July 19, 2010 - Now Lebanon - Pharaon calls on security forces to cooperate with STL

Minister of State Michel Pharaon told the Voice of Lebanon (VOL) radio station on Monday that the security forces should cooperate with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) to prevent any attempt by any party to politicize the court’s work.

“We are confident that the STL works under the supervision of the UN and will carry out its tasks without being put under pressure,” Pharaon said.

“We are all responsible for avoiding sedition,” he said, adding that the Lebanese should support the tribunal.

The STL is probing the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Media reports say the tribunal’s indictment will be issued before the end of 2010. There are also reports that some Hezbollah members could be named in the indictment.

Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah accused the STL on Friday of being an “Israeli project” designed to target the Resistance by stirring up sectarian strife in Lebanon.

Pharaon also said that the Lebanese welcome all steps taken by Lebanon and Syria that serve the interests of both countries.