The UN Security Council narrowly adopted a resolution on Thursday night (early Friday Middle East time) demanding Syria to withdraw from Lebanon, calling for the disbanding of Hizbullah and warning against foerign interference in Lebanon's next presidential election.
The council voted 9-0 with six abstentions, the minimum vote possible, to approve the U.S-drafted resolution after the United States and co-sponsor France agreed not to mention Syria by name.
While Hizbullah is not mentioned by name, the resolution calls for the disbanding and disarming of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese groups. Diplomats and analysts said this is a direct allusion to Hizbullah.
In response to the resolution, Mohammed Issa, Lebanon's secretary-general for foreign affairs, said the Syrian troops were in his country at his country's request to protect against "radical action emanating from Israel." (albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
