A UN-backed court probing the 2005 murder of Lebanon's ex-premier Rafiq Hariri on Thursday submitted a sealed indictment in the case to the country's prosecutor general, an opposition official told AFP.
"Our information is that a group of legal experts from the Special Tribunal for Lebanon today submitted to prosecutor general Saeed Mirza an indictment in the case," said Fares Soueid, a top member of the Western-backed "March 14" coalition headed by Hariri's son and political heir Saad Hariri. Television reports said four suspects are named in the long-awaited indictment, the contents of which were not made public.
The reports said the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, based in The Hague, had issued arrest warrants for the suspects. The STL's office could not be immediately joined for comment.
One television station said at least one of the suspects is a member of the powerful militant group Hezbollah.
The Iranian- and Syrian-backed group forced the collapse of Saad Hariri's government in January after he refused to stop cooperating with the tribunal.
His successor, Najib Mikati, who was appointed with the blessing of Hezbollah, on Thursday was expected to issue his government's policy statement which clarifies Lebanon's stance on the STL.
Lebanon, according to experts, now has 30 days to serve out the arrest warrants. If the suspects are not arrested within that period, the STL will when make public the indictment and summon the suspects to appear before the court.
The findings of the tribunal have been the subject of wide speculation in Lebanon and there is fear that an indictment of members of Hezbollah, which dominates the new government, could spark sectarian unrest.
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon was set up in The Hague in 2009 by the United Nations to try those alleged to have carried out the bomb attack that killed Hariri and 22 others.
Hariri was killed with 22 others on February 14, 2005 when a massive blast struck his motorcade in a fashionable seafront district of Beirut, sending tremors through a country still haunted by memories of its 1975-1990 civil war.
The murder sparked the so-called Cedar Revolution, a wave of mass protests that, combined with international pressure, forced Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon after a 29-year deployment.
Hariri, who was 60 when he was killed, headed five Lebanese governments between the years 1992 to 1998 and 2000 to 2004, when he stepped down from premiership.
June 30, 2011
iloubnan - Death penalty for killers of Kataeb officials - June 30, 2011
investigative Judge Fadi Unaysi took his decision regarding the murder indictment of the Kataeb party officials Nasri Maroni and Salim Assi shot dead from military weapons that are not licensed in the city of Zahle in 20/4/2008, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.
“The judge ordered the death penalty for two fugitives, Joseph Ibrahim Zouki and Tohme Ibrahim Zouki, as well as for Walid Edward Zouki, who was released,” NNA added.
“The judge ordered the death penalty for two fugitives, Joseph Ibrahim Zouki and Tohme Ibrahim Zouki, as well as for Walid Edward Zouki, who was released,” NNA added.
iloubnan - Mirza meets STL delegation - June 30, 2011
Cassation General Prosecutor Said Mirza has been meeting since 11:00 am today with a delegation of three persons from the International Investigation Committee, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.
The meeting between Mirza and the delegation ended at 12:30 pm, the NNA added.
The meeting between Mirza and the delegation ended at 12:30 pm, the NNA added.
iloubnan - Lebanon's Hariri hails UN indictment as 'historic' - June 30, 2011
Lebanese opposition leader Saad Hariri, son of assassinated ex-premier Rafiq Hariri, on Thursday hailed the release of a UN indictment in his father's 2005 murder as a hard-won "historic moment".
"After many years of patience, of struggle ... today, we witness a historic moment in Lebanese politics, justice and security," Hariri said in a statement.
He also urged Lebanon's new Hezbollah-dominated government to uphold its commitment to international resolutions.
Hariri's comments after Lebanese officials said the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, based near The Hague, submitted an indictment and arrest warrants to the country's prosecutor general in his father's case.
Members of the powerful Hezbollah are expected to be implicated in the killing.
"After many years of patience, of struggle ... today, we witness a historic moment in Lebanese politics, justice and security," Hariri said in a statement.
He also urged Lebanon's new Hezbollah-dominated government to uphold its commitment to international resolutions.
Hariri's comments after Lebanese officials said the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, based near The Hague, submitted an indictment and arrest warrants to the country's prosecutor general in his father's case.
Members of the powerful Hezbollah are expected to be implicated in the killing.
iloubnan - Lebanon receives Hariri indictment, warrants: opposition - June 30, 2011
A UN-backed court probing the 2005 murder of Lebanon's ex-premier Rafiq Hariri on Thursday submitted a sealed indictment and arrest warrants to the country's prosecutor general, the opposition told AFP.
"Our information is that a group of legal experts from the Special Tribunal for Lebanon today submitted to prosecutor general Saeed Mirza an indictment in the case," said Fares Soueid, a top member of the Western-backed "March 14" coalition headed by Hariri's son and political heir Saad Hariri.
Television reports said four suspects are named in the long-awaited indictment, the contents of which were not made public.
The reports said the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, based in The Hague, had issued arrest warrants for the suspects.
The STL's office could not be immediately reached for comment.
One television station said at least two of the suspects are members of the powerful militant group Hezbollah.
"This is a big day for Lebanon," Soueid told AFP, referring to the indictment. "We have been waiting for this for six years.
"We hope that justice will be served and that Lebanon will be able to look toward a more stable future."
The Iranian- and Syrian-backed Hezbollah forced the collapse of Saad Hariri's government in January after he refused to stop cooperating with the tribunal.
His successor, Najib Mikati, who was appointed with the blessing of Hezbollah, was set later Thursday to issue his government's policy statement which clarifies Lebanon's stance on the STL.
Mikati is expected to state that his government, which is dominated by Hezbollah and its allies, is committed to international resolutions as long as they don't threaten civil peace.
Observers say that this basically means that his cabinet will not cooperate with the tribunal.
Lebanon, according to experts, now has 30 days to serve out the arrest warrants. If the suspects are not arrested within that period, the STL will then make public the indictment and summon the suspects to appear before the court.
The findings of the tribunal have been the subject of wide speculation in Lebanon and there is fear that an indictment of members of Hezbollah, which dominates the new government, could spark sectarian unrest.
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon was set up in The Hague in 2009 by the United Nations to try those alleged to have carried out the bomb attack that killed Hariri and 22 others.
Hariri was killed with 22 others on February 14, 2005 when a massive blast struck his motorcade in a seafront district of Beirut, sending tremors through a country still haunted by memories of its 1975-1990 civil war.
The murder sparked the so-called Cedar Revolution, a wave of mass protests that, combined with international pressure, forced Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon after a 29-year deployment.
Hariri, who was 60 when he was killed, headed five Lebanese governments between the years 1992 to 1998 and 2000 to 2004, when he stepped down from premiership over difference with neighbouring Syria.
Syria was widely suspected of being implicated in Hariri's killing but has denied involvement.
Television reports said four suspects are named in the long-awaited indictment, the contents of which were not made public.
The reports said the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, based in The Hague, had issued arrest warrants for the suspects.
The STL's office could not be immediately reached for comment.
One television station said at least two of the suspects are members of the powerful militant group Hezbollah.
"This is a big day for Lebanon," Soueid told AFP, referring to the indictment. "We have been waiting for this for six years.
"We hope that justice will be served and that Lebanon will be able to look toward a more stable future."
The Iranian- and Syrian-backed Hezbollah forced the collapse of Saad Hariri's government in January after he refused to stop cooperating with the tribunal.
His successor, Najib Mikati, who was appointed with the blessing of Hezbollah, was set later Thursday to issue his government's policy statement which clarifies Lebanon's stance on the STL.
Mikati is expected to state that his government, which is dominated by Hezbollah and its allies, is committed to international resolutions as long as they don't threaten civil peace.
Observers say that this basically means that his cabinet will not cooperate with the tribunal.
