Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon

Susan E. Rice
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
U.S. Mission to the United Nations

New York, NY

December 1, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The United States welcomes the Government of Lebanon's decision to uphold the country's financial responsibility to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. The Special Tribunal is an important vehicle for advancing accountability within Lebanon's political culture. This decision illustrates Lebanon's commitment to its international obligations, and the United States remains committed to assisting the Government of Lebanon in its full implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1559, 1701 and 1757. The United States pledges to continue to support the Special Tribunal's work, including through participation in the Management Committee.

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Special Tribunal for Lebanon receives 2011 contribution from Lebanese state

Leidschendam, 1st December 2011 - The Special Tribunal for Lebanon thanks the Government of Lebanon for the full payment for 2011, which we received this morning. With this contribution of US$32,184,635, the representatives of the Lebanese people have demonstrated their commitment to work for the rule of law and long-term stability. We look forward to the continuing co-operation of Lebanon as we work towards completing our judicial mandate.
Source: STL Press Release

United States Welcomes the Funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon

Press Statement

Mark C. Toner
Deputy Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

November 30, 2011

The United States welcomes the announcement by Prime Minister Mikati that he has ordered the transfer of Lebanon's financial commitment to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. The Special Tribunal's work represents a chance for Lebanon to move beyond its long history of impunity for political violence. The Lebanese authorities' support for, and cooperation with, the work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is a critical international commitment.

 

FCO welcomes Lebanon's announcement to uphold its duties to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon

30 November 2011

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Miqati has announced that his government will honour its international commitments to pay its dues to the United Nations Special Tribunal.

Commenting on the announcement, a Foreign Office spokesperson said:

"We welcome Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Miqati's announcement this morning that his government will honour its international commitments to pay its share of the United Nations Special Tribunal.

"The United Kingdom remains a strong supporter of the Special Tribunal and of a stable, independent and peaceful Lebanon."

Mikati: Government paid its portion of STL

NNA - 30/11/2011 Lebanese Premier announced Wednesday that the government has paid, early this morning, its portion of funding to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the UN-backed court probing the assassination of Rafic Hariri.

Trial Chamber awaits further info from Lebanese authorities

Leidschendam, 23 November 2011 – The Trial Chamber has decided today to await a response from the Lebanese authorities on their efforts to arrest the accused before deciding whether to begin proceedings in absentia.

The Trial Chamber has requested the Tribunal's Prosecutor to file a progress report by 8 December on the response of the Lebanese authorities.

The judges of the Trial Chamber are responsible for deciding whether to try the accused in their absence, given that none of the four indicted men has yet been arrested.

During a hearing held on 11 November, the Prosecution argued that the Lebanese authorities should do more to locate and arrest the accused before the Tribunal could try them in absentia. On 11 November the Prosecution sent 10 requests for assistance to the Lebanese Prosecutor General asking him to take additional steps.

The Tribunal's Defence Office asked the Trial Chamber to consider withdrawing the arrest warrants and notifying the accused of the possibility of appearing at trial by video-conference.

The Trial Chamber decided that the four accused should be formally notified of their rights to attend the trial.

When the Trial Chamber has the responses from the Lebanese authorities it will then decide whether it should invite Lebanese officials to provide additional information.

President of the STL visits Lebanon

Leidschendam, 21 November 2011
The President of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Judge Sir David Baragwanath, will be visiting Lebanon this week for the first time. He is accompanied by the Vice-President of the Tribunal, Judge Ralph Riachy.

During the visit President Baragwanath will meet Lebanon's President and other Lebanese authorities who work with the Tribunal as well as agencies and members of the academic and legal community.

"I am honoured to visit a country of such great cultural and legal traditions", said Judge Baragwanath. "The Tribunal's judges consider themselves not just international judges, but also judges of Lebanon, applying the criminal law of Lebanon and respectful of its sovereignty and its people. I am determined that the work of the Tribunal be fair and expeditious, with full respect of the rights of the accused and the interests of the victims."