(THIS ARTICLE IS MACHINE TRANSLATED by Google from Norwegian)
For the first time, Syria has indicated a year of withdrawal from Syrian-occupied Lebanon. After strong pressure from the USA, France, a united EU and with a resolution from the UN Security Council against it, Syria will probably be forced to withdraw, but only in a couple of years, ie in 2007. The year corresponds for some strange reason with President Emile Lahaud's last year of office, after he last autumn – contrary to the country's constitution – was pushed through a decision in the Lebanese National Assembly that extended his term by three years. Lebanese presidents have a term of office of six years, and they can not be re-elected under the constitution.
This Syrian play deserves a cash response, also from the Norwegian authorities:
- an immediate complete and unconditional Syrian withdrawal now! A Syrian withdrawal will, after all, lead to a regime change in Beirut and many Lebanese coming home from exile, a challenge that the Lebanese community may face.
- a Syrian withdrawal must also be followed by action by the international community as well. The UN forces in the country must be regrouped and deployed along Lebanon's borders to both Syria and Israel. Internally, all militias must be disarmed, and elections must be held under international supervision
- observers. The time is now over for Lebanese to become lords in their own homes!
