Lebanon has paid its share for a UN-backed court investigating the killing of statesman Rafik al-Hariri, Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Wednesday, resolving months of political wrangling that threatened to bring down the government.
"Keeping my commitment to not be the prime minister who reneges on Lebanon's international obligations... I sent Lebanon's portion of the funding for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon this morning," Mikati said in a televised speech. "I have a firm belief in the principle of establishing truth and justice. It is not acceptable to ignore the assassinations of the former prime minister and his companions."
The premier had threatened to resign if he could not push through Lebanon's more than $30 million share of funding for the court. But the powerful political and militant group Hezbollah and its allies in cabinet oppose the tribunal. The UN Special Tribunal for Lebanon indicted four Hezbollah members over the killing of Hariri, a former prime minister whose convoy was blown up in Beirut in 2005.
Iranian and Syrian-backed Hezbollah has repeatedly denied any involvement. It says the court is politicised and pursues an Israeli agenda. Mikati was brought to power in January with Hezbollah's support when the last government was toppled after disputes over the court. "This step is not a victory for any group or the defeat of another, nor is it meant to accuse any people or group of involvement in the assassination crime," Mikati said.
"In summary, it is a national decision to preserve Lebanon and prevent it from being exposed to any severe decisions." The US ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly said on Monday that Lebanon could face "serious consequences" if it did not meet its international obligations.
The European Union, which provides Lebanon with around $50 million of aid annually, had not explicitly threatened to cut funding but repeatedly urged Mikati's government to meet commitments to funding the tribunal. A British diplomat said that in light of Wednesday's announcement, Britain would move ahead with plans to increase training support for Lebanon's army.
Hezbollah and its allies have blocking power in cabinet with half the seats, but the group softened its tone in recent weeks to avoid a public clash with Mikati. A Lebanese official told Reuters that in order to avert a cabinet vote but still allow the funding, politicians agreed to send the money through a government relief agency. "It will be funded directly through the Higher Organisation for Aid," the official said, referring to Lebanon's natural disaster and humanitarian relief fund.
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