Russian ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin said on Thursday following a meeting with Interior Minister Marwan Charbel that Russia "still supports" the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, Zasypkin said that the Netherlands-based tribunal represents international legitimacy and "we want it to achieve its objectives stipulated by the UN [Security Council] Resolution [ 1757]."
The Hezbollah-led March 8 parties – which currently dominate Lebanon's cabinet – have opposed a clause in the Lebanese annual state budget pertaining to the funding of the UN-backed court, while Prime Minister Najib Mikati has repeatedly voiced Lebanon's commitment to the tribunal.
Four Hezbollah members have been indicted by the STL in the 2005 assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri. However, the Shia group strongly denied the charges and refuses to cooperate with the court
Lebanon contributes 49 percent of the STL's annual funding.
Zasypkin told reporters that the meeting touched upon the general situation in Lebanon and the region. He added that Moscow supports Lebanon's "sovereignty, independence and the safety of its people."
The Russian envoy also said "I specifically pointed out, [during the meeting], the importance of holding on to the principles of international legitimacy regarding all issues."
-NOW Lebanon
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, Zasypkin said that the Netherlands-based tribunal represents international legitimacy and "we want it to achieve its objectives stipulated by the UN [Security Council] Resolution [ 1757]."
The Hezbollah-led March 8 parties – which currently dominate Lebanon's cabinet – have opposed a clause in the Lebanese annual state budget pertaining to the funding of the UN-backed court, while Prime Minister Najib Mikati has repeatedly voiced Lebanon's commitment to the tribunal.
Four Hezbollah members have been indicted by the STL in the 2005 assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri. However, the Shia group strongly denied the charges and refuses to cooperate with the court
Lebanon contributes 49 percent of the STL's annual funding.
Zasypkin told reporters that the meeting touched upon the general situation in Lebanon and the region. He added that Moscow supports Lebanon's "sovereignty, independence and the safety of its people."
The Russian envoy also said "I specifically pointed out, [during the meeting], the importance of holding on to the principles of international legitimacy regarding all issues."
-NOW Lebanon
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