DIALOGUE (ASSASINATION) THE SYRIAN STYLE!
by: Eli Atmé
United Australian Lebanese Movement (UALM)
February 17, 2005 - Brisbane, Queensland

The role Baathist Syria’s chooses to play in preventing the spread of terrorism are not encouraging and it continues to ignore the international community appeal, in leaving the Lebanese to manage their affairs by themselves, in respecting human rights; in resolving difficult situations in the Middle East (MEA) from Iraq to the West Bank. The role that Syria chooses to play is substandard to any international human right or political dialogue.  

A stable, open, prosperous Lebanon that assumes its responsibilities for building a more peaceful MEA is clearly and profoundly in the interests of the region. On that point all Middle Eastern political experts agree! But as we all know, there is serious disagreement over how best to encourage the emergence of that kind of political spectrum in Lebanon, and how to handle our differences. , especially over the Syrian occupation of Lebanon, human rights and political freedom, in the meantime.

The assassination of ex Prime Minister Rafik Harriri proves once more the effectiveness (momentarily)of the  Syrian death machine in preventing the Lebanese from meeting each others and completing their political reconciliation in order to close the war chapter. Our voices should be louder then the explosion of car bombs, our unity must be stronger than their miniature plan in dividing a nation.  

Some experts believe we should not and we must not isolate and contain Syria because of its occupation of Lebanon, undemocratic system and human rights violation, for the reason that will retard its capacity for been a regional player in the peace process. Some believe increased commercial blockade or trade barriers alone will inevitably lead to compliance on the Baathist (Syrian) side. It is a fool's who believe that we can deal with our present and future political Baathist echelon challenges without strong demands and a clear timeline to adhere NOW to UN resolution 1559.

There is a reason for this. Seeking to isolate the Baathist regime or making it genuflect to our demands is clearly the way out. We are seeking the support of our friends to help us end of the Syrian occupation, and the continued hijacking of the Lebanese decision making. We would succeed in isolating ourselves and our own goals if we allow Mr. (Terej-Rod) Larsen to differ from the immediate implementation of 1559. The materialization of hopes declared by Mr. Larsen after talking to the Baathist regime in Syria by means of request to prolong the withdrawal time table under the pretext of time need it to comply.

– It’s a serious miscalculation and a political error on the UN side and its representative –

Mr. Larsen (UN representative) 30 years of Syrian occupation to Lebanon is not long enough so they are asking for more? For what...to comply!  We will accept nothing less then the

IMMEDIATE & UNCONDITINAL WITHDRAWAL FROM LEBANON.

Most important, we need to brave the Syrian occupation united in our demands as an integrated force most importantly to the people, consequently undermining the grip of the occupation on the masses. Coalesce our efforts to foster stability in Lebanon, it means to facilitate cooperation on issues relating to the immediate (not gradual) withdrawal. Accordingly, helping us charging our stance in the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the cause of human rights abuses by the Syrian occupation in Lebanon, predominantly political assassination and the list is long (Harriri, Jumblat, Gemayel, Khaled…etc.) this  should remind us to focus in our battle against the evil forces (Syrian occupation) that preventing us from uniting.

In each of these crucial areas, it would step up, not set back worldwide efforts to protect the Lebanese right. It would open up, not close off the world's notorious prison compounds (Maze and Todmur) so we can free our brothers and sisters. Consider the areas that matter most to the Lebanese, freedom, sovereignty, independence, prosperity and security, and ask yourselves, what would our interests and ideals be better served? By advancing our demands to the occupation unified as a cohesive populace as a NATION.

Lebanon is a very great nation, soon to be the shining example of democracy in the region. It is home to the world's most remarkable ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. It is important for the world to recognize the remarkable contributions this country have made and will continue to make to the community of nations if we are allowed to proceed in the path of peace - FREE.

The international community recognized our plight against the Syrian occupation through the UN resolution 1559; we need to stop talking about the inopportune “Taef accord”, categorically striking it out of our conversation or discussions. But it is equally important for us as Lebanese to present ourselves united and to recognize that it takes more effort to develop a nation than to fight an occupation and at hand to advance the concerns of the people.

I believe that we now have greater challenges, tougher and more costly course underway. I believe that this course, if continued steadily, ultimately the people will be able to dislodge the occupation and more, not less, freedom and independence. With certainty this will lead us to our goal – Free Lebanon. Accomplishing this requires us to cooperate as “we the people” – not as leaders of the opposition groups.

Free Lebanon…Lebanon is Freedom