Connelly Visits Hariri: No Justification for Threats of Violence in Relation to STL's Activities
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly stated Monday that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon represents a chance for Lebanon to move beyond political violence.
She said after holding talks with Prime Minister Saad Hariri: "There is no possible justification for threats of violence in relation to the STL's legal and judicial activities."
"Without justice, it will be impossible to achieve the future of peace and stability – the normal life that the Lebanese people deserve. Thus, presenting justice and stability as a choice is wrong," she stressed.
Furthermore, Connelly said that the STL is not just aimed at uncovering former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassins, but putting an end "to the era of unaccountability" in Lebanon.
Addressing the recent wikileaks documents, she stated: "As a matter of policy we don't comment on documents that purport to contain classified information but we would condemn in the strongest possible terms the deliberate and unauthorized disclosure of any classified materials."
"Here in Beirut, our policy towards Lebanon remains unchanged. Lebanon has many friends, including the United States, who are strong supporters of its sovereignty and security," Connelly continued.
"We are all committed to a strong partnership with Lebanon and to Lebanon's future," she concluded.
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