Lebanon, according to experts, now has 30 days to serve out the arrest warrants. If the suspects are not arrested within that period, the STL will then make public the indictment and summon the suspects to appear before the court.
The findings of the tribunal have been the subject of wide speculation in Lebanon and there is fear that an indictment of members of Hezbollah, which dominates the new government, could spark sectarian unrest.
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon was set up in The Hague in 2009 by the United Nations to try those alleged to have carried out the bomb attack that killed Hariri and 22 others.
Hariri was killed with 22 others on February 14, 2005 when a massive blast struck his motorcade in a seafront district of Beirut, sending tremors through a country still haunted by memories of its 1975-1990 civil war.
The murder sparked the so-called Cedar Revolution, a wave of mass protests that, combined with international pressure, forced Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon after a 29-year deployment.
Hariri, who was 60 when he was killed, headed five Lebanese governments between the years 1992 to 1998 and 2000 to 2004, when he stepped down from premiership over difference with neighbouring Syria.
Syria was widely suspected of being implicated in Hariri's killing but has denied involvement.
iloubnan - Key events in Lebanon since Hariri murder - June 30, 2011
UN-backed court probing the 2005 murder of Lebanon's ex-premier Rafiq Hariri on Thursday submitted a sealed indictment and arrest warrants to the country's prosecutor general, Lebanese officials said.
Here are some key events in since Hariri's assassination:
Here are some key events in since Hariri's assassination:
2005
- Feb 14: Hariri is killed in a Beirut bombing along with 22 others.
Pro-Western leaders blame Syria but Damascus repeatedly denies any role in the killing. Assassinations targeting anti-Syrian figures follow over the next three years.
- April 26: International pressure and massive popular protests drive Syrian troops out of Lebanon after a 29-year deployment.
- July 19: First government including Hezbollah is formed.
- Oct 20: An initial UN probe implicates Syrian agents in Hariri's murder.
2006
- July 12-Aug 14: A Hezbollah-Israel war kills nearly 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers.
- Nov 11: Shiite ministers resign from government as Hezbollah and its allies demand greater political representation.
2007
- June 10: The UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) is created.
- Nov 23: Pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud's term ends. Rival alliances are unable to agree on a successor.
2008
- May 7: Sectarian clashes leave 100 people dead as Hezbollah-led militants seize large swathes of Sunni areas in Beirut.
- May 21: Rival leaders agree to a new power-sharing government formula. Army chief Michel Sleiman is selected as next president.
- July 11: A government in which Hezbollah and its allies have veto power is formed.
- Oct 15: Syria and Lebanon establish diplomatic ties.
2009
- June 7: An anti-Syrian alliance wins legislative elections.
- June 27: Saad Hariri, son of Rafiq, is appointed prime minister.
- Nov 9: Hariri forms a unity government which includes Hezbollah.
2010
- July 22: Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah says STL will indict Hezbollah members in connection with the Hariri murder.
2011
- Jan 12: Hezbollah forces the collapse of unity government when 11 ministers resign, representing the Shiite party, its allies and one loyal to the president.
- Jan 24-25: Hezbollah and its allies name Najib Mikati as their pick for premier as hundreds of Sunnis protest.
- Feb 14: Saad Hariri announces he will lead Lebanon's new opposition against a government his camp says will be under Hezbollah command.
- May 6: The prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon files an amended indictment based on further evidence in the probe into the Hariri killing.
- June 13: Mikati insists there will be no radical shift in policy as he announces the formation of a new government in which Hezbollah and its allies hold the majority.
- June 29: A committee of the new government agrees after seven meetings on a posture toward the UN-backed tribunal.
- June 30: Lebanese officials say the STL has submitted a sealed indictment and arrest warrants to the country's prosecutor general.
- Feb 14: Hariri is killed in a Beirut bombing along with 22 others.
Pro-Western leaders blame Syria but Damascus repeatedly denies any role in the killing. Assassinations targeting anti-Syrian figures follow over the next three years.
- April 26: International pressure and massive popular protests drive Syrian troops out of Lebanon after a 29-year deployment.
- July 19: First government including Hezbollah is formed.
- Oct 20: An initial UN probe implicates Syrian agents in Hariri's murder.
2006
- July 12-Aug 14: A Hezbollah-Israel war kills nearly 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers.
- Nov 11: Shiite ministers resign from government as Hezbollah and its allies demand greater political representation.
2007
- June 10: The UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) is created.
- Nov 23: Pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud's term ends. Rival alliances are unable to agree on a successor.
2008
- May 7: Sectarian clashes leave 100 people dead as Hezbollah-led militants seize large swathes of Sunni areas in Beirut.
- May 21: Rival leaders agree to a new power-sharing government formula. Army chief Michel Sleiman is selected as next president.
- July 11: A government in which Hezbollah and its allies have veto power is formed.
- Oct 15: Syria and Lebanon establish diplomatic ties.
2009
- June 7: An anti-Syrian alliance wins legislative elections.
- June 27: Saad Hariri, son of Rafiq, is appointed prime minister.
- Nov 9: Hariri forms a unity government which includes Hezbollah.
2010
- July 22: Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah says STL will indict Hezbollah members in connection with the Hariri murder.
2011
- Jan 12: Hezbollah forces the collapse of unity government when 11 ministers resign, representing the Shiite party, its allies and one loyal to the president.
- Jan 24-25: Hezbollah and its allies name Najib Mikati as their pick for premier as hundreds of Sunnis protest.
- Feb 14: Saad Hariri announces he will lead Lebanon's new opposition against a government his camp says will be under Hezbollah command.
- May 6: The prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon files an amended indictment based on further evidence in the probe into the Hariri killing.
- June 13: Mikati insists there will be no radical shift in policy as he announces the formation of a new government in which Hezbollah and its allies hold the majority.
- June 29: A committee of the new government agrees after seven meetings on a posture toward the UN-backed tribunal.
- June 30: Lebanese officials say the STL has submitted a sealed indictment and arrest warrants to the country's prosecutor general.
iloubnan - Arrest warrants issued in Hariri case: judiciary - June 30, 2011
A UN tribunal probing the 2005 murder of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri has issued arrest warrants against four Lebanese suspects in the case, a judicial official told AFP on Thursday.
The sealed warrants were submitted to Lebanon's prosecutor general Saeed Mirza on Thursday morning along with a copy of the indictment drafted by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, said the official who did not wish to be named.
The indictment has also not been made public. Local media reports identified the four suspects and said at least two were members of the powerful Shiite militant party Hezbollah.
According to experts, Lebanon has 30 days to serve out the arrest warrants.
If the suspects are not arrested within that period, the STL will then make public the indictment and summon the suspects to appear before the court.
The findings of the tribunal have been the subject of wide speculation in Lebanon and there is fear an indictment of members of Hezbollah could spark sectarian unrest.
The sealed warrants were submitted to Lebanon's prosecutor general Saeed Mirza on Thursday morning along with a copy of the indictment drafted by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, said the official who did not wish to be named.
The indictment has also not been made public. Local media reports identified the four suspects and said at least two were members of the powerful Shiite militant party Hezbollah.
According to experts, Lebanon has 30 days to serve out the arrest warrants.
If the suspects are not arrested within that period, the STL will then make public the indictment and summon the suspects to appear before the court.
The findings of the tribunal have been the subject of wide speculation in Lebanon and there is fear an indictment of members of Hezbollah could spark sectarian unrest.
iloubnan - Hariri calls on the government to fully cooperate with the Tribunal - June 30, 2011
In a statement on Thursday following the issuance of the STL indictment, Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri said that " justice offers today a new chapter of truth, and nothing can disrupt the spirit of justice."
