STL: Future tells Mikati, Suleiman we want action not words

The Future Movement bloc issued a statement Tuesday commending President Michel Suleiman and Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s for declaring that Lebanon is committed to international resolutions.

“These statements are a good start , but it is necessary to transform them into action, especially with regard to the implementation of Lebanon’s commitment to paying its $32 million share of funding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) probing the [2005] assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri,” the statement said.

The bloc added that “some parties participating in the government are openly declaring their rejection of STL, and and are protecting the suspects accused of killing Hariri.”

Both Suleiman and Mikati said during their visits to UN in New York that Lebanon cannot be selective in implementing U.N. resolutions. Both reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to U.N. resolutions, including Resolution 1757 that established the STL.

Hezbollah-led March 8 parties – which currently dominate Lebanon’s cabinet – have opposed a clause in the Lebanese annual state budget pertaining to the funding of the tribunal.

Four Hezbollah members have been indicted by the STL. However, the Shiite group strongly denied the charges and refuses to cooperate with the court.