SECRETARY-GENERAL, ANNOUNCING START OF SPECIAL TRIBUNAL FOR LEBANON, SAYS ITS WORK

MARKS DECISIVE MILESTONE IN TIRELESS EFFORTS BY ALL LEBANESE TO UNCOVER TRUTH

The following statement was issued on Sunday, 1 March, by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is pleased to announce that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon has commenced functioning today, 1 March 2009, in The Hague.

Just over four years ago, on 14 February 2005, Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and 22 others were killed in a heinous terrorist attack in central Beirut.

The commencement of the Tribunal’s work marks a decisive milestone in the tireless efforts by all Lebanese and the international community to uncover the truth, bring those responsible for this assassination and related crimes to justice and end impunity.

On this historic day, noting that the Tribunal is an independent body, the Secretary-General reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the United Nations to the Tribunal’s mission.

The Secretary-General calls upon all Members States to fully support and cooperate with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon as it embarks on its work.

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For information media • not an official record