Now Lebanon - Aswad slams Mikati for “not consulting” with cabinet on STL , November 25, 2011

Change and Reform bloc MP Ziad Aswad said on Friday that Prime Minister Najib Mikati—who has voiced commitment to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon—stated his personal views “without consulting” the Lebanese government.

“Mikati’s position regarding the tribunal’s funding was [personal]. He did not consult with his allies or the rest of the cabinet,” Aswad said after Mikati hinted he will resign if his government does not provide the annual share of funding to the STL.

The MP also told the Voice of Lebanon (100.5) radio station that “our bloc has already stated its position… and we are against the funding.”

“Our views are fundamental and will not change, even if our allies’ position has changed.”

The Change and Reform bloc, which is headed by MP Michel Aoun and allied to the Shia group Hezbollah, has repeatedly rejected that the government provides Lebanon’s share of STL funding.

Mikati’s government is dominated by Hezbollah and its allies, which are insisting that the country cease all cooperation with the Netherlands-based court, set up in the wake of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri’s 2005 murder.

The STL has charged four Hezbollah operatives in connection with the assassination.

Lebanon contributes 49 percent of the STL’s annual funding.

-NOW Lebanon