Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released the following statement regarding the ongoing situation in Syria:
“This weekend, the United States and Russia reached a framework agreement to secure and destroy Syria’s chemical stockpile. As part of this agreement, Syria will be required to submit to inspections of all chemical weapons sites and eliminate all chemical weapons materials and mixing equipment by mid-2014. The destruction process will be carried out by the international community, including the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Syria has also indicated that it will join the international arms-control organization, the Chemical Weapons Convention.
This is a hopeful step forward and I am encouraged to see that the Administration has reached a preliminary diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis. If executed correctly, this plan should avert the need for any military action on the part of the United States. As Americans are weary of years of war and military engagement in the Middle East, I urge the Administration to do its utmost to ensure that this diplomatic effort succeeds the while still ensuring that the Syrian regime complies with its obligations under international law.
Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Vice Chairman of the House Steering and Policy Committee, Senior Whip, and member of the Blue Dog Coalition. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.
