For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 3, 2004
Statement by the Press Secretary
Today, the Lebanese parliament acted to amend its constitution so that
the current president can remain in office beyond the end of his term.
This was not a victory for Lebanese democracy. The vote does not
reflect the will of the Lebanese people. It was forced upon them by an
occupying force. Syria clearly demonstrated its disregard for
Lebanon's sovereignty by summoning key Lebanese leaders to Damascus on
short notice and decreeing that the Lebanese constitution would be
amended. Other Lebanese officials were pressured, threatened, and
intimidated. The Syrian action is in direct contradiction to UNSCR
1559, which was co-sponsored by the United States and France, and
approved by the Security Council on September 2, 2004.
Leading religious figures of numerous faiths in Lebanon have
publicly spoken out against Syria's interference in Lebanon's
presidential elections. This manipulation of Lebanese institutions by
outside forces will remain on the international agenda, and UNSCR 1559
calls on Secretary General Annan to report back to the Council in 30
days on this mockery of democracy. The United States adds its voice to
the protests of Lebanese patriots, and condemns this interference with
Lebanese sovereignty and independence.
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