Briefing
En Route Shannon, Ireland
Secretary Condoleezza Rice
En Route Shannon, Ireland
November 10, 2005
* * *
QUESTION: Can I draw you out on Syria?
The Syrians have first called for some kind of memo of
understanding with Mehlis to get the six people, six Syrians,
into some -- to an investigation. Then they launched their
own investigation and that would prevent the six from
going to Beirut to be questioned by Mehlis. Are you concerned
about what kind of game the Syrians may be playing? Do
you have -- do you believe that they are trying to stonewall
-- (inaudible) -- and are you concerned about it?
SECRETARY
RICE: Well, let me just say I don't think this
constitutes cooperation. The UN Security Council couldn't
have been clearer. The resolution couldn't have been clearer
and, in fact, more detailed about what was expected of
the Syrians. They are expected to answer affirmatively,
positively, yes, to whatever Mehlis needs to complete
his investigation. And I do not believe that the UN Security
Council resolution contemplated the Syrians negotiating
how they would say yes.
So, you know, it's perhaps not surprising given the speech
that Dr. Al-Shara decided to give in the Security Council
meeting, which I still think was remarkable given that
everybody around that table supported immediate and complete
cooperation with Mehlis. So that's what's expected. That's
what was anticipated in 1636 and that's really what the
Syrians should do.
QUESTION:
Do you anticipate another (inaudible)?
SECRETARY
RICE: I think we'll just have to see what transpires
over the next couple of weeks. Of course, Mr. Mehlis has
the ability to come back to the Security Council at any
time. That's also made clear. But let's just see what
happens. I think right now I hope that everybody is encouraging
-- everyone who talks to the Syrians is encouraging them
to do what the Security Council resolution said they should
do: cooperate unconditionally and immediately.
QUESTION:
(Inaudible.)
SECRETARY
RICE: I can't judge Syrian motives. I just know
that it, at this point, doesn't look like cooperation.
They should stop trying to negotiate and cooperate.
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