Here is Hariri's full statement:
"After long years of patience, waiting and continued national struggle, the indictment in the assassination crime of Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and his companions was announced today. Today, we witness together a distinctive historic moment in the political, judicial, security and moral life of Lebanon. I feel the beats in my heart embracing the hearts of all the Lebanese who defended the cause of justice and refused to bargain on the blood of martyrs.
We all fought together for this historic moment. We struggled in our daily, family, social, cultural, political and economic life. We chose not to revenge or resent. We relied on God and started a costly and long path towards justice and truth through a tribunal of international character with Lebanese judges that would provide evidence and give the accused, whoever they are, a chance to defend themselves.
Today, I find myself closer than any time before to my family and the people of my country. I am with them in all cities, towns and homes. I am with the families and crowds who rushed to the Freedom Square and the grave of Martyr Premier, filling the squares all over Lebanon, defying desperation, intimidation and threats, and vowing not to surrender to the will of the killers and criminals.
I salute and embrace each and every one of you and tell you all: Thank you. Thanks to the beloved Lebanese people. I renew my pledge to remain with you loyal to the legacy of Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and of all the other martyrs and the free people who fell on the road of the Cedars Revolution and the free independent national decision.
This progress in the course of justice and the Special Tribunal is for all the Lebanese without any exception, and it should be a turning point in the history of fighting organized political crime in Lebanon and the Arab world, just as we want it to be a focal point for uniting the Lebanese in the face of the factors of division and the attempts to disrupt the principles of national conciliation.
On this occasion, I cannot but express, on my behalf and on behalf of my mother, sisters, brothers, uncle, aunt and all the members of the family, our sincerest feelings of solidarity with the families of the martyrs who fell with Martyr Prime Minister, and the friends and families and companions of all the martyrs who fell on this great national path, which launched the spark of freedom in Lebanon and the Arab world.
It is a moment to salute the families of all our martyrs, each and every father, mother, sister and brother who chose the path of justice and truth, not revenge, giving full meaning to their sacrifices and to the struggle of the Lebanese people for sovereignty, freedom and independence.
We are all part of a patriotic Lebanese family, who takes note on this day, with loyalty and appreciation, of what the Arab brothers and all the friends in the world have offered in order to achieve justice and protect Lebanon from the terrorist series of political crime.
Loyalty also imposes that we reiterate our thanks to everyone involved in the investigation of the crimes that targeted symbols of Lebanon, from Lebanese official security and justice agencies, to the international investigation team, and everyone who worked and is still working in the framework of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and the files related to it in accordance with resolution 1757.
Dear brothers and sisters, justice offers today a new chapter of truth, and nothing can disrupt the spirit of justice.
Responsibility imposes on everyone to accompany this spirit and refrain from perturbing the course of justice, and to find in the announcement of the indictment an opportunity for the Lebanese state to assume its responsibilities, as well as the Lebanese government’s commitment to cooperate fully with the International Tribunal and not to evade pursuing the accused and handing them over to justice, which is a guarantee of democracy and stability.
The Lebanese government is invited politically, nationally, legally and morally, to implement Lebanon's obligations towards the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and nobody has an excuse to escape from this responsibility. I humbly ask that nobody put in doubt our will or the decision of the Lebanese to persevere in order to achieve justice in the assassinations of all the Cedars Revolution martyrs, and that everybody be sure that intimidation will not help to break this will.
Lebanon has paid the price of this moment, in decades of killings and assassinations without accountability. It is time to put a final end to this shameful series. The end of the killers’ era has begun, and the beginning of the justice era is approaching.
Lebanon has triumphed for international justice, and justice has triumphed for the souls of the martyrs. At this moment, I can only look towards the spirit of my father, martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and the spirits of the martyrs who fought for Lebanon, and tell them that your blood did flow be in vain, and that the truth has began to see the light and justice is coming.
May God have mercy upon you for what you have given to Lebanon and all the Lebanese, and May Allah bless you with heaven.
Long live the martyrs of Lebanon. Long live justice. Long live Lebanon.”
Here is Hariri's full statement:
"After long years of patience, waiting and continued national struggle, the indictment in the assassination crime of Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and his companions was announced today. Today, we witness together a distinctive historic moment in the political, judicial, security and moral life of Lebanon. I feel the beats in my heart embracing the hearts of all the Lebanese who defended the cause of justice and refused to bargain on the blood of martyrs.
We all fought together for this historic moment. We struggled in our daily, family, social, cultural, political and economic life. We chose not to revenge or resent. We relied on God and started a costly and long path towards justice and truth through a tribunal of international character with Lebanese judges that would provide evidence and give the accused, whoever they are, a chance to defend themselves.
Today, I find myself closer than any time before to my family and the people of my country. I am with them in all cities, towns and homes. I am with the families and crowds who rushed to the Freedom Square and the grave of Martyr Premier, filling the squares all over Lebanon, defying desperation, intimidation and threats, and vowing not to surrender to the will of the killers and criminals.
I salute and embrace each and every one of you and tell you all: Thank you. Thanks to the beloved Lebanese people. I renew my pledge to remain with you loyal to the legacy of Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and of all the other martyrs and the free people who fell on the road of the Cedars Revolution and the free independent national decision.
This progress in the course of justice and the Special Tribunal is for all the Lebanese without any exception, and it should be a turning point in the history of fighting organized political crime in Lebanon and the Arab world, just as we want it to be a focal point for uniting the Lebanese in the face of the factors of division and the attempts to disrupt the principles of national conciliation.
On this occasion, I cannot but express, on my behalf and on behalf of my mother, sisters, brothers, uncle, aunt and all the members of the family, our sincerest feelings of solidarity with the families of the martyrs who fell with Martyr Prime Minister, and the friends and families and companions of all the martyrs who fell on this great national path, which launched the spark of freedom in Lebanon and the Arab world.
It is a moment to salute the families of all our martyrs, each and every father, mother, sister and brother who chose the path of justice and truth, not revenge, giving full meaning to their sacrifices and to the struggle of the Lebanese people for sovereignty, freedom and independence.
We are all part of a patriotic Lebanese family, who takes note on this day, with loyalty and appreciation, of what the Arab brothers and all the friends in the world have offered in order to achieve justice and protect Lebanon from the terrorist series of political crime.
Loyalty also imposes that we reiterate our thanks to everyone involved in the investigation of the crimes that targeted symbols of Lebanon, from Lebanese official security and justice agencies, to the international investigation team, and everyone who worked and is still working in the framework of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and the files related to it in accordance with resolution 1757.
Dear brothers and sisters, justice offers today a new chapter of truth, and nothing can disrupt the spirit of justice.
Responsibility imposes on everyone to accompany this spirit and refrain from perturbing the course of justice, and to find in the announcement of the indictment an opportunity for the Lebanese state to assume its responsibilities, as well as the Lebanese government’s commitment to cooperate fully with the International Tribunal and not to evade pursuing the accused and handing them over to justice, which is a guarantee of democracy and stability.
The Lebanese government is invited politically, nationally, legally and morally, to implement Lebanon's obligations towards the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and nobody has an excuse to escape from this responsibility. I humbly ask that nobody put in doubt our will or the decision of the Lebanese to persevere in order to achieve justice in the assassinations of all the Cedars Revolution martyrs, and that everybody be sure that intimidation will not help to break this will.
Lebanon has paid the price of this moment, in decades of killings and assassinations without accountability. It is time to put a final end to this shameful series. The end of the killers’ era has begun, and the beginning of the justice era is approaching.
Lebanon has triumphed for international justice, and justice has triumphed for the souls of the martyrs. At this moment, I can only look towards the spirit of my father, martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and the spirits of the martyrs who fought for Lebanon, and tell them that your blood did flow be in vain, and that the truth has began to see the light and justice is coming.
