REP. MEEKS STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ADDRESS TO THE NATION ON SYRIA

September 10, 2013

REP. MEEKS STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ADDRESS TO THE NATION ON SYRIA

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee released the following statement after President Barack Obama’s address to the nation on the situation in Syria:

“Ten days ago when the President asked Congress to authorize the use of military force to address the Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons against the people of Syria I expressed my commendation for this step. The President made it clear then that there was time for Congress to do what it is constitutionally called to do since there was no evidence of an imminent threat to American security or the security of our allies. He also made it clear that militarily there was time for careful consideration.

“Tonight I again commend the President. His request that Congress postpone a vote on the authorization of the use of force is the wise thing to do in the interests of the United States and the global community. The diplomatic openings that have developed must be given a chance to succeed.

“I remain convinced that there is strong evidence that the Assad regime brutally used chemical weapons on hundreds of its own people against international norms. I also continue to believe that this violation demands an international response. What I heard from the President tonight and in my meeting with him yesterday is a willingness to allow the international community to engage in a timely diplomatic push.

“For over two years now the Russian government and the Syrian government have been unresponsive to the administration’s diplomatic overtures including the suggestion that the Assad regime verifiably surrender to international control its chemical weapons. It is clear to me that the credible threat of force has forced the Assad regime to acknowledge for the first time that it has chemical weapons. It is also clear to me that pursuing a diplomatic solution in cooperation with the Russian government would not be a possibility today without a credible threat of force.

“This opening should be pursued swiftly and vigorously. If it fails, it signals the strongest call to action yet for the United Nations Security Council and the international community to address in concert the Syrian government’s breach of international norms and threat to global security. I still contend that unilateral action would not be an appropriate move. I also continue to believe that the ultimate answer to the crisis in Syria will not be achieved by military action, but through multilateral diplomacy.” [End]