USCFL - Syria: Get it through your sick skull; Nobody wants you in Lebanon anymore.

The magic has turned on the magician; Syria can no longer hide behind thugs to achieve its diabolical goals in the region. Syria can no longer justify its presence in Lebanon under the false pretense of 'keeping the peace.' Time has come for Syria to stand firm against terrorism or simply pay the price. Its cunning tactics are well known to the whole world. Lebanon cannot and will not anymore be bargained or sold. It is time for Syria's Stalinist corrupted regime officials who has held the key for power for over 30 years now to pack up their army and go, taking with them all the thugs they nurtured and sponsored since 1975. It is high time for Syria to quit Lebanon.

Lebanon has patiently paid the price for Syria's warped megalomania for far too long. Lebanon must and will no longer be used as safe haven for Syria's expansion agenda, at a time when terrorism is being eradicated and anachronistic regimes are crumbling all over the world.

It is not acceptable any more for the Free World to continue allowing Syria implement its annexation plans or turn a blind eye upon a nation which simply wants the chance to make its own decisions according to what is best for its people.

The plan for Syria's federation to include Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine is a pipe dream that must finally end. The Syrian army must return to its own country where it is needed, Lebanon does not need any foreign power on its land.

Enough is enough. The charade of 'brotherhood' posted by the despotic Syrian regime while simultaneously attempting to annihilate every shred of Lebanese culture is now seen as the fallacious Syrian sophistry that it has always been. True Lebanese can separate those who wish the country well, and those whose only desire is their own selfish gain.

Lebanon is a beautiful and strong country. It has a rich history full of glory. Its cedar stood against all odds for 6000 years. Like their national symbol, Lebanon's citizens are strong and will never ever allow "Arabism" to rob them of their identity, regardless of the price. Lebanon is Lebanon and Syria is Syria.

As Lebanese we understand that mutual respect and cooperation must exist between the two countries. But as separate and equal identities. There must be mutual fairness, equality and respect. It is imperative that Syria, as well as the entire international community, respect Lebanon's sovereignty and distinguishable identity.

Lebanon alone must decide what is best for Lebanon without foreign influence of any kind. Time has come for the international community to insist that Syria comply with resolution 520 and withdraw its army from Lebanon. Syria's secret agents are neither needed nor wanted by the Lebanese anymore and must pack up and leave without any condition. Let us all remember that Stalinism has died a long time ago. Time has come to bring Syria's hegemony over Lebanon to a close. The time is now.

Syria must change its direction. It must keep in step with the rest of the world; opening its society and respecting its people: replacing its old worn-out tactics of torture and fear with more humane practices. The world is leaping forward while Syria and its proxies are still living in the dark ages. It is high time to move on and allow democracy and freedom to take root.

Syria must start creating opportunities for its youth instead of despair. It is also high time to replace the gun with a laptop. Let the Syrian people explore new horizons and allow the chance to be part of the new world community. Enough suffering and enough lies for personal fame.

Time has come for Syria and Lebanon to progress, not stagnate. To encourage, not enslave. It is time for Syria to leave Lebanon as friends instead of enemies. The time is now. The Lebanese must, and will once again control their own country and their own destiny.

Long Live Free Lebanon

George Khoury is the Foreign Affairs Chairman of the Lebanese Canadian Coordinating Council

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Article:	Syria: Get it through your sick skull; Nobody wants you in Lebanon anymore.
Author:	George Khoury
Date:	January 2002