Syria Ignores Demand to Withdraw Troops
DAMASCUS, Syria - President Bashar Assad on Saturday ignored the Bush administration's demand that he completely withdraw Syria's 15,000 troops from Lebanon by May, announcing a two-step pullback to the Lebanese border and negotiations with Beirut on a full pullout.
In what appeared to be a face-saving address to the Syrian parliament, Assad said his plan would put Syria in full compliance with international requirements.
"Our way is a gradual and organized withdrawal," he told lawmakers, adding that Syria has "an interest" in withdrawing from Lebanon.
I wouldn't say that Bashar is ignoring Bush's demands. "Saving face" is the operative term here. He will pull his troops out of Lebanon, he's just going to try and do it in a way that makes it look like it was a decision he made of his own accord instead of one he made under pressure from the United States and France.
Update:
According to In The Bullpen, Syria's pull out still isn't in compliance with U.N. resolution 1559.