April 17, 2010 - Naharnet - Al-Hayat: Lebanese Presidency Circles Told France that Cutting STL Funds Helps in Preventing Unrest in Lebanon

Circles close to the Lebanese presidency have voiced their fears to a visiting French Foreign Ministry delegation that the repercussions of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon may destabilize the country, according to the pan-Arab al-Hayat daily.
These circles hinted that the best way to avoid the possible unrest lies in having donor countries stop their funding for the tribunal, al-Hayat added.

The delegation's visit occurred amid the intense circulation by Lebanese dailies of reports about the STL interrogating members from Hizbullah and the later televised interview of Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah during which he confirmed that "witnesses" from Hizbullah had collaborated with the tribunal, the thing that contributed to playing down speculations.

The tribunal's administrative committee is expected to meet in the fall to discuss the tribunal's budget.

Lebanon is supposed to provide 51 percent of the budget, with the donor states providing the rest.

These states have voiced their readiness to continue with their funding, according to al-Hayat.