PES calls for condemnation of Damascus
1 June 2006
PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen today expressed his serious concern about the deterioration of relations between Lebanon and Syria.
“The situation is very tense” said Rasmussen “threats and intimidation continue, the climate of fear is very real.”
A Syrian military magistrate issued on Monday 22 May 2006 an arrest warrant to detain prominent PSP Leader Walid Jumblatt that was handed to Interpol. The move came after Jumblatt was summoned earlier in the month by a Syrian military court to appear within seven days on charges of "inciting against Syria".
Telecommunications Minister Marwan Hamadeh, a member of the PSP and Mr Jumblatt's close aide in the government, had also been called to appear before a Syrian military court. Mr Hamadeh survived a bomb attack two years ago.
The PES welcomes the statement issued by Lebanon's Government in support of Walid Jumblatt on 25 May 2006.
Poul Nyrup Rasmussen PES President said: “I condemn the behaviour of Damascus, and I urge the European Union and the international community to join me in doing so. It is absolutely vital and urgent that intimidation and threats against the 14th March's Coalition opposition parties and national leaders are stopped”.
The PES urges the Syrian regime to comply with international resolutions and to engage in a comprehensive dialogue, on equal footing and mutual respect, with the Lebanese government, to ensure better relations between the two countries.
The Party of European Socialists reiterates its support for the freedom, sovereignty and independence of Lebanon.
