 
separation of powers, the rule of law, the changing of these districts, 
and the proper respect for fundamental freedoms of every citizen. As 
goes the rule of law in Lebanon and the respect for individuals, so 
goes the nation.
  Mr. Speaker, as the sponsor, with the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. 
Ros-Lehtinen), of the Syria Accountability Act, it is an honor to be on 
the floor today in support of this important resolution, and I strongly 
urge a ``yes'' vote.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, next Sunday the people of Lebanon will go to 
the polls to start a series of parliamentary elections that will play 
out over the next four weeks. This resolution expresses Congress's 
ongoing concern that the Lebanese people be allowed to choose their own 
leaders freely and fairly, in light of the recent withdrawal from 
Lebanon of all Syrian security forces and intelligence officials, which 
is not yet verifiably complete. I commend our colleague Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen for bringing these important issues before us.
  Mr. Speaker, freedom-loving people everywhere cheered earlier this 
year as the Lebanese people defied the odds, spurred on by the 
assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri, and peacefully 
rose up and forced the caretaker government to step down, letting key 
exile leaders return, and leading to the expelling of nearly all of 
Syria's uninformed forces from long-occupied Lebanese soil. We all hope 
that there will continue to be a peaceful transition to sovereign, 
democratic rule in Lebanon.
  Sadly, the upcoming elections saw their first casualty this weekend, 
when adherents of rival parties clashed in the region of Metn. 
Government soldiers were summoned to disperse the crowds, and as they 
did so, one man was shot and killed. It was a somber reminder of how 
volatile the situation surrounding the elections can be.
  Political rivalries, particularly between pro-Syrian factions and 
those who seek to continue reforms, threaten to further destabilize the 
electoral process in Lebanon; some have already threatened to boycott, 
which could undermine the legitimacy of the process. And the elections 
will be conducted according to a law passed under full Syrian 
occupation five years ago, which could stack the deck in favor of the 
Syrian elements, particularly Hezbollah. Let us hope that the wisdom of 
the Lebanese people, displayed in vast numbers, will over-ride the 
structural deficiencies of the law.
  Mr. Speaker, I fully endorse this resolution's advocacy of U.S. 
assistance to help Lebanon restore democratic rule, including the 
separation of powers, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental 
freedoms. It is undeniably in our interest to support this process, as 
the flourishing of democracy in Lebanon will no doubt have a multiplier 
effect throughout the region.
  Jordan's King Abdullah, speaking this weekend at the World Economic 
Forum meeting, said that this is a time for positive political reform 
in the Middle East, but it is Arabs themselves who need to develop it.
  ``Never has there been a greater sense of agreement that the future 
is in our hands,'' King Abdullah said. ``Today, positive change is in 
the air across the region. It is an effort for the whole Middle East to 
create its own positive change. That demands a real-world process, 
specific steps that can be implemented by regional governments and 
civil society.''
  Mr. Speaker, one such specific step for Lebanon will be to fulfill 
its obligations under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559, especially 
the requirement that all militias, including Hezbollah, be disarmed and 
disbanded. We will expect the Lebanese Armed Forces to put an immediate 
halt to the flow of arms across the Syrian border to Hezbollah as a 
first step.
  Four years ago I sponsored legislation passed by the Congress that 
made a portion of U.S. aid to Lebanon contingent upon Lebanon's 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 U.N. Security Council 
Resolution 1559--the resolution that made possible Lebanon's rebirth as 
a nation.
  But I will remain seized with these issues regarding Lebanon's 
borders and Hezbollah--and, in the near future, I will introduce a 
resolution that I hope will demonstrate that Congress shares 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 and along all of its borders.
  The resolution before us, Mr. Speaker, focuses on certain crucial 
ingredients of Lebanese sovereignty--the withdrawal of Syrian troops 
and the holding of free and fair elections. This is an important 
resolution. I support it, and I urge all of my colleagues to do 
likewise.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a long time 
supporter of free and fair democratic elections in the Middle East and 
throughout the world. Clearly, I am in support of free and fair 
democratic elections in Lebanon, every human being deserves the right 
to choose their leaders without the fear of persecution and 
retribution. I stand firmly in favor of honoring the voice of the 
Lebanese people, who have clearly called for democratic reform. I can 
not deny that Syria has had a long mixed history in Lebanon, clearly 
the will of the Lebanese people dictated it was time for the Syrian 
forces to leave. However, I do not believe complete condemnation of the 
nation of Syria will yield the results we seek. We must continue to 
push for completely free and fair elections in Lebanon, but I feel that 
we must engage Syria in a dialogue instead of turning a cold shoulder 
to them.
  I fully support the idea that Syria should complete its withdrawal of 
all remaining intelligence and security forces from the Lebanese 
Republic in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 
1559. However, I do not believe we should condemn Syria for their 
relationship with Lebanon, but we must now engage in an examination to 
determine if the current relationship between Syria and Lebanon can now 
be improved. We must seek

[[Page H3735]]

to build relationships in the Middle East as opposed to tearing them 
down. Our goal is to establish greater stability and a more free 
society in the Middle East; to accomplish these lofty goals we must 
press forward with new initiatives as opposed to complete 
condemnations. Therefore, we must push for international election 
monitors in Lebanon so that free, fair, and transparent elections can 
be held on May 29, 2005, in accordance with all international standards 
and agreements. We must ensure that no outside nation or entity has 
undue influence on these elections, which should be determined only by 
the will of the Lebanese people.
  I am in support of H. Res. 273 because the ideal of free and fair 
elections can not be questioned, especially when sanctioned by 
international law. However, I do hope the sponsors and supporters of 
this resolution will try to use this as an opportunity to open 
relations with Syria instead of further closing them. If we are to have 
true success in the Middle East we must ensure that we reach out to 
every nation in the region and its people, otherwise we are only 
cheating ourselves of a historic prospect for peace.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of California). The 
question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. 
Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution, H. Res. 273, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was 
agreed to.
  The title of the resolution was amended so as to read: ``Resolution 
recognizing the courageous efforts of the people of Lebanon to restore 
their independence and urging the withdrawal of all Syrian forces from 
Lebanon, the support for free and fair democratic elections in Lebanon, 
and the development of democratic institutions and safeguards to foster 
sovereign democratic rule in Lebanon.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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