Bellemare in NY to Discuss Investigation as Western Sources Point out Hizbullah’s Double Standards

Special Tribunal for Lebanon Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare is scheduled to travel to New York next week where he is set to hold talks on the investigations in the assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri away from the media spotlight, reported the pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat on Sunday.

Diplomatic sources revealed that the extension of his term in his post will be addressed, adding however that this does not mean that he is seeking to end his duties “as some would like.”

On Hizbullah’s position on the tribunal, the sources pointed out the party’s double standards in dealing with the STL, noting that it refuses to cooperate with the court, but as part of the Lebanese government, it has voiced its readiness to respect its program.

“This means that Hizbullah does not seek the resignation of the Lebanese judges working at the STL and that as a member of parliament, it does not oppose its funding,” they said.

“These are double standards reflecting Hizbullah’s position as a party on the one hand, and as a member of cabinet on the other,” they explained.

“The international community does not view Prime Minister Najib Miqati’s government as being that of Hizbullah, but it simply views it as a Lebanese one,” the sources stressed.

Hizbullah had announced that it would not cooperate with the STL, deeming it an American-Israeli product aimed at destroying the group.

Regarding the possibility of the cabinet procrastinating in implementing its obligations towards the tribunal, the western diplomatic sources said: “This issue is restricted to the STL and Lebanese government.”

The United Nations Security Council won’t intervene in this affair except at the tribunal’s request, they added.