Summary: March 16, 2005: DRAFT GAERC CONCLUSIONS ON LEBANON (Brussels)
DRAFT GAERC CONCLUSIONS ON LEBANON
(Brussels, 16 and 17 March 2005)
1. The Council reaffirms its support for a sovereign, independent and democratic Lebanon and applauds the attachment to those values shown by the Lebanese people.
The Council takes note of the reappointment of the outgoing Prime Minister to form a new government. It hopes to see the early formation of a new government, able to act in the interests of all Lebanese.
2. The Council reiterates its call for full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1559, without delay.
In this connection the Council expresses its full support for the mission of the United Nations Secretary General's Special Envoy for the implementation of Resolution 1559.
3. The Council calls on Syria to implement rapidly the pledges made by President Bashar al Assad on 12 March 2005 to withdraw all Syrian troops and intelligence services from Lebanon.
4. The Council emphasises that Syrian troops and intelligence services must be withdrawn completely, in accordance with a precise timetable.
5. The Council would point to the importance it attaches to the holding, on schedule, of free, fair and transparent elections, in accordance with the Lebanese constitution, without any outside interference or meddling. The European Union will keep a close watch on the electoral process and stand ready to provide its assistance, which might, if appropriate, include the dispatch of an election observer mission.
6. The Council calls on the Lebanese authorities to clear up the circumstances of the killing of the former Lebanese Prime Minister, Mr Rafik Hariri, and identify those responsible, by means of a thorough investigation. The Council also reiterates its support for the United Nations inquiry team.
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