The Congress of Liberal International convening from 12-14 May 2005 in Sofia, Bulgaria,
expresses its strong support for the territorial integrity and political independence of Lebanon;
deplores and explicitly condemns the assassination of former prime minister Hariri;
offers its condolences to his family and to the people of Lebanon;
acknowledges the determination of the Lebanese people to end the role of Syria in Lebanese politics and to achieve integral withdrawal of all Syrian troops from their country;
welcomes the withdrawal of all Syrian troops from Lebanon and calls for the withdrawal of any remaining Syrian forces;
stresses that the sovereign state of Lebanon should be able to fully exercise both military and political control over its own territory;
is convinced that the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon will further the democratic development of both Lebanon and Syria and will contribute to a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East;
welcomes the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Lebanon but notes with concern the reports of manipulation by Syria of such elections in the past which, if repeated, may provide excuses for further foreign intervention;
calls for the immediate withdrawal of all Syrian troops from Lebanon and the end of all Syrian political and other interference in the internal affairs of the sovereign state of Lebanon;
calls on the Government of Lebanon to take full military control of all parts of Lebanon, including those controlled by hizbullah and to outlaw and disarm this terrorist organisation.
