Justice Minister Discusses International Tribunal with U.S. Diplomat

Justice Minister Charles Rizk discussed with U.S. Charge D”affaires Michele Sison on Friday the international tribunal that would try suspects in the 2005 assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri and related crimes.

 

Rizk, in a statement distributed by the state-run National News Agency (NNA) said the discussion “covered the international tribunal that has become a fact, which all should recognize and consider it a means to unite the Lebanese rather than splitting them.”

 

Those who support the tribunal should regard it a judicial institute distanced from politicization while former opponents have started recognizing it as a fait accompli. This is a positive development” Rizk said.

 

The talks with Sison also covered financial backing by USAID to the Lebanese judiciary, the minister added.

 

Sison said she is “pleased with the level of cooperation and coordination” between the United States and the Lebanese judicial system.

 

She explained that USAID backing to the Lebanese judiciary aims at supporting the “rule of law” that is important to bolstering “democracy and good governance.”