Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the UN statement declaring that it has satisfied itself regarding the departure of the Syrian military from the Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18491/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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On 5 March Syria began to withdraw its forces from Lebanon, as required under Security Council Resolution 1559, and the process appeared to be complete by the end of April, in keeping with the commitment given by President Assad. On 23 May, the initial report of the UN verification mission indicated that the mission had encountered no Syrian forces still in Lebanon. There were some areas still to be visited, and some remaining questions related to the exact demarcation of the Syria-Lebanon border, but broadly the report confirmed the full withdrawal of Syrian forces. Questions remain about the possible presence of Syrian intelligence elements in Lebanon, and the extent to which Syria will still try to exert a dominating influence in Lebanese politics.

I welcome the withdrawal of Syrian forces, which is an important achievement. It removes a major impediment to the rebuilding of a fully functioning political society in Lebanon. However, it would be a mistake to assume that the most difficult problem is now solved. The divisions in Lebanese society are still very close to the surface, and the international community will have to remain focussed on Lebanon, and use great care in its efforts to support the political process there.

The next stage of that process is now underway with the parliamentary elections, the first round of which took place on 29 May.