Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Syria

Statement

Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) released the following statement today:

"The Obama Administration continues to keep Congress informed as the situation in Syria evolves, and next steps are weighed.

"This afternoon's briefing was an informative session in a series of essential discussions between Congress and the Administration as the President makes a determination on the best course of action in response to the events in Syria on August 21, 2013. I am appreciative of the President's careful deliberation on a matter of such gravity. I continue my own deliberation and weighing of the facts.

"I look forward to additional briefings as consideration moves forward. I remain gravely concerned about the Assad regime's use of chemical weapons against the Syrian people, and the need to protect U.S. interests. I also remain cautious about U.S. intervention. The regime's actions flagrantly violated international norms and demand international condemnation and rejection.

"I continue to firmly believe that any U.S. military action, if any, should be with close Congressional consultation, limited, with no boots on the ground, and must be multilateral in nature. To act in any way short of a strong multilateral effort would be inimical to U.S. long term strategic interests."

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