STL Spokesman: International Sanctions on Lebanon Not Part of Our Mandate

Special Tribunal for Lebanon spokesman Marten Youssef stressed on Friday that STL president Judge Sir David Baragwanath didn’t tackle the possibility of imposing international sanctions on Lebanon if the funding wasn’t approved by the cabinet.

“The aim behind the STL president’s visit is to inquire about the stance of the Lebanese authorities and the cabinet towards the tribunal,” Youssef told al-Joumhouria newspaper.

He ruled out that the visit was aimed at warning the Lebanese officials from the possibility of referring the issue to the United Nations Security Council if Lebanon didn’t meet its dues.

“The international sanctions are not part of the STL functions… Only the Security Council can decide on such issues,” Youssef stated.

He hailed the Lebanese authorities’ cooperation with the STL, criticizing the deep rift between the cabinet members on the funding of the tribunal.

The STL has created controversy in Lebanon, as Hizbullah and its allies that dominate the cabinet refuse to pay Lebanon’s share, while the March 14-led opposition insists on the government to meet the country’s international obligations.

Baragwanath arrived in Lebanon on Wednesday and met with President Michel Suleiman, Prime Minister Najib Miqati, Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi and other senior officials.

Lebanon has to pay its share of about $33 million for the tribunal which has charged four Hizbullah members in the February 14, 2005 assassination of ex-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 21 others.