May God have mercy upon you for what you have given to Lebanon and all the Lebanese, and May Allah bless you with heaven.
Long live the martyrs of Lebanon. Long live justice. Long live Lebanon.”
iloubnan - Lebanon govt will deal 'responsibly' with Hariri indictment: PM - June 30, 2011
Lebanon's Hezbollah-dominated government will deal "responsibly and realistically" with a UN indictment issued Thursday in the 2005 murder of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri, Prime Minister Najib Mikati said.
"Today we are facing a new reality that we must be aware of ... and deal with responsibly and realistically ... bearing in mind that these are accusations and not verdicts," Mikati told a press conference.
"All suspects are innocent until proven guilty."
Mikati, however, failed to specify whether his government would cooperate with the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which on Thursday issued arrest warrants for four Lebanese suspects in the Hariri case.
The previous government headed by Hariri's son and political heir Saad Hariri was brought down in January after it refused to abide by Hezbollah's demand that it cease cooperation with the Netherlands-based STL.
Local media said the four Lebanese suspects were all members of the Iranian- and Syrian-backed Hezbollah, blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by Washington.
In November, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned that his party would "cut off" the hand of anyone who tries to arrest members of the Shiite militant group.
"Today we are facing a new reality that we must be aware of ... and deal with responsibly and realistically ... bearing in mind that these are accusations and not verdicts," Mikati told a press conference.
"All suspects are innocent until proven guilty."
Mikati, however, failed to specify whether his government would cooperate with the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which on Thursday issued arrest warrants for four Lebanese suspects in the Hariri case.
The previous government headed by Hariri's son and political heir Saad Hariri was brought down in January after it refused to abide by Hezbollah's demand that it cease cooperation with the Netherlands-based STL.
Local media said the four Lebanese suspects were all members of the Iranian- and Syrian-backed Hezbollah, blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by Washington.
In November, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned that his party would "cut off" the hand of anyone who tries to arrest members of the Shiite militant group.
iloubnan - Hariri Tribunal: the first world court to try terrorism - June 30, 2011
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which on Thursday issued arrest warrants in connection with the death of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri, is the first international tribunal with jurisdiction over the crime of terrorism.
Opening its doors in The Hague on March 1, 2009, the STL was created by a 2007 UN Security Council resolution, at Lebanon's request, to try those responsible for Hariri's February 2005 assassination in a car bombing that also killed 22 other people.
The court has opted for a hybrid of the adversarial process used by other international courts, in which the prosecution and defence each present their own evidence; and the Lebanese inquisitorial system in which victims can play a significant role in the proceedings.
Trials in absentia are allowed.
Based far away from the scene of the crime for security reasons, the SLT can impose a maximum sentence of life imprisonment -- not the death penalty or forced labour as under Lebanese law.
Known colloquially as the Hariri Tribunal, the court's president is Antonio Cassese of Italy, a former president of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
The court has one pre-trial judge who can confirm indictments and issue arrest warrants, three trial judges, five appeals judges and two alternate judges. Four of the judges are Lebanese.
The prosecutor is Canadian Daniel Bellemare, who also leads the independent investigation into the Hariri attack. Appointed by the UN secretary general, he is assisted by a Lebanese deputy prosecutor.
The STL is the first international court to have a defence office charged with protecting the rights of accused persons. Headed by French advocate Francois Roux, the office has compiled a list of 94 lawyers from around the world to represent the accused on legal aid.
The tribunal, one of five international courts in The Hague, is based in the remote suburb of Leidschendam in the fortress-like former headquarters of the Dutch intelligence service.
It employs more than 300 people from 62 countries, and has a budget of 65.7 million dollars (49.4 million euros) for 2011 -- 49 percent covered by Lebanon and the rest by voluntary contributions from other countries.
No date has been set for its first trial.
The court has opted for a hybrid of the adversarial process used by other international courts, in which the prosecution and defence each present their own evidence; and the Lebanese inquisitorial system in which victims can play a significant role in the proceedings.
Trials in absentia are allowed.
Based far away from the scene of the crime for security reasons, the SLT can impose a maximum sentence of life imprisonment -- not the death penalty or forced labour as under Lebanese law.
Known colloquially as the Hariri Tribunal, the court's president is Antonio Cassese of Italy, a former president of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
The court has one pre-trial judge who can confirm indictments and issue arrest warrants, three trial judges, five appeals judges and two alternate judges. Four of the judges are Lebanese.
The prosecutor is Canadian Daniel Bellemare, who also leads the independent investigation into the Hariri attack. Appointed by the UN secretary general, he is assisted by a Lebanese deputy prosecutor.
The STL is the first international court to have a defence office charged with protecting the rights of accused persons. Headed by French advocate Francois Roux, the office has compiled a list of 94 lawyers from around the world to represent the accused on legal aid.
The tribunal, one of five international courts in The Hague, is based in the remote suburb of Leidschendam in the fortress-like former headquarters of the Dutch intelligence service.
It employs more than 300 people from 62 countries, and has a budget of 65.7 million dollars (49.4 million euros) for 2011 -- 49 percent covered by Lebanon and the rest by voluntary contributions from other countries.
No date has been set for its first trial.
iloubnan - Geagea after the arrest warrants issuance: 'Martyrs can now rest in peace" - June 30, 2011
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said on Thursday at a press conference that "martyrs can now rest in peace because justice is finally done after the issuance of the indictment."
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon probing the 2005 murder of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri has issued arrest warrants against four Lebanese suspects in the case and presented it to Lebanon prosecutor Said Mirza.
"The government is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of the Tribunal work” said Samir Geagea, ensuring that "the decisions of the TSL are inevitable."
Geagea said that "any attempt to escape the Judgement of the STL is a betrayal of Lebanon."
The head of the LF has also called on the Cabinet "to implement the arrest warrants and to cooperate with the Tribunal regarding the protocols."
"The charges of the Court are individual, regardless of the accused person's affiliation to any party, confession or country" he added.
Then he called "the families of the martyrs of March 14 to act wisely and to follow the court proceedings calmly."
"Vengeance has never been an option," he said.
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon probing the 2005 murder of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri has issued arrest warrants against four Lebanese suspects in the case and presented it to Lebanon prosecutor Said Mirza.
"The government is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of the Tribunal work” said Samir Geagea, ensuring that "the decisions of the TSL are inevitable."
Geagea said that "any attempt to escape the Judgement of the STL is a betrayal of Lebanon."
The head of the LF has also called on the Cabinet "to implement the arrest warrants and to cooperate with the Tribunal regarding the protocols."
"The charges of the Court are individual, regardless of the accused person's affiliation to any party, confession or country" he added.
Then he called "the families of the martyrs of March 14 to act wisely and to follow the court proceedings calmly."
"Vengeance has never been an option," he said.
iloubnan - Lebanon govt ducks commitment to UN Hariri court - June 30, 2011
Lebanon's Hezbollah-dominated government avoided adopting a clear stance on the UN-backed tribunal set up to try suspects in the 2005 murder of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri, in its policy
statement issued Thursday.
"The government confirms that it will follow the progress of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which was set up in principle to see justice served in a manner that is neither politicised nor vengeful, and as long as it does not negatively affect Lebanon's stability and civil peace," read the statement.
The news came hours after the Special Tribunal for Lebanon briefed Lebanese prosecutor general Said Mirza on its indictment in the Hariri assassination and issued arrest warrants for four Lebanese in the case.
The Netherlands-based tribunal, which is reportedly set to implicate Hezbollah members in the case, for years had been at the centre of a heated debate in Lebanon between Iranian- and Syrian-backed militant group and an alliance headed by Hariri's son, former prime minister Saad Hariri.
