iloubnan- Reaction to the announcement of the STL Prosecutor, December 14, 2011

Following the announcement by Daniel Bellemare that he will leave the STL next year these are - according to the STL press office -  the reactions of the three other principals at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon: 

President of the STL, Judge Sir David Baragwanath: 

"Daniel Bellemare has undertaken a difficult job with vigour and determination. During his time as the Prosecutor of the STL, Mr Bellemare oversaw the stepping up of the investigation. He also tackled the challenge of the transition to judicial activity. These achievements follow a distinguished career in the Canadian justice system. The staff of the Tribunal wish Mr Bellemare a prompt return to full health." 

STL Registrar, Herman von Hebel: 

"As STL Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare has single-mindedly pursued that office's responsibility to investigate the attack on 14th February 2005. His commitment to fulfill the duties of a Prosecutor at an international Tribunal has been unwavering. This led to the submission and confirmation of an indictment earlier in the year. More recently the Pre-Trial Judge accepted the request of the Prosecutor to establish jurisdiction over the three connected cases. I wish him a speedy recovery from illness." 

Head of the Defence Office, Francois Roux: 

"I regret that the Prosecutor's health has forced him to retire from the pursuit of justice. Despite our different points of view, I want to underline the Prosecutor's resolve in the exercise of his difficult mandate. The Tribunal would not be where it is today without his efforts. My staff and I wish that his health will continue to improve."