Suleiman”s London Visit: Renewed Support for Lebanon and Tribunal Funding
President Michel Suleiman returned home early Friday concluding an official visit in Britain where he met Queen Elizabeth II who pledged renewed support for Lebanon and increase funding for the U.N. tribunal set to try suspects in the 2005 assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri.
Suleiman, for his part, again welcomed the release of the four generals from nearly four years in custody without charge, telling the Lebanese community in Britain: "I feel comfortable each time it is proved to me that no soldiers are breaking the military oath."
Earlier, he expressed relief at a decision to release the four generals detained since August 2005, stressing the move proves that the international tribunal has started functioning.
Suleiman said the Special Tribunal for Lebanon”s decision to release the generals means "the international court began its work in a transparent way and free from politicization."
He stressed that Hizbullah is committed to Security Council resolution 1701 and that recently discovered Israel-linked networks constitute a violation of the 2006 resolution and "proof of the extent of Israeli danger on Lebanon and its surroundings."
Suleiman also held talks with Defense Secretary John Hutton who stressed Britain”s backing for the army and security forces.