Saad Hariri's government was brought down in January after he refused to abide by Hezbollah's demand that it cease cooperation with the court.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who succeeded Hariri with the backing of Hezbollah, also failed to clearly state whether his government would cooperate with the tribunal at a news conference Thursday.
Hassan Nasrallah, who heads the militant Hezbollah, in November warned his movement would "cut off the hand" of anyone who attempted to arrest members of the Shiite group.
Hezbollah and its allies control the majority of seats in Mikati's government, which the Hariri-led opposition has boycotted.
statement issued Thursday.
"The government confirms that it will follow the progress of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which was set up in principle to see justice served in a manner that is neither politicised nor vengeful, and as long as it does not negatively affect Lebanon's stability and civil peace," read the statement.
The news came hours after the Special Tribunal for Lebanon briefed Lebanese prosecutor general Said Mirza on its indictment in the Hariri assassination and issued arrest warrants for four Lebanese in the case.
The Netherlands-based tribunal, which is reportedly set to implicate Hezbollah members in the case, for years had been at the centre of a heated debate in Lebanon between Iranian- and Syrian-backed militant group and an alliance headed by Hariri's son, former prime minister Saad Hariri.
Saad Hariri's government was brought down in January after he refused to abide by Hezbollah's demand that it cease cooperation with the court.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who succeeded Hariri with the backing of Hezbollah, also failed to clearly state whether his government would cooperate with the tribunal at a news conference Thursday.
Hassan Nasrallah, who heads the militant Hezbollah, in November warned his movement would "cut off the hand" of anyone who attempted to arrest members of the Shiite group.
Hezbollah and its allies control the majority of seats in Mikati's government, which the Hariri-led opposition has boycotted.
iloubnan - UN Lebanon tribunal confirms Hariri indictment - June 30, 2011
A UN tribunal confirmed Thursday it has submitted an indictment and arrest warrants to Lebanese authorities for the 2005 murder of former prime minister Rafiq Hariri.
"The indictment and accompanying arrest warrants were transmitted to the Lebanese authorities on 30 June 2011," the court said in a statement issued in The Hague.
"The indictment and accompanying arrest warrants were transmitted to the Lebanese authorities on 30 June 2011," the court said in a statement issued in The Hague.
iloubnan - Siniora: indictment issuance ends an era of killing - June 30, 2011
Future Bloc Head Fouad Siniora considered the issuance of the indictment by Special Tribunal for Lebanon, an era of killing and impunity comes to an end, saying that the Tribunal path took a step towards consecrating rights and justice and contributes in putting a limit to the assassination crimes that have intimidated Lebanon's political life and the profound meaning of the State and liberties.
Amidst these historical moments, Siniora expressed feelings of solidarity with the families of fallen martyrs for their patience and tolerance, voicing full confidence in international justice.
Siniora underlined that what has been issued today (Thursday) is an indictment rather than a verdict, and does neither entail a group nor a sect. Siniora said the Lebanese government should respect Tribunal decisions and cooperate with it in implementing its resolutions and measures.
Amidst these historical moments, Siniora expressed feelings of solidarity with the families of fallen martyrs for their patience and tolerance, voicing full confidence in international justice.
Siniora underlined that what has been issued today (Thursday) is an indictment rather than a verdict, and does neither entail a group nor a sect. Siniora said the Lebanese government should respect Tribunal decisions and cooperate with it in implementing its resolutions and measures.
iloubnan - UN Lebanon tribunal submits indictment in Hariri case - June 30, 2011
A special UN tribunal confirmed Thursday it has submitted a confidential indictment and arrest warrants to Lebanese authorities over the 2005 murder of former prime minister Rafiq Hariri.
"The indictment and accompanying arrest warrants were transmitted to the Lebanese authorities on 30 June 2011," the Special Tribunal for Lebanon said in a statement issued in The Hague.
STL prosecutor Daniel Bellemare had filed his first draft indictment to judge Daniel Fransen on January 17, and has modified it three times.
Fransen confirmed the indictment on Tuesday after satisfying himself there was enough evidence for the issuing of arrest warrants, the statement said.
It did not divulge the nature of the charges.
"The confirmation of the indictment means that Judge Fransen is satisfied that there is prima facie evidence for this case to proceed to trial," the statement said, adding: "at this time, the STL has no comment on the identity or identities of the person or persons named in the indictment."
"This is not a verdict of guilty and any accused person is presumed innocent unless his or her guilt is established at trial," it added.
Lebanese authorities will have to report to the STL within 30 days on the steps taken to arrest the accused.
The tribunal's work has been the subject of widespread speculation in Lebanon amid fears that an indictment of members of Hezbollah, which dominates the new government, could spark renewed sectarian unrest.
The tribunal, created by the UN, opened its doors in The Hague in 2009 to try those behind the bomb attack that killed Hariri and 22 others in a massive blast on February 14, 2005.
"The indictment and accompanying arrest warrants were transmitted to the Lebanese authorities on 30 June 2011," the Special Tribunal for Lebanon said in a statement issued in The Hague.
STL prosecutor Daniel Bellemare had filed his first draft indictment to judge Daniel Fransen on January 17, and has modified it three times.
Fransen confirmed the indictment on Tuesday after satisfying himself there was enough evidence for the issuing of arrest warrants, the statement said.
It did not divulge the nature of the charges.
"The confirmation of the indictment means that Judge Fransen is satisfied that there is prima facie evidence for this case to proceed to trial," the statement said, adding: "at this time, the STL has no comment on the identity or identities of the person or persons named in the indictment."
"This is not a verdict of guilty and any accused person is presumed innocent unless his or her guilt is established at trial," it added.
Lebanese authorities will have to report to the STL within 30 days on the steps taken to arrest the accused.
The tribunal's work has been the subject of widespread speculation in Lebanon amid fears that an indictment of members of Hezbollah, which dominates the new government, could spark renewed sectarian unrest.
The tribunal, created by the UN, opened its doors in The Hague in 2009 to try those behind the bomb attack that killed Hariri and 22 others in a massive blast on February 14, 2005.
iloubnan - UN-backed court issues Hariri indictment, warrants - June 30, 2011
A UN-backed court on Thursday issued a long-awaited indictment and arrest warrants for the 2005 murder of Lebanon's ex-premier Rafiq Hariri, with members of the powerful Hezbollah reportedly among those named.
Prosecutor General Said Mirza said he received the sealed indictment and arrest warrants in the case, which many fear could plunge the country into political crisis and spark sectarian unrest.
The Netherlands-based Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) confirmed that it had issued an indictment Tuesday and submitted a copy and related arrest warrants to Lebanese authorities on Thursday.
It disclosed neither the nature of the charges nor the identities of the suspects.
Hariri's son and political heir Saad hailed the indictment as a "historic" moment for Lebanon and urged the government of Najib Mikati, dominated by Hezbollah and its allies, to cooperate with the STL.
"After many years of patience, of struggle... today, we witness a historic moment in Lebanese politics, justice and security," Hariri said in a statement.
A judicial official told AFP arrest warrants were issued for four Lebanese suspects, identified by local media as members of Hezbollah.
Lebanese television channel LBC reported the suspects include Mustafa Badreddine, brother-in-law of Hezbollah top operative Imad Mughniyeh who was killed in a 2008 bombing in Damascus.
Badreddine was said to have supervised the Hariri assassination. He had previously been arrested in Kuwait for planning to bomb the US embassy, LBC reported.
Also among the four is Salim Ayyash, a Hezbollah member who holds US citizenship and headed the cell that carried out the bombing, LBC said.
Hezbollah officials contacted by AFP declined to comment.
But the party's Al-Manar television on Thursday dismissed the court as "politicised" and said it bore the mark of being at the service of intelligence agencies.
