No One Can Obstruct Special Tribunal for Lebanon
French President Nicolas Sarkozy stressed that France rejects politicizing the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, adding that no one can obstruct the court”s procedures.
The tribunal "is a major step for justice in Lebanon and a big victory for Lebanese democracy … I hope those who committed these crimes would be arrested and those who ordered them would be tried," Sarkozy told Nahar Ash-Shabab on Thursday, a weekly supplement to An Nahar.
The international tribunal which was launched in The Hague on March 1 will try the suspected assassins of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri and related crimes.
"It”s a matter of principle — the principle of impunity," the French president stressed. "Four years ago, France gave its full support for the investigative commission. It will continue (with its support) for the Special Tribunal. The issue is related to a process that no one can obstruct."
Asked if France would make compromises with Syria at Lebanon”s expense, Sarkozy said: "Let”s make things clear. France will always stand by the Lebanese people to help them defend their freedom, sovereignty and independence."
He said President Michel Suleiman”s visit to Paris next week will be an opportunity to "celebrate our friendship and deep relationship that brings our countries together."
Sarkozy will also stress to Suleiman France”s "full support for the Lebanese government," the French president told his interviewer.
About the June 7 parliamentary elections, Sarkozy said: "The legislative elections will be a new step forward. That”s why it is very important that the polls are held in a transparent way."