Bellemare Confirms Naharnet’s Report that He’s Not Seeking 2nd Term for Health Reasons

The Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for the Lebanon, Daniel Bellemare, has informed the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon that, for health reasons, he does not intend to seek reappointment for a second term as Prosecutor at the end of February 2012, announced the tribunal in a statement

Bellemare stated: "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 February 14, 2005 and connected cases, through the rule of law," he added.

"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," said Bellemare.

Commenting on the decision, President of the STL, Judge Sir David Baragwanath said: " Bellemare has undertaken a difficult job with vigor and determination.”

“During his time as the Prosecutor of the STL, he oversaw the stepping up of the investigation. He also tackled the challenge of the transition to judicial activity,” he noted.

“These achievements follow a distinguished career in the Canadian justice system. The staff of the tribunal wish Bellemare a prompt return to full health,” he said.

STL Registrar, Herman von Hebel stated: "As STL Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare has single-mindedly pursued that office's responsibility to investigate the attack on February 14, 2005.”

“His commitment to fulfill the duties of a Prosecutor at an international tribunal has been unwavering,” he stressed.

“This led to the submission and confirmation of an indictment earlier in the year,” he remarked.

“I wish him a speedy recovery from illness,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Defense Office, Francois Roux noted: “I regret that the Prosecutor's health has forced him to retire from the pursuit of justice.”

“Despite our different points of view, I want to underline the Prosecutor's resolve in the exercise of his difficult mandate. The Tribunal would not be where it is today without his efforts,” he continued.

“My staff and I wish that his health will continue to improve,” he said.

Naharnet had reported exclusively in November that the pace of work at the Office of the Prosecutor of the STL appeared to be dynamic, coherent and organized despite Bellemare’s absence from Leidschendam over the past few months due to health problems.

Those familiar with Bellemare’s condition attribute it to the impact of diabetes on the functionality of kidneys, veins and the blood vessels that feed the body’s extremities, especially the feet.

Employees at Bellemare’s office told Naharnet that work at all the organs of the tribunal, especially at the OTP, has become institutional in a manner that does not get affected by the absence of any individual, no matter their position and role.

The employees back that up by giving example of how the work of the Trial Chamber remained systematic despite the resignation of late STL president, Italian judge Antonio Cassese, a few weeks before his death.

The prosecutor has sought – in coordination with his aides, who are involved in the investigations’ course and files, and with U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon, who is the side that appoints prosecutors – to take the precautionary measures necessary to guarantee that the OTP would keep functioning in a normal manner upon any emergency, especially that Bellemare had realized upon taking office that he is subject to security threats that might endanger his life given the sensitivity of the case he is probing.