Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on The Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

New York, 30 June 2011 - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on The Special Tribunal for Lebanon

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon has confirmed that an indictment, accompanied by arrest warrants, was delivered this morning to the Prosecutor General to the Supreme Court in Lebanon, Mr Mirza. While the delivery of the indictment and warrants has been publicized, their contents have not been shared with the United Nations.

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon is an independent court of law established at the request of the Government of Lebanon, with a clear mandate from the United Nations Security Council pursuant to its resolution 1757 (2007). Under resolution 1757, the Lebanese authorities are required to locate, arrest, detain and transfer the accused persons to the Tribunal.

The Secretary-General reiterates his strong support for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and for its efforts to uncover the truth and send a message that impunity will not be tolerated. He calls on all states to support the independent judicial process, in particular by cooperating with the Special Tribunal in the execution of the indictment and arrest warrants. The Secretary-General expects the new Government of Lebanon to uphold all of Lebanon's international obligations and to cooperate with the Special Tribunal.

UN ENVOY CONGRATULATES LEBANESE PREMIER ON FORMATION OF NEW GOVERNMENT.

UN News, New York, Jun 13 2011 2:10PM
The United Nations envoy for Lebanon today congratulated Prime Minister Najib Mikati on the formation of a new Government after nearly five months of disagreement between the country’s various political groups, and expressed hope that the new administration will tackle Lebanon’s many challenges.

Michael Williams, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, said in a statement that the new Government will “enable the country to address the manifold challenges facing the country, whether economic, political or security.”

He said he expected the Government to reiterate its support for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 and its commitment to Lebanon’s international obligations.

The terms of Security Council resolution 1701 ended a month-long war between Israel and Hizbollah in 2006. It also calls for respect for the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, the disarming of all militias in Lebanon, and an end to arms smuggling in the area.

Mr. Mikati’s nomination followed the collapse of the government led by Saad Hariri after 11 Hizbollah and allied ministers resigned, reportedly over its refusal to cease cooperation with the UN-backed court investigating the 2005 assassination of Mr. Hariri’s father Rafiq and 22 others, amid reports that the tribunal was about to indict Hizbollah members for the murders.