The Iranian- and Syrian-backed group has warned it would "cut off the hand" of anyone who attempts to arrest party members linked to the February 14, 2005 seaside bombing that killed Hariri and 22 others.
Hezbollah forced the collapse of Saad Hariri's Western-backed unity government in January after he refused to stop cooperating with the tribunal.
Mikati, his successor, was appointed with the blessing of Hezbollah, Lebanon's most powerful political and military force.
On Thursday, Mikati issued his government policy statement which failed to clearly spell out whether his cabinet would continue cooperating with the tribunal.
"The government confirms that it will follow the progress of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which was set up in principle to see justice served in a manner that is neither politicised nor vengeful, and as long as it does not negatively affect Lebanon's stability and civil peace," read the ambiguously worded statement.
Members of Hariri's "March 14" coalition said the statement was a clear sign Mikati's government would not abide by its international obligations under the pretence of preserving civil peace.
"They (the Mikati government) consider that justice would undermine stability and national unity," Fares Soueid, secretary general of the "March 14" opposition, told AFP.
"They picked stability and national unity over justice... while we consider that stability cannot be at the expense of justice."
Lebanon now has 30 days to serve out the arrest warrants. If the suspects are not arrested within that period, the STL can then publicly call on those accused to surrender.
Observers say it is unlikely Lebanese authorities will be able to locate any of the suspects.
The tribunal's findings have been the subject of wide speculation in Lebanon and there is fear an indictment of Hezbollah members could spark sectarian unrest.
The STL was set up in The Hague in 2009 by the United Nations to try those alleged to have carried out Hariri's killing.
The murder sparked the so-called Cedar Revolution, a wave of mass protests that, combined with international pressure, forced Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon after a 29-year deployment.
Hariri, who was 60 when he was killed, headed five Lebanese governments between the years 1992 to 1998 and 2000 to 2004, when he stepped down from premiership over differences with neighbouring Syria.
Syria was widely suspected of having a hand in Hariri's murder but has denied involvement.
The Netherlands-based Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) confirmed that it had issued an indictment Tuesday and submitted a copy and related arrest warrants to Lebanese authorities on Thursday.
It disclosed neither the nature of the charges nor the identities of the suspects.
Hariri's son and political heir Saad hailed the indictment as a "historic" moment for Lebanon and urged the government of Najib Mikati, dominated by Hezbollah and its allies, to cooperate with the STL.
"After many years of patience, of struggle... today, we witness a historic moment in Lebanese politics, justice and security," Hariri said in a statement.
A judicial official told AFP arrest warrants were issued for four Lebanese suspects, identified by local media as members of Hezbollah.
Lebanese television channel LBC reported the suspects include Mustafa Badreddine, brother-in-law of Hezbollah top operative Imad Mughniyeh who was killed in a 2008 bombing in Damascus.
Badreddine was said to have supervised the Hariri assassination. He had previously been arrested in Kuwait for planning to bomb the US embassy, LBC reported.
Also among the four is Salim Ayyash, a Hezbollah member who holds US citizenship and headed the cell that carried out the bombing, LBC said.
Hezbollah officials contacted by AFP declined to comment.
But the party's Al-Manar television on Thursday dismissed the court as "politicised" and said it bore the mark of being at the service of intelligence agencies.
The Iranian- and Syrian-backed group has warned it would "cut off the hand" of anyone who attempts to arrest party members linked to the February 14, 2005 seaside bombing that killed Hariri and 22 others.
Hezbollah forced the collapse of Saad Hariri's Western-backed unity government in January after he refused to stop cooperating with the tribunal.
Mikati, his successor, was appointed with the blessing of Hezbollah, Lebanon's most powerful political and military force.
On Thursday, Mikati issued his government policy statement which failed to clearly spell out whether his cabinet would continue cooperating with the tribunal.
"The government confirms that it will follow the progress of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which was set up in principle to see justice served in a manner that is neither politicised nor vengeful, and as long as it does not negatively affect Lebanon's stability and civil peace," read the ambiguously worded statement.
Members of Hariri's "March 14" coalition said the statement was a clear sign Mikati's government would not abide by its international obligations under the pretence of preserving civil peace.
"They (the Mikati government) consider that justice would undermine stability and national unity," Fares Soueid, secretary general of the "March 14" opposition, told AFP.
"They picked stability and national unity over justice... while we consider that stability cannot be at the expense of justice."
Lebanon now has 30 days to serve out the arrest warrants. If the suspects are not arrested within that period, the STL can then publicly call on those accused to surrender.
Observers say it is unlikely Lebanese authorities will be able to locate any of the suspects.
The tribunal's findings have been the subject of wide speculation in Lebanon and there is fear an indictment of Hezbollah members could spark sectarian unrest.
The STL was set up in The Hague in 2009 by the United Nations to try those alleged to have carried out Hariri's killing.
The murder sparked the so-called Cedar Revolution, a wave of mass protests that, combined with international pressure, forced Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon after a 29-year deployment.
Hariri, who was 60 when he was killed, headed five Lebanese governments between the years 1992 to 1998 and 2000 to 2004, when he stepped down from premiership over differences with neighbouring Syria.
Syria was widely suspected of having a hand in Hariri's murder but has denied involvement.
iloubnan - Hariri indictment: what happens next? - June 30, 2011
An indictment and arrest warrants issued by a Special Tribunal for Lebanon judge in the probe of former Lebanese premier Rafiq Hariri's murder, is the first step towards trial.
The warrants issued by Belgian judge Daniel Fransen were sent Thursday to the Lebanese prosecutor general, and may also be sent to other law enforcement authorities like Interpol.
Lebanese authorities have 30 days to inform the tribunal's Italian president Antonio Cassese of steps taken to arrest those listed in the document -- which was not made public.
If no arrests are made in this time, and if Cassese decides that "reasonable attempts" were made to serve the indictment, the court may place an advert in the media calling on the accused to surrender to Lebanese authorities.
Once an arrest is made, authorities, with the STL registrar's help, will organise a transfer to the tribunal's detention unit in The Hague.
The accused will then make an initial appearance in an STL courtroom, to be formally charged.
Here, judges will make sure the accused has a lawyer, the indictment will be read, and the defendant asked to plead to the charges.
If no plea is entered, another week will be given, by when a judge will then decide whether to enter a "not guilty" plea on the accused's behalf.
The STL can also hold trials in absentia.
If no arrest is made within 30 days of an announcement in the media, Fransen can ask the court's judges to start proceedings by default.
The absent defendant will be represented by counsel appointed by the head of the tribunal's defence office, French lawyer Francois Roux.
If at any stage during the trial or even after sentencing an absent defendant decides to appear before the STL's judges, a new trial may be requested.
The "presence of an accused person in the STL courtrooms is the best option for all, especially for the accused who will be given the opportunity to present his defence," the tribunal has said.
The warrants issued by Belgian judge Daniel Fransen were sent Thursday to the Lebanese prosecutor general, and may also be sent to other law enforcement authorities like Interpol.
Lebanese authorities have 30 days to inform the tribunal's Italian president Antonio Cassese of steps taken to arrest those listed in the document -- which was not made public.
If no arrests are made in this time, and if Cassese decides that "reasonable attempts" were made to serve the indictment, the court may place an advert in the media calling on the accused to surrender to Lebanese authorities.
Once an arrest is made, authorities, with the STL registrar's help, will organise a transfer to the tribunal's detention unit in The Hague.
The accused will then make an initial appearance in an STL courtroom, to be formally charged.
Here, judges will make sure the accused has a lawyer, the indictment will be read, and the defendant asked to plead to the charges.
If no plea is entered, another week will be given, by when a judge will then decide whether to enter a "not guilty" plea on the accused's behalf.
