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<p><font size="+1"><strong></strong><strong>March 5, 2005 <em>(4:20 p.m. EST)</em><br>
No. 39</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>STATEMENT BY MINISTER PETTIGREW ON SYRIAN TROOP
REDEPLOYMENT</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew issued the following statement today, following
President Bashar al-Assad's announcement about Syrian troops in Lebanon:</p>
<p>"Today's announcement by Syria of a redeployment of its troops to the Beka'a Valley
and from there to the Syrian-Lebanese border falls short of Syria's obligations and the
requirements of the people of Lebanon and the international community. In my visit to
Damascus on February 12, I made it clear that UN Resolution 1559 must be
implemented. Syria should immediately begin a complete withdrawal of all of its forces
from Lebanon. That withdrawal should be carried out as expeditiously as possible. </p>
<p>"We believe that today's announcement is a signal that Syrians recognize the need for
change in Lebanon; redeployment rather than withdrawal will, however, delay
democratic progress in Lebanon and perpetuate instability in the region. We urge the
Syrian authorities to re-examine their position and bring forward a firm plan for
withdrawal.</p>
<p>"The Lebanese response to the tragic killing of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri has
demonstrated to the world the passion and desire of all Lebanese people to see their
country free from foreign interference. Syria's decision defies the will of the Lebanese
people, which the international community supports, and which requires an early Syrian
withdrawal. Canada strongly supports the Lebanese people in their aspirations toward a
more complete democracy." <font size="+1"></font></p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Sébastien Théberge<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs<br>
(613) 995-1851</p>
<p>Media Relations Office<br>
Foreign Affairs Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070220184044/http://www.international.gc.ca/">http://www.international.gc.ca</a></p>
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