Syria's Assad snubs Bush on pullback timetable

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-syria06s1.html

DAMASCUS, Syria -- President Bashar Assad on Saturday announced a two-stage pullback of Syrian forces to the Lebanese border but failed to address international demands that he completely withdraw Syria's 15,000 troops after nearly 30 years in the country.

Assad also did not respond to President Bush's demand just a day earlier that Syria withdraw all of its troops and intelligence agents in Lebanon before elections in May.

Instead, Assad said his plan would put Syria in full compliance with international agreements and U.N. demands. ''By carrying out this measure, Syria will have fulfilled requirements of the Taif agreement and implemented U.N. Resolution 1559,'' the Syrian leader said in a rare address to parliament.

Assad was vague about the pullback, leaving it unclear if Syrian forces would eventually leave Lebanon or remain inside the country near the Syrian frontier. He said Syrian and Lebanese authorities would negotiate this week.

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[Rex]

1. I just can't decide, Iran or Syria?

What is a military dictator to do?

[Igel]

5. Chocolate or vanilla? Why choose? Go with both!

[Imperialism Inc.]

2. Also known as

saving face.

[AlamoDemoc]

3. If we are going by UN security council

resolution we should also use the same resolutions from the UN security council that specify the occupation of the Golan Heights

[Canuckistanian]

4. Oh great. Now Assad will keep the troops in Lebanon

Just to spite *

[Blue to the bone]

6. If Assad pulled out overnight like Bushco wants, he'd be overthrown..n/t