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“SYRIA ACCOUNTABILITY ACT” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2175-E2176 on Oct. 30, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SYRIA ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
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HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY
of nevada
in the house of representatives
Thursday, October 30, 2003
Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Act. This important legislation takes a strong and decisive stand against international terrorism. It also demonstrates the firm resolve of the United States in opposing those who support terrorism or provide funding and safe harbor for its perpetrators.
Syria continues to be a major sponsor of international terrorist groups, and has been listed by the State Department as a sponsor of terrorism since the inception of the terrorist list in 1979. Numerous terrorist groups, including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and at least seven more, have headquarters in Damascus. In addition to offices, these groups maintain training camps and other facilities on Syrian territory. Hizballah, referred to referred to as the ``A-team of terrorism'' by Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, operates in areas of Lebanon occupied by Syria and receives supplies from Iran through Syria. In doing so, Syria is in clear violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1373 which directs all states to ``refrain from providing any form of support'' for terrorism. Furthermore, their attacks on Israel, launched with the acquiescence of the Syrian government, harm innocent civilians and risk leading to a wider regional war.
In addition to its harboring of international terrorism, Syria's 20,000 strong occupation force has continued to occupy Lebanese territory, denying Lebanon its independence and political sovereignty. This occupation has also prevented Lebanon from fulfilling its obligation under UN Security Council Resolutions 425 and 520 to deploy its troops to southern Lebanon. As a result, southern Lebanon is under the control of the terrorist group Hizballah, which has positioned thousands of katyusha rockets opposite Israel's northern border.
During our recently concluded campaign in Iraq, Syria aided the regime of Saddam Hussein, allowing arms and military equipment to be transported across the border into Iraq. When Baghdad fell, a number of high-ranking Iraqi officials from the defeated regime were sighted transiting through Syria and it is continuing to permit ``volunteers'' and others to enter Iraq for the purpose of attacking and killing Americans.
These actions are not those of an ally nor are they the work of a nation friendly to the United States. As we work toward a more stable and peaceful Middle East, we must be clear that nations that support terrorism will be held accountable. This legislation is clear in its intent and accomplishes just that.
I urge its full support and its immediate passage.
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