Now Lebanon - Mikati hints he will step down if STL funding not secured, November 25, 2011

Prime Minister Najib Mikati hinted that he will resign if his government fails to provide its annual share of funding to the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

“I think that by resigning, I would be protecting Lebanon… because if I go along with a cabinet decision to not fund [the tribunal], Lebanon will face sanctions,” Mikati told LBC television on Thursday night.

“This issue is serious, and [everyone should] consider that the funding is a life insurance policy,” the premier added.

He also said that he will not accept his government renouncing Lebanon’s international commitments.

“I do not accept Lebanon deviating from [its duties] toward the international community.”

“I added the STL [funding issue] to the agenda of the cabinet session that will be held at the end of the month… and have informed the ministers of [my move].”

Mikati also said that he is “devoted to Lebanon until the last minute,” adding that he is working to “reunite” the country’s rival political parties.

“I assumed the premiership post in order to build the state.”

Asked about Lebanon’s position vis-à-vis the Syrian crisis, he said that his government is against “isolating” Damascus.

“We alienated ourselves from interfering [in Syria’s affairs], and our position at the Arab League was misinterpreted,” Mikati added in a reference to Lebanon’s vote against suspending Syria’s Arab League membership.

Lebanon's political scene is split between supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, led by Hezbollah, and the March 14 pro-Western camp.

The Arab League suspended Syria’s membership in the organization until Assad implements an Arab deal to end violence against protesters, and Lebanon voted against the move.

Meanwhile, 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