The STL can also hold trials in absentia.
If no arrest is made within 30 days of an announcement in the media, Fransen can ask the court's judges to start proceedings by default.
The absent defendant will be represented by counsel appointed by the head of the tribunal's defence office, French lawyer Francois Roux.
If at any stage during the trial or even after sentencing an absent defendant decides to appear before the STL's judges, a new trial may be requested.
The "presence of an accused person in the STL courtrooms is the best option for all, especially for the accused who will be given the opportunity to present his defence," the tribunal has said.
iloubnan - Andraos: government links Tribunal and justice with stability - June 30, 2011
Future Movement vice Head Antoine Andraos considered that Prime Minister Najib Mikati has committed a great flaw in the ministerial policy statement, saying "he has caused a second assassination of former Prime Minister Martyr Rafic Hariri".
In a televised interview on Future News, Andraos said Mikati-led Cabinet linked the issue of Tribunal and justice with stability, pointing out that resorting to the street decision is likely to be taken by March 14 united with all its affiliations in the case cooperation between the government and Tribunal does not occur.
In a televised interview on Future News, Andraos said Mikati-led Cabinet linked the issue of Tribunal and justice with stability, pointing out that resorting to the street decision is likely to be taken by March 14 united with all its affiliations in the case cooperation between the government and Tribunal does not occur.
Naharnet - STL Names 4 Suspects Close to Hizbullah in Indictment in Hariri’s Murder Case - June 30, 2011
Three judges from the Special Tribunal for Lebanon handed over to General Prosecutor Saeed Mirza on Thursday a copy of the indictment in ex-Premier Rafik Hariri’s assassination case.
The indictment urges Lebanese authorities to issue arrest warrants against four Lebanese that are close to Hizbullah, media reports said.
According to the reports, the suspects are Salim Ayyash, Hassan Issa, Assad Sabra and Mustafa Badreddine, who is known as Sami Issa. He is the relative of Hizbullah’s slain military commander Imad Mughniyeh.
The reports said that Ayyash is the leader of the network that planned and executed Hariri’s Feb. 2005 assassination.
The findings of the tribunal had been for months the subject of wide speculation in Lebanon and there was fear that accusation of Hizbullah members of involvement in Hariri’s murder could spark sectarian unrest.
The STL, the first international court with jurisdiction over the crime of terrorism, opened its doors in Leidschendam, near The Hague, on March 1, 2009.
STL President Antonio Cassese wrote in an annual report in March that he hoped the court would start at least pre-trial and some trial proceedings this year.
By March this year, the office of the prosecutor has conducted 150 missions and 430 interviews and set 750 requests for assistance to Lebanon's prosecutor Mirza.
Lebanon, according to experts, now has 30 days to serve out the arrest warrants. If the suspects are not arrested within that period, the STL will then make public the indictment and summon the suspects to appear before the court.
Now Lebanon - Palestinians in Beddawi camp protest against UNRWA - June 30, 2011
Palestinians in Lebanon’s Beddawi refugee camp protested on Thursday against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for the organization’s decision “to change its name and role and to reduce its services,” the National News Agency reported.
Hamas movement official in North Lebanon Jamal Chehaby criticized UNRWA’s policy in Lebanon, saying it must continue providing its services until the Palestinians return to their homeland.
Now Lebanon - Charbel says all is good amid fears over STL indictment - June 30, 2011
Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said on Thursday that the “status of Lebanon’s security is good” amid fears of instability over the indictment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), which will reportedly soon be issued.
“Nothing will happen [after] the indictment is issued,” Charbel told the Voice of Lebanon (100.5) radio station.
“The indictment is just an indictment and not a final verdict,” the minister added in a reference to reports that the STL will indict Hezbollah members for the 2005 murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Hezbollah has repeatedly said that the STL is a “US-Zionist plan” with the aim of implicating the party in Rafik Hariri’s murder, a move the Shia group has warned against.
Now Lebanon - Moussa: STL clause in ministerial statement will please international community - June 30, 2011
Development and Liberation bloc MP Michel Moussa said on Thursday that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) clause in the ministerial statement will please the international community, adding, “Lebanon did not renounce international resolutions”
“It is better to care more about the events that will follow the indictment rather than on the ministerial statement formulation style” he said according to the National News Agency.
Moussa also ruled out the possibility of Lebanon renouncing agreements agreed on by previous cabinet, adding that if the ministerial statement is adopted today, parliamentary sessions to address it will start next week.
Following its June 13 formation, Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s government tasked a committee comprised of 10 ministers representing the cabinet’s factions to draft a ministerial statement.
The committee has been discussing how to tackle the issue of the STL’s upcoming indictment into the 2005 assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri, which Hezbollah has repeatedly warned will target the party.
The committee has been discussing how to tackle the issue of the STL’s upcoming indictment into the 2005 assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri, which Hezbollah has repeatedly warned will target the party.
Now Lebanon - STL delegation arrives at Mirza’s office, LBC reports - June 30, 2011
LBC television reported that a Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) delegation arrived on Thursday to Attoney General Said Mirza’s office to deliver its indictment, adding that the document mentions four arrest warrants.
Unofficial information from The Hague court said that Pre-trial Judge Daniel Fransen ratified the indictment, which delivered by STL’s prosecutor, Daniel Bellemare.
Hezbollah has repeatedly said that the STL is a “US-Zionist plan” with the aim of implicating the party in former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s 2005 murder, a move the Shia group has warned against.
Now Lebanon - Lebanon receives STL indictment, warrants - June 30, 2011
A UN-backed court probing the 2005 murder of Lebanon's ex-Premier Rafik Hariri on Thursday submitted a sealed indictment and arrest warrants to the country's prosecutor general, the opposition told AFP.
"Our information is that a group of legal experts from the Special Tribunal for Lebanon today submitted to prosecutor general Said Mirza an indictment in the case," said Fares Soueid, a top member of the Western-backed "March 14" coalition headed by Hariri's son and political heir Saad Hariri.
Television reports said four suspects are named in the long-awaited indictment, the contents of which were not made public.
The reports said the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, based in The Hague, had issued arrest warrants for the suspects.
The STL's office could not be immediately reached for comment.
One television station said at least two of the suspects are members of the powerful group Hezbollah.
"This is a big day for Lebanon," Soueid told AFP, referring to the indictment. "We have been waiting for this for six years.”
"We hope that justice will be served and that Lebanon will be able to look toward a more stable future."
The Iranian- and Syrian-backed Hezbollah forced the collapse of Saad Hariri's government in January after he refused to stop cooperating with the tribunal.
His successor, Najib Mikati, who was appointed with the blessing of Hezbollah, was set later Thursday to issue his government's policy statement which clarifies Lebanon's stance on the STL.
Mikati is expected to state that his government, which is dominated by Hezbollah and its allies, is committed to international resolutions as long as they don't threaten civil peace.
Observers say that this basically means that his cabinet will not cooperate with the tribunal.
Lebanon, according to experts, now has 30 days to serve out the arrest warrants. If the suspects are not arrested within that period, the STL will then make public the indictment and summon the suspects to appear before the court.
The findings of the tribunal have been the subject of wide speculation in Lebanon and there is fear that an indictment of members of Hezbollah, which dominates the new government, could spark sectarian unrest.
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon was set up in The Hague in 2009 by the United Nations to try those alleged to have carried out the bomb attack that killed Hariri and 22 others.
Hariri was killed with 22 others on February 14, 2005 when a massive blast struck his motorcade in a seafront district of Beirut, sending tremors through a country still haunted by memories of its 1975-1990 civil war.
