Special Tribunal for Lebanon Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare on Wednesday informed UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that he will not seek reappointment to his post on February 2012.
The tribunal’s website added that Bellemare made the decision to leave his post at the end of its term due to health reasons.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to seek justice for the people of Lebanon. While this long and difficult journey is far from over, solid foundations have been laid to achieve justice and accountability for the attack of 14 February 2005 and connected cases, through the rule of law,” the STL quoted him as saying in reference to murder of former PM Rafik Hariri.
"I am proud to leave behind a strong team of committed professionals who have assisted me in the past three years in carrying out our challenging mandate and will continue to ensure that justice is achieved for the people of Lebanon.”
Meanwhile, newly appointed tribunal president, Sir David Baragwanath, praised Bellemare’s work.
“Bellemare has undertaken a difficult job with vigor and determination. During his time as the Prosecutor of the STL, Bellemare oversaw the stepping up of the investigation. He also tackled the challenge of the transition to judicial activity… The staff of the tribunal wish Mr. Bellemare a prompt return to full health."
STL Registrar Herman von Hebel and Defense Office chief Francois Roux also praised the prosecutor and wished him a speedy recovery from his illness.
Former STL president Judge Antonio Cassese resigned from his post in the tribunal in October 2008 for health reasons, after which he passed away following a struggle with cancer.
Bellemare was appointed in September 2008 as the commissioner of the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission for the 2005 assassination of Rafik Hariri. The Canadian prosecutor was later named the chief prosecutor of the STL in March 2009.
Four Hezbollah members have been indicted by the UN-backed STL for the 2005 murder of Rafik Hariri. However, the Shia group strongly denied the charges and refuses to cooperate with the court.
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