 January 24, 2000 A Message To The Congress Of The United States: Do Not Promise Funds To Syria Until The Syrian Regime Ends Its Tyrannical Occupation Of Lebanon. The American Lebanese Institute calls on the Congress of the United States not to promise any funds to Syria within the framework of an eventual Syrian - Israeli peace settlement until Damascus withdraws its occupation forces from Lebanon. We are outraged that anyone would even contemplate such ideas before Lebanon is restored as an independent, sovereign and free country. Syrian forces should withdraw immediately, completely and unconditionally from Lebanon as demanded by several congressional and United Nations resolutions. Lebanon should not pay the price for any settlement between Syria and Israel. Lebanon's independence and freedom must not be sacrificed on the altar of expediency. A genuine, principled, stable and successful settlement should certainly restore Lebanon to the Lebanese and stop the suffering of the Lebanese people. The American Lebanese community asks the Congress of the United States to give the closest attention to whatever concerns the independence of Lebanon at this juncture. We are confident that our Senators and Congressmen will make any future aid package to Syria conditional on the withdrawal of the Syrian forces from Lebanon. |