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| Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. Albert Einstein |
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| FEATURED EDITORIALS |
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November 20, 2005 American Lebanese Coordination Council Media Office Phone: 727-641-9764 Fax: 727-577-0183 www.alcc-research.com “The Time has come for change in Syria…The Assad Ba’ath is like the Saddam Ba’ath” “United Nation Security Council Must Respect its Decisions and it Must Implement its Resolutions; Diplomatically if Possible by Force if Necessary.” Syracuse, New York- Speaking before students and faculty at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University on Thursday November 17, 05, the Director of Public Diplomacy for Middle Eastern and MEPI Affairs at USAID the Honorable Walid Maalouf reflected the latest attitude of the US government towards Syria by publicly demanding regime change in Syria—an unprecedented demand by any US official. Mr. Maalouf’s diplomatic, yet strong criticism of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s latest speech at the University of Damascus is indicative of US frustration with Syria’s lack of cooperation with regard to UN Security Council Resolution 1559, calling for a complete withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon, closing terrorist groups offices in Damascus, securing its border with Iraq, and disarming terrorist militias (i.e. Hizbullah and Palestinian camps.) Furthermore, the US seems to be fed up with Syria’s maneuvering regarding the UNSCR 1595 and 1636, which demand unconditional Syrian cooperation with the UN investigation committee investigating the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. On the other hand, Mr. Maalouf hammered Assad for his “disrespectful” and “threatening” remarks to the Lebanese people and Prime Minister Fouad Seniora. He said: “It is particularly outrageous to have the Syrian regime threaten the current Lebanese Prime Minister when it is accused in a United Nations report of possible involvement in the murder of a former Lebanese Prime Minister.” Mr. Maalouf criticized Assad for failing to address internal reform desperately needed to the Syrian people instead of meddling in other countries affairs noting: “Instead of speaking about social and political reform in Syria and new economic opportunities for the Syrian people, 15 out of 18 pages of his speech were about regional politics and his interference in other countries’ affairs…” Mr. Maalouf asserted: “Today Syria’s Ba’ath is not a regional power and to our knowledge no one in Iraq, the Palestinian Territories, or Lebanon has appointed President Bashar Al-Assad as their spokesman. The time has come for change in Syria.” Mr. Maalouf concluded: “There will be no stability in Iraq, Lebanon, and the Palestinian Territories until Syria’s Ba’ath is restrained by the international community from attempting to destabilize the region through the use of tactics that no one is buying anymore… The Assad Ba’ath is like the Saddam Ba’ath –enough is enough –freedom and democracy for the Syrian people from the Ba’ath regime is a must.” In regards to USAID activities, Mr. Maalouf stated that In FY 2005, USAID has spent an estimated $3.7 billion in aid to the Middle East and North Africa, including just over $1.5 billion in Afghanistan, $531 million in Egypt, and $40 million in Lebanon to further the aim of providing transparent, sustainable, democratic, and humanitarian assistance to people of those regions. Following a thorough historical analysis provided by American Lebanese Coordination Council (ALCC) Secretary General Pierre A. Maroun, and Mr. Maalouf’s speech, the speakers further discussed the subject matter in a discussion panel. Replying to a question regarding Hizbullah’s arms, Mr. Maroun asserted: “Hizbullah has done some resistance and some terrorism in the past. Today, Hizbullah leadership stands on an intersection. It’s up to them to remain a resistance by submitting to UNSCR 1559, or to rebel against it and be a terrorist organization. The choice is theirs.” As for the recommendation to resolve the security dilemma in the region, Mr. Maroun demanded the UN Security Council to respect its decisions and to implement all of its resolutions; diplomatically if possible, by force if necessary.” The event, Pivot Point Beirut: Syria, Lebanon, and the Current Security Dilemma, was gathered by the Student Association for Terrorism and Security Analysis (SATSA) at 7:30pm within the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, NY. END. SATSA Press Release |
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