SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPECTS FULL WITHDRAWAL OF ALL SYRIAN TROOPS

FROM LEBANON BEFORE LEBANESE ELECTIONS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

Today in New York, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Implementation of Security Council resolution 1559, Terje Roed-Larsen, briefed the Secretary-General on his meetings in Europe, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.  He particularly outlined the details of the understanding reached between the United Nations and the Syrian President in Aleppo on 12 March 2005.  On the basis of the briefing, the Secretary-General said that he expects the full withdrawal of all Syrian troops, including the intelligence apparatus and military assets, to take place before the Lebanese parliamentary elections.  The Secretary-General further stressed the great importance that these elections be free and fair and take place as scheduled.  Finally, he urged all concerned parties to work together to safeguard the stability and national unity of the Republic of Lebanon.

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