Syria risks EU wrath over Lebanon poll

Date: 14/04/05

The EU is readying itself to increase Syria's international isolation if Damascus obstructs elections in Lebanon, which are to take place before the summer.

Following last month's reinstatement of Emile Lahoud, a pro-Syrian, as president of Lebanon, diplomats say that EU member states are willing to press both the Syrian and Lebanese governments to obtain an invitation from Beirut to monitor parliamentary elections expected in May. If no invitation is forthcoming, a completed EU-Syria trade and co-operation agreement and a similar agreement to be negotiated with Lebanon will be put at risk.

A recent Commission fact-finding mission to the region has recommended that the EU send monitors to verify whether the elections are free and fair.

External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner has also backed the proposals, according to aides. Free elections are seen as an essential element of UN Security Council resolution 1559, sponsored by France and the US, which also calls for Syria to withdraw troops and security assets from Lebanon.

US sanctions and the weakening of the dollar have made Syria highly dependent on Europe to support its fragile economy. Some claim Syria's trade with Europe amounts to as much as 55% of exports and 40% of gross domestic product.

Article report that the EU was contemplating steps to increase Syria's international isolation if Damascus was to obstruct Parliamentary elections in Lebanon, expected to take place in the first half of 2005.

European Commission: DG External Relations: Countries: Syria http://ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/syria/intro/index.htm

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