April 18, 2010 - Naharnet - Presidency Denies Report on Fears over Repercussions of Tribunal's Decisions

The presidency has denied a media report that presidential circles have told French foreign ministry officials the best way to avoid unrest in Lebanon was to stop the funding of donor countries for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.The presidency's media office said: "The report is completely untrue."On Saturday, pan-Arab daily al-Hayat quoted informed French sources as saying that the presidency's circles have expressed fears to a foreign ministry delegation visiting Beirut over the repercussions of the tribunal's effects on Lebanon.The newspaper said the circles told the delegation that it would be better for donor countries to stop funding the court in order to avoid political instability in Lebanon.Meanwhile, the Acting Registrar of the STL, Herman Von Hebel, stressed that the investigation into the 2005 murder of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri is making steady and positive progress.He told the Associated Press after a 5-day visit to Lebanon, that the tribunal is determined to achieve justice in spite of fears that the indictments may spark violent repercussions.In the long run, there can be no stability without justice, he said.