SECRETARY-GENERAL REQUESTS NETHERLANDS TO HOST LEBANON SPECIAL TRIBUNAL

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

Today, the Secretary-General of the United Nations sent a letter to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, in which he invites the Government of the Netherlands to consider hosting the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

In his letter, the Secretary-General stresses the fact that the Netherlands already hosts several courts and tribunals, such as the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and that the experience gained could be of great value for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

The Secretary-General hopes that the Government of the Netherlands will give serious consideration to the request.  He intends to be in close contact with the Government to discuss any issues related to the request.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record