Syria Blocks U.N. Efforts To End Lebanon Crisis, U.S. Envoy Says

[Soldier4Christ]

Syria Blocks U.N. Efforts To End Lebanon Crisis, U.S. Envoy Says

Syria refuses to meet with U.N. special envoy

United Nations -- Syria is becoming a serious stumbling block in international diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Lebanon, U.S. officials say.

In the U.N. Security Council July 20, Secretary-General Kofi Annan outlined his plan for a wide-ranging settlement and reported on the efforts of the three-person mission, led by Vijay Nambiar, that he sent to the region July 13 as the fighting intensified.  However, Syria's refusal to receive one of the secretary-general's envoys -- experienced diplomat Terje Roed-Larsen  -- cast a shadow over the meeting. (See related article.)

Roed-Larsen is the secretary-general's special representative on Resolution 1559, passed by the council in September 2004 calling for "the disbanding and disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias."

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton said Syria's rejection of the U.N. mission "in effect applies to all of our collective efforts to get an international solution" to the crisis in Lebanon.

"We know the root cause of the present conflict is Hizballah's terrorists acts supported by Iran and Syria, but now, I think, we see more clearly the role Syria has and has been playing in frustrating efforts to bring this to a resolution," Bolton said.

During a closed-door meeting with the 15-nation Security Council, Annan emphasized that he would assert his right to select whomever he felt was qualified for such missions.  However, the United Nations did not press the point with Syria because the team was needed back in New York to brief the council, he said.  Other U.N. officials point out that the United Nations has other means of approaching Syria, as well as Iran, another backer of Hizballah.

It was reasonable to have the Nambiar mission at U.N. headquarters for the Security Council meeting, Bolton said, "but I don't see how the council can be fully informed or the U.N. can play a full role if a major party to the conflict -- Syria -- just isn't even interested in talking."

The action raises "a more profound question of how one gets Syrian involvement and commitment . . . to a solution if they don't talk to the representatives of the secretary-general," he said.

Bolton said that in the absence of a meeting between the Nambiar team and the Syrian government, it is difficult to get a complete picture of to what Syria would agree, including how Damascus is going to terminate its support for Hizballah terrorist activities.

"I don't think there's any question but that Syria, along with Iran is a principle supporter of Hizballah.   It has rejected many critical elements of Resolution 1559 and now we find that it has not indicated even a willingness to even speak with the secretary-general's mission," Bolton continued.

The Nambiar mission "has to have access to all governments involved or the secretary-general's role will be severely limited," he said.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said that Syria, as well as Iran, stood apart from the rest of the region by not condemning the Hizballah attacks that started the crisis.

"States in the region condemned this attack, Syria and Iran didn't.  So they are outside that consensus in the region," McCormack said.  They have isolated themselves "through their actions, through their support for Hizballah, through support for Hamas."

[Rookieupgrade1]

Just a fleeting thought here PR, but considering that Annen was quick to accuse Israel of deliberate targeting of UN positionand his flexing of his political muscles concerning the envoy, yet not personally appealing to Iran for a meeting, you think he may be playing on more than one team, or have his own agenda?

Just a though.

[Soldier4Christ]

I'm sure that you are right. Look how long he has been playing around with Iran and other such nations being careful in what he says about them yet besides the things you just mentioned he was the first world wide to condemn Israel for this situation for Hizbollah yet he has yet to really say anything against Hizbollah. It is clearly evident where he stands.

[2nd Timothy]

Believe me when I say Kofi Annan has no connection with my new employer, Iranian leader ImaginAdud.  This is all lies from the Infadel news media I tell you LIES!   May god roast their stomachs in hell for these LIES!



 

[Soldier4Christ]

rofl     

[Rookieupgrade1]

LOL

[Shammu]

  Baghdad Bob anyone else would have run, for the hills.


And yes I know the picture has been modified.

[2nd Timothy]

And yes I know the picture has been modified.

Well, Kofi and ImagineAdud shaking hands is the real thing....just to be clear 

[Shammu]

Well, Kofi and ImagineAdud shaking hands is the real thing....just to be clear 

I was refuring to Baghdad Bob.

Whnder if Kofi and Bozo, was talking about ruling the world??  I sure would have like to be a fly on the wall, for that one. 

[2nd Timothy]

LOL

[Shammu]

LOL

Wouldn't you like to know brother??

[2nd Timothy]

Wouldn't you like to know brother??

Yes I would like to know.  Know what you are talking about, because Kofi and ImaginAdud have never met I tell you.   NEVER!   Now..... Somebody swat that fly on the wall.  Crush him like god will crush these infadel lies!

[Shammu]

Yes I would like to know.  Know what you are talking about, because Kofi and ImaginAdud have never met I tell you.   NEVER!   Now..... Somebody swat that fly on the wall.  Crush him like god will crush these infadel lies!

I wonder how much Bozo paided Kofi??    But you can't swat what can't be caught..........