Ban Backs Hariri Tribunal
U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon on Friday reaffirmed the world body”s commitment to efforts to uncover the truth in the murder of Lebanese ex-premier Rafik Hariri on the fourth anniversary of his slaying.
"This sad anniversary comes two weeks before the Special Tribunal for Lebanon begins to function on March 1," his press office said in a statement. "The Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to the Special Tribunal”s efforts to uncover the truth, bring those responsible for this horrific crime to justice and end impunity in Lebanon."
Ban also urged "full implementation of all Security Council resolutions pertaining to Lebanon."
The special tribunal to try Hariri”s alleged killers is due to open its doors on March 1, housed in the former headquarters of the Dutch intelligence service on the outskirts of The Hague.
The tribunal will also try those presumed responsible for a series of attacks on other Lebanese political and media figures.
Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with Hariri”s slaying. Among them are four generals, including the former head of Lebanese state security.
Hariri died in a massive car bombing February 14, 2005 that also killed 22 others. The assassination was widely blamed on then Lebanese power-broker Syria, which has denied any involvement.
The attack on the Beirut seafront was one of the worst acts of political violence to rock Lebanon since the 1975-1990 civil war, and led to the withdrawal of Syrian troops after a 29-year presence.