Sen. RICK SANTORUM Letter to the President
Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004

RICK SANTORUM
PENNSYLVANIA
REPUBLICAN CONFERENCE
CHAIRMAN
1 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFlCE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20510
(202) 224-6324
http:/ /santorum.senate. gov
October 8, 2004

The President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:
I write today concerning the recent vote by the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution demanding that all foreign forces withdraw from Lebanon. This important resolution also calls for honoring of Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence.

I applaud your Administration's efforts to advance this important foreign policy matter at the United Nations and for your actions to implement sanctions contained in the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of2003. These sanctions, imposed in May of this year, signal how important the United States considers the actions of Syria to interfere with the people of Lebanon and their desire to live in a democratic society.

It is my understanding that United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan recently stated that Syria continues to maintain upwards of 14,000 troops in Lebanon. Furthermore, I am told that Secretary General Annan was informed that a substantial presence of Syrian intelligence officers remain in Lebanon.

Additionally, recent efforts by the Lebanese Parliament to adopt a constitutional amendment to extend the term of President Lahoud are of great concern to those persons who believe that the people of Lebanon are being denied an honest, fair and democratic government.

For these reasons, I urge that your Administration continue to highlight the actions of Syria to continue to dominate the people of Lebanon through the Lahoud government.

It is my understanding that the Department of the Treasury has been authorized to designate individuals and entities contributing to the Government of Syria's problematic behavior. This action would subject designees to sanctions that will block their property and property interests and prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in financial transactions with them.

If you believe such action would be effective in promoting a change in the behavior of Syrian actors, would encourage your Administration to give consideration to implementing this sanction.

Thank you for your leadership on this important foreign policy issue. I appreciate all that you have done to help the people of Lebanon and to see that punishment is assigned where appropriate.

Sincerely
Rick Santorum
United States Senate