U.S UN Ambassador Poised To Issue Syria Ultimatum

U.S' Ambassador To UN Urges Syria To Withdraw From Lebanon

Remarks by Ambassador Anne W. Patterson, Deputy U.S. Representative to the United Nations, on the Situation in the Middle East, at the Security Council Stakeout, August 31, 2004

Ambassador Patterson: On behalf of my government, I would like to vigorously condemn the terrorist attacks on two Israeli buses this morning. It looks like the loss of life has exceeded 20 people and number of injured has exceeded 100 people. Hamas has evidently claimed credit for this attack, which we condemn in the strongest terms. The President of the Security Council will be speaking shortly to issue a statement, which has been agreed to by the parties, by the members of the Council.

Reporter: Can you give us some indication of the French/American draft resolution on Lebanon – what your intention is, when you intend to put that down?

Ambassador Patterson: I can’t give you any information yet, but we hope to have something for you by the end of the day. We would be willing to brief you on that.

Reporter: Does this resolution, as is my understanding, call for Syrian withdrawal of troops, Syria to stop supporting any terrorist camps or terrorists in Lebanon, and to also support the Lebanese political process…?

Ambassador Patterson: It has elements that you describe but I would rather give you a fuller picture this afternoon. We will be happy to give you a copy this afternoon.

Reporter: So you intend to circulate…

Ambassador Patterson: We hope we can circulate it this afternoon or first thing tomorrow.

Reporter: When would you like to see a vote taken?

Ambassador Patterson: Hopefully by Wednesday or Thursday.

Reporter: Why were you not able to agree on an actual text for a Presidential Statement or press statement?

Ambassador Patterson: We were able to agree to a press statement; the Chairman, the President of the Security Council will make a press statement in a few moments.

Reporter: Would you have liked to have seen something stronger, a Presidential Statement?

Ambassador Patterson: Yes, we would have liked to have seen something stronger. We would have liked to have seen an unequivocal condemnation but Ambassador Denisov will be making a statement.

Reporter: Why was the Council unable to agree on a Presidential Statement?

Ambassador Patterson: The Council was unable to agree for reasons that are quite longstanding and well-known to you. He will be making a statement to you shortly.

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