Regime Change in Syria and Lebanon Is An Absolute Must

Despite all the dynamic changes altering the world political landscape of the 20th Century, the present Syrian Ba'ath regime continues to govern both Syria and Lebanon using a set of outdated archaic and primitive methods. We at the U.S Committee for a Free Lebanon www.freelebanon.org know it is not a democratic system of government based on legitimate institutions, but rather a prime model of repression and torture.

It is evident to us that Syria under the present Ba'ath regime is rapidly going from bad to worse. Furthermore, we see no change in the political reality of either Syria or Lebanon until both the Syrian and Lebanese people take it upon themselves to change the course.

We are convinced that the Ba'ath regime in Syria is beyond repair, restoration, patching or overhauling. For this reason, we have come together, united with other Lebanese American organizations, to promote a common political agenda and vision for Lebanon and Syria based on democratic principles.

Thus, we call for the achievement of the following objectives:

1) Topple the Dictatorial Syrian Baath Regime and the Incompetent Lebanese Puppet Regime

We call for the overthrow of the dictatorial Ba'ath regime to be replaced with a democratic system of government reflecting the free will of all Syrian citizens. We also call for the same in Lebanon. Lebanese President Emile Lahoud deserves to be in jail not in power.

2) The Formation of a Transitional Government

We call for the establishment of a new, temporary transitional government to lead the nation towards the adoption of a permanent Lebanese constitution. In order to achieve this objective, we call for free elections in Lebanon, under the auspices of a credible international body, through secret ballots, to elect a constitutional assembly. The transitional government will conduct a major census in our country during a fixed, pre-determined period of time after the overthrow of the old Syrian Baath regime. The transitional Lebanese government will be composed of all the representatives of the Lebanese people laboring to transform Lebanon into a new democratic state, both in Lebanon and the Diaspora. Excluded will be all members of the old Lebanese regime who sold Lebanon to Syria, without any exception.

3) Guaranteeing Basic Human Rights and Civil Liberties in Lebanon

The U.S Committee for a Free Lebanon stands for religious freedom and tolerance in Lebanon, freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, freedom to protest peacefully, and freedom to join any political or social civic organization to encourage cultural diversity. In addition, we call for guaranteeing basic human rights for all citizens of Lebanon in accordance with the United Nations Human Rights Declaration with all its amendments and protocols. Furthermore, we strive to guarantee life with dignity and the pursuit of happiness for all Lebanese citizens. We advocate women's rights in an open and free society.

4) Preserving the Unity of Lebanese Homeland and its People

We intend to establish an acceptable universal notion of Lebanese citizenship without discriminating against any Lebanese inhabitant or group. We advocate the protection and strengthening of the national unity of the homeland and its citizens. Such unity does not necessarily contradict the fact that Lebanon is indeed a multi-national country composed of several religious sects and communities. Such rights that would be enshrined in the new constitution cannot be abolished by any treaty or agreement. We also stand for sovereignty over the entire homeland.

5) New Lebanon and Terrorism

We stand against all forms of violence perpetrated by terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and the likes using Lebanon as a staging ground. We will cooperate with the international community, and especially the United States of America, to actively pursue all terrorists and bring them to justice. No more room in Lebanon for military infrastructures such as Hezbollah or any such organization.

6) Lebanese Foreign Policy

We stand for an independent constructive Lebanese foreign policy based on peaceful co-existence with all our neighbors aiming at achieving common economic and political interests. We also abide by the United Nations Charter and the internationally recognized laws and treaties. We also call for the safeguarding of peace in the region and throughout the world and the dismantling of all weapons of mass destruction.

Furthermore, we call for the immediate withdrawal of Syrian armed forces from Lebanon, the immediate cessation of Syrian interference in Lebanese internal affairs and the establishment of both Syrian and Israeli embassies in Lebanon.

7) Economy

We call for the establishment of anti-trust laws and the abolishment of all legislations promoting undue power for an individual or group. We call for the adoption of effective financial policies and the support of a modern agriculture industry. We also call on the establishment of new economic sectors to encourage technology investments in Lebanon.

8) Educational System

We call for the fundamental reform of the educational system in Lebanon to reflect a democratic vision. No one in Lebanon has or should have the right to altering our countrys history to suit political agendas.

9) The Army

We call for the beefing of our national Lebanese army to protect the nation and defend the constitutional institutions. We call for the abolishment of the mandatory draft and military service. We call for the prohibition of political affiliations within the armed forces and the police force.

This is just a summary of our recommendations. Full details are available through our Lebanons 2004 Report available at [email protected]