Syria's Continuing Refusal to Comply with Security Council Resolutions
Statement by Secretary Condoleezza Rice
Washington, DC
January 11, 2006
The United States has grave and continuing concerns about Syria's destabilizing behavior and sponsorship of terrorism.
The Syrian regime is obligated to implement UN Security Council resolutions 1546, 1559, 1595, 1636, and 1644. It has
failed to do so.
Syria must cease obstructing the investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri and
instead cooperate fully and unconditionally, as required by UN Security Council resolutions. We call upon the Syrian
regime to respond positively to the requests of UN Independent International Investigation (UNIIIC). We intend to refer
this matter back to the Security Council if Syrian obstruction continues.
The United States stands firmly with the people of Lebanon in rejecting any deals or compromises that would undermine
the UNIIC investigation, or relieve Syria of its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions. We are firmly
committed to seeking justice and pursuing the investigation to its ultimate conclusion.
The United States also calls for the full implementation of all parts of UN Security Council resolution 1559, including
the disarmament and disbanding of Hizballah and other militias. Syria's continuing provision of arms and other support
to Hizballah and Palestinian terrorist groups serves to destabilize Lebanon, makes possible terrorist attacks within
Lebanon, from Lebanese territory, and impedes the full implementation of Security Council resolutions.
As Resolution 1559 demands, Syria must once and for all end its interference in the internal affairs of Lebanon.
Continuing assassinations in Lebanon of opponents of Syrian domination, including most recently the murder of journalist
and Member of Parliament Gebran Tueni on December 12, 2005, create an atmosphere of fear that Syria uses to intimidate
Lebanon. Syria must cease this intimidation and immediately come into compliance with all relevant Security Council
resolutions.
2006/30
Released on January 11, 2006
ENDS