Written question asked by Linda Perham (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 April 2005. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 April 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of whether Syria's recent troop deployment is compliant with United Nations Security Council resolution 1559; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Linda Perham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of whether Syria's recent troop deployment is compliant with United Nations Security Council resolution 1559; and if he will make a statement. [224125] Mr. Rammell: The ongoing redeployment of Syrian troops to the Beka'a Valley and withdrawal of some to Syria is a first step in the implementation of UNSCR 1559. Among other terms, the resolution requires all Syrian forces, including intelligence and security personnel, to withdraw from Lebanon. The Government notes the undertaking made by Syrian Foreign Minister Shara'a's letters of 29 March 2005 to the UN Secretary General and the President of the UN Security Council to withdraw all Syrian troops from Lebanon by May.

Secondary information