The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1559 on Sept. 2, 2004 at the initiative of the United States and France which wanted Syrian troops to leave Lebanon.

The two countries, through the resolution, also tried unsuccessfully to head off parliamentary amendment to the Lebanese constitution which would allow Syria-backed President Emile Lahoudto stay in power for an extra three years.

Despite strong objection from Syria and Lebanon, the Security Council adopted the resolution with 9 votes in favor and six abstentions. Nine is the minimum number needed to adopt a resolution in the 15-nation Security Council.

The resolution demands respect for Lebanon's political independence and called on all remaining "foreign forces" to withdraw from Lebanon. The word Syria is not mentioned as a compromise to opposing Security Council members.

It declares the council's support for "a free and fair electoral process in Lebanon's upcoming presidential election conducted according to Lebanese constitutional rules devised without foreign interference or influence."

The resolution also calls for the disbanding and disarmament ofall Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias. It requested UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to report to the council within 30 days on the implementation of the resolution.

The resolution urges the Lebanese government to extend its control over all Lebanese territory. It calls for "strict respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon."