Development and Liberation bloc MP Qassem Hashem on Tuesday said
that the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) “was never” a
matter of consensus for Lebanese parties.
He told Akhbar al-Yawn news agency that providing Lebanon’s annual
share of funding to the tribunal is a decision that should be taken by
the cabinet.
“This issue will be discussed during cabinet [sessions] because that is where it should be tackled,” the MP added.
He also said that “the final decision” regarding STL’s funding will be taken after deliberating the issue in the cabinet.
The Hezbollah-led March 8 parties – which currently dominate
Lebanon’s cabinet – have opposed a clause in the Lebanese annual state
budget pertaining to the funding of the tribunal.
Four Hezbollah members have been indicted by the STL for the 2005
assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri. However, the Shia group
strongly denied the charges and refuses to cooperate with the court.
Lebanon contributes 49 percent of the STL’s annual funding.
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