Lebanon to face sanctions if it does not fund STL, report

More than one international party informed President Michel Suleiman, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker Nabih Berri as well as other concerned figures that not paying Lebanon’s share of funding for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) will subject Lebanon to sanctions, An-Nahar newspaper reported on Friday

“Even Hezbollah has become aware of the warnings given to the Lebanese concerned parties ,” An-Nahar added.

The Iran and Syrian backed Hezbollah-led March 8 coalition which dominate Lebanon’s cabinet has opposed a clause in the Lebanese annual state budget pertaining to the funding of the tribunal.

Lebanon contributes 49 % STL’s annual budget

The tribunal was created by a 2007 UN Security Council resolution, at Lebanon’s request, to try those responsible for former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri’s assassination. He was killed in a suicide car bombing on February 14, 2005.

STL funding bill

Future Movement official Mustafa Allouch said in remarks published Friday that March 14 MPs “intend to present a draft bill to the parliament that calls for paying Lebanon’s share of funding to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).

Four Hezbollah members have been indicted by the UN-backed tribunal in the Hariri murder. However, the Shia group strongly denied the charges and refused to cooperate with the court.

Four Hezbollah members have been indicted by the UN-backed tribunal in the 2005 Rafik Hariri murder. However, the Shia group strongly denied the charges and refused to cooperate with the court.