Following the release of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon’s indictment on Thursday, Prime Minister Najib Mikati addressed the Lebanese people and said that the cabinet will follow up with the stages and procedures that will come after the release of the indictment.
“We have to look after our country’s interest and end attempts to target [Lebanon] and use the indictment to cause strife.”
Mikati said the Lebanese people agreed when the tragedy of former PM Rafik Hariri’s assassination occurred, that the criminals and perpetrators responsible for the act must be punished, especially as there were also crimes that targeted other MPs and figures.
“The state has cooperated with the UN through the international investigation commission. Then the STL was established upon the Lebanese request to reveal the truth and [punish] the criminals without vengeance.”
The release of the STL indictment calls on us to adopt a wise approach, he also said, adding that “We have to be concerned about stability and finding the truth.”
“We have to responsibly and realistically deal with the [release of the STL’s indictment],” he also said, adding that the indictment is not a final verdict.
“Each accused person is innocent until proven guilty.”
The PM recalled Hariri’s statement that “no one is bigger than his country,” and added, “let us be worthy of maintaining Lebanon’s unity. Let us build the future and protect our unity together and prove to those who bet that the STL’s indictment will divide the Lebanese people that [they are wrong.]”
Earlier on Thursday, the STL submitted a sealed indictment and arrest warrants to Lebanon’s Prosecutor General Said Mirza, the opposition told AFP.
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