Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.

Syrian Envoy: Troop Pullout from Lebanon to be Completed Soon
-------------------------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C69CC9:2AB91D3

Ambassador Imad Moustapha says timing of withdrawal will be determined
by Syrian and Lebanese military officials, who are set to meet next
week





Syrian troops remove tank on transporter, as they leave position in
Daher El-Baidar mountain region of LebanonSyria's ambassador to the
United States says his government will fully withdraw from Lebanon as
soon as possible, perhaps in less than two months.

Speaking at Georgetown University in Washington, Wednesday Ambassador
Imad Moustapha said the timing of the withdrawal will be determined by
Syrian and Lebanese military officials, who are set to meet next week.

Earlier, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Syrian President
Bashar al-Assad had agreed to present by early next month a firm
timetable for the pullout.

Mr. Annan also said he will soon release the findings of the U.N.
investigation into the February assassination of former Lebanese Prime
Minister Rafik Hariri. But he added that a second probe may be needed.

Mr. Annan spoke after news reports said early findings show signs of
negligence and possible evidence tampering by Lebanese authorities.

 


.