CONGRESSMAN GREGORY W. MEEKS APPLAUDS THE BREAKTHROUGH U.S.-RUSSIAN AGREEMENT ON THE ELIMINATION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS IN SYRIA

September 14, 2013

CONGRESSMAN GREGORY W. MEEKS APPLAUDS THE BREAKTHROUGH U.S.-RUSSIAN AGREEMENT ON THE ELIMINATION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS IN SYRIA

Excerpt: By any measure, this tentative agreement is an outstanding achievement and holds the potential for future breakthroughs in the Syrian civil war, easing tensions in the Middle East, and fostering U.S.-Russian cooperation and collaboration on a range of other outstanding issues.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee released the following statement applauds the breakthrough U.S. Russian Agreement on the elimination of chemical weapons in Syria:

“I enthusiastically welcome the news that the United States and Russia have reached an agreement on a ‘Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons.’ Under this agreement Syria’s chemical weapons would be transferred to international control and the complete elimination of all chemical weapons material and equipment would be expected in the first half of 2014.

“By any measure, this tentative agreement is an outstanding achievement and holds the potential for future breakthroughs in the Syrian civil war, easing tensions in the Middle East, and fostering U.S.-Russian cooperation and collaboration on a range of other outstanding issues. For this, I congratulate President Obama and Russian president Vladimir Putin for giving diplomacy a chance.

“The credibility of President Obama's threat to take military action to prevent the Syrian government from using chemical weapons set in motion the dynamics that produced today’s agreement. His decision to seek Congressional authorization resulted in a soul searching and largely thoughtful examination by Congress and the American people of the truth and consequences of chemical weapons and the use of U.S. military force to defend a critical international norm. His far-sightedness in the face of unfavorable public opinion and a reticent international community enabled his administration to respond creatively when the opportunity for the alternative of a diplomatic breakthrough presented itself.

“I am under no illusion that today’s agreement on a framework ends the challenge posed by the Assad regime's use and possession of chemical weapons, but I am encouraged. Much remains to be done. The UN Security Council and the international community must provide the necessary technical, financial, and diplomatic support, and hold the Assad regime accountable to its commitments.” [End]