Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Syria

August 18,2011

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Syria

(WASHINGTON, DC)–I join President Obama and Secretary Clinton in insisting that Syria’s King al Asad immediately step down. Asad’s sustained attacks on Syria’s civilian population, resulting in some 2,000 deaths in a matter of a few months, constitute criminality. The chief responsibility of national leaders is to protect and improve the lives of their people. Once considered a stabilizing force and a voice for reform in the region, Asad has betrayed Syria, despotically responding to demands for change with violence. Reports of door-to-door searches and murders, round-up of women and children held incommunicado, and the use of goon squads inspire international condemnation. Asad has lost his place in the community of international leaders; he must now relinquish his role in Syria’s future. As the Syrian people undertake shaping that future, the United States and international community should be ready to offer support for democratic reform and development.