Now Lebanon - Marouni says Ministerial Statement’s STL clause “booby-trapped and vague” - June 30, 2011
Kataeb bloc MP Elie Marouni said on Thursday that the new cabinet’s Ministerial Statement clause that pertains to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) is “booby-trapped and vague.”
“The clause is booby-trapped and unclear; it paves the way for questioning, especially concerning [the part] that says [the STL] issue [can] affect Lebanon’s stability,” Marouni told As-Sharq radio station.
He also said that March 8 parties – who secured the majority in the new cabinet –“rushed into finalizing the Ministerial Statement because they were cornered.”
The MP voiced hope that the STL indictment will not have negative repercussions on Lebanon’s security.
Energy Minister Gebran Bassil said that the commission of the new government finally agreed Wednesday on a posture toward the UN-backed STL.
The cabinet was formed on June 13 after almost five months of deliberations between the March 8 parties.
There are rumors that the tribunal will indict Hezbollah for the 2005 murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, a move the party repeatedly warned against.
Now Lebanon - STL indicts four in Hariri murder - June 30, 2011
A UN-backed court probing the 2005 murder of Lebanon's ex-Premier Rafik Hariri named four people in a long-awaited indictment that was delivered to Lebanon’s Prosecutor General Said Mirza, LBC television reported.
The suspects named in the indictment – content of which was not made public – were identified as Mustapha Badreddine, Salim Ayyache, Hassan Issa and Assad Sabra, LBC said.
The four men are believed to be members of the Shia group Hezbollah.
Accorting to OTV, Salim Ayyache is the head of Hezbollah’s Execution unit.
Other media reports said that Mustapha Badreddine is a relative of Hezbollah slain commander Imad Mughniyeh, who was killed in Syria in 2008.
Badreddine reportedly succeeded Mughniyeh as Hezbollah’s chief Operations Officer.
Lebanon, according to experts, now has 30 days to serve out the arrest warrants. If the suspects are not arrested within that period, the STL will then make public the indictment and summon the suspects to appear before the court.
The findings of the tribunal have been the subject of wide speculation in Lebanon and there is fear that an indictment of members of Hezbollah, which dominates the new government, could spark sectarian unrest.
Now Lebanon - Houri says ministerial statement’s STL clause is ambiguous - June 30, 2011
Future bloc MP Ammar Houri said on Thursday “the coup that toppled former Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s government was targeting the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL),” a reference to the Hezbollah-led March 8 alliance.
“Our first impression of the ministerial statement draft was that [the new cabinet] is trying to renounce the STL clause [already agreed on] in Hariri’s government,” he told LBC television. He added that “the STL clause is ambiguous, and it is obvious that [the cabinet] is renouncing Lebanon’s commitments to international obligations.”
Houri also said that the March 14 coalition does not have any “secret information” regarding the upcoming STL indictment.
Following its June 13 formation, Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s government – in which March 8 secured the majority – tasked a committee comprised of 10 ministers representing the cabinet’s factions to draft a ministerial statement.
The committee has been discussing how to tackle the issue of the STL’s upcoming indictment into the 2005 assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri, which Hezbollah has repeatedly warned will target the party.
The committee has been discussing how to tackle the issue of the STL’s upcoming indictment into the 2005 assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri, which Hezbollah has repeatedly warned will target the party.
Now Lebanon - Judge orders death penalty for killers of Kataeb officials - June 30, 2011
Investigative Judge Fadi al-Oneissy ordered in absentia on Thursday the death penalty for those behind the killing of two Kataeb party officials in the city of Zahle in 2008.
“The judge ordered the death penalty for two fugitives, Joseph Ibrahim Zouki and Tohme Ibrahim Zouki, as well as for Walid Edward Zouki, who was released,” the National News Agency reported.
Oneissy issued an arrest warrant against the three men and transferred their cases to the Justice Council, the NNA added.
Nasri Marouni – the brother of Kataeb bloc MP Elie Marouni –and another Kataeb partisan Salim Assi were shot dead in April 2008 during a ceremony organized by the Kataeb in Zahle.
Now Lebanon - Majdalani says STL indictment is “a gift to martyrs” - June 30, 2011
Future bloc MP Atef Majdalani said on Thursday that “the [Special Tribunal for Lebanon] indictment is an accomplishment and a gift to our martyrs, especially [former Prime Minister] Rafik Hariri.”
Majdalani told LBC television that “[his bloc] will review the indictment, and if it is based on compelling evidence, they cannot reject it.”
The MP said that it is essential to commit to the international tribunal as well as UN Security Council Resolution 1701, adding that the newly-formed government should help implement international resolutions.
“The March 14 alliance cannot benefit at the expense of its martyrs. We want the truth, this indictment is key and we support it,” he said.
Following its June 13 formation, Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s government – in which the Hezbollah-led March 8 coalition holds the majority – tasked a committee comprised of 10 ministers representing the cabinet’s factions to draft a ministerial statement.
The committee has been discussing how to tackle the issue of the STL’s indictment into the 2005 assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri, which Hezbollah has repeatedly warned will target the party.
The committee has been discussing how to tackle the issue of the STL’s indictment into the 2005 assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri, which Hezbollah has repeatedly warned will target the party.
According to Energy Minister Gebran Bassil, the committee finally agreed Wednesday on a posture toward the UN-backed tribunal. However, it has not yet been disclosed.
Now Lebanon - Geagea praises STL indictment, urges cabinet to cooperate with court - June 30, 2011
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said on Thursday that the new cabinet should cooperate with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which delivered its indictment in the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri to Lebanon’s Prosecutor General Said Mirza earlier in the day.
“The new Lebanese cabinet is asked to fulfill the demands of the STL and carry out with the arrest warrants issued by the court,” said Geagea from Maarab, adding, “For the first time in Lebanon, justice is being served.”
The LF leader called on all members of the March 14 parties to “act wisely and keep track of the STL probe.”
Geagea slammed the cabinet’s ministerial statement, saying that the newly-formed government has renounced the international tribunal.
“The STL clause [in the ministerial statement of Najib Mikati’s cabinet states]: The cabinet assures it will respect international resolutions and continue the path of the tribunal that was established to achieve justice and righteousness away from politicization and in a way that does not harm Lebanon’s stability and unity,” he said.
“Does achieving justice harm Lebanon’s stability and unity?” asked the LF leader.
He also addressed the recent accusations of Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun – an ally of the Iranian- Syrian-backed Hezbollah – that some members of the March 14 alliance are criminals, saying, “Aoun is launching a campaign of unfounded lies.”
“When Aoun was resisting [Syrian tutelage] from the finest castle in France, I was in prison below ground…” said Geagea, adding that “Aoun’s masters” – reference to the Syrian regime – tried but could not accuse the LF leader of corruption.
“Does achieving justice harm Lebanon’s stability and unity?” asked the LF leader.
He also addressed the recent accusations of Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun – an ally of the Iranian- Syrian-backed Hezbollah – that some members of the March 14 alliance are criminals, saying, “Aoun is launching a campaign of unfounded lies.”
“When Aoun was resisting [Syrian tutelage] from the finest castle in France, I was in prison below ground…” said Geagea, adding that “Aoun’s masters” – reference to the Syrian regime – tried but could not accuse the LF leader of corruption.
Following its June 13 formation, Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s government – in which the Hezbollah-led March 8 coalition holds majority – tasked a committee comprised of 10 ministers representing the cabinet’s factions to draft a ministerial statement.
According to Energy Minister Gebran Bassil, the committee finally agreed Wednesday on a posture toward the UN-backed tribunal, which has issued four arrest warrants.
Hezbollah has repeatedly said that the STL is a “US-Zionist plan” that will implicate its members in the 2005 murder, a move the Shia group warned against.
-NOW Lebanon
-NOW Lebanon
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