Tribunal New Beginning For Ending Chain Assassinations
Prime Minister Fouad Saniora said that 4 years following the assassination of ex-premier Rafic Hariri and his companions the tribunal sets a new beginning for ending a chain of rampant assassinations in the country.
On the eve of the launching of the special tribunal for Lebanon Saniora issued a statement outlining his view on the issue.
1. The assassination of Rafik Hariri and his companions exemplified the peak of criminality and terrorism that controlled Lebanon and targeted political leaders and intellectual elites. All assassins remained unknown, and in time this became a given fact.
2. The Lebanese people erupted in March 14 2005 to say to the world that they no longer accept this situation to continue as is. That is to say that they no longer accepted these crimes to go unpunished.
3. The launching of the special tribunal 4 years following the Hariri assassination constitutes a new and serious beginning for ending the chain of unpunished assassinations in Lebanon.
4. The Lebanese do not seek vengeance, they only wish to protect their country and prevent the terrorists from persisting in their crime unpunished.
5. Great sacrifices made by the Lebanese for their freedom and independence are only matched by their determination and that of the international community in establishing this tribunal so that criminals are punished.
6. I would like to thank the United Nations Independent International Investigation Commission (UNIIIC) and Lebanese security forces for their great efforts in this field.
7. I also extend my full appreciation to the United Nations Security Council members, and friendly nations that continue to look after the just cause of Lebanon and for funding this tribunal. I also pay tribute to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his assistants for their thorough follow up on making the tribunal a reality. I also thank the Netherlands for accepting to host and facilitate the work of the tribunal.
8. It is important to ensure the Lebanese government”s full support and cooperation to the tribunal and its work and our commitment to all its legal rulings.