Det danske Fredsakademi
Kronologi over fredssagen og international politik 30. August 2013 / Timeline August 30, 2013
Version 3.529. August 2013, 31. August 2013
08/30/2013
CONGRESSWOMAN LEE PENS SYRIA LETTER TO WHITE HOUSE
CALLS FOR CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE
Washington, D.C.— Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee was joined
by 53 Members of Congress on a letter to President Obama condemning
the reported use of chemical weapons in Syria and calling for full
congressional debate an appropriate response. The letter comes on
the heels of rumors surrounding a military strike in Syria.
The letter reads, in part: “While we understand that as
Commander in Chief you have a constitutional obligation to protect
our national interests from direct attack, Congress has the
constitutional obligation and power to approve military force, even
if the United States or its direct interests (such as its
embassies) have not been attacked or threatened with an attack. As
such, we strongly urge you to seek an affirmative decision of
Congress prior to committing any U.S. military engagement to this
complex crisis.
“We must learn the lessons of the past. Lessons from Iraq,
Afghanistan, Libya, and others,” said Congresswoman Lee.
“We must recognize that what happens in Syria does not stay
in Syria; the implications for the region are dire.”
The letter further calls for U.N. inspectors to complete their
assessments of the existence of the use of chemical weapons, as
well as denounces the human rights violations taking place.
“This letter is calling for a specific action: debate.
Congress has a vital role this in this process and constitutional
power that must be respected,” said Congresswoman Lee.
“The American people are demanding this debate before we
commit our military, our money, or our forces to Syria.”
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