Miqati: Those Criticizing Manner of STL Funding Don’t Want Truth in Hariri Murder

Prime Minister Najib Miqati slammed on Friday the sides that have criticized the manner in which the Special Tribunal for Lebanon was funded, saying that their campaign “against me reflects their spite and lack of reason.”

He said in a statement: “The critics’ statements prove beyond a doubt that they do not seek justice or the truth in the assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri.”

“They are only employing the blood of the martyr for political purposes … and in a manner that undermines the people’s intelligence,” he noted.

He stressed that his decision to fund the tribunal stems from his national and personal convictions to achieve justice “away from the politicization of the case.”

In addition, Miqati stated that the funding was done out of the need for Lebanon to respect its international commitments.

“The funding was not complete to appease any side, especially not the powers that have launched the campaign against me,” he remarked.

Miqati revealed on Wednesday that Lebanon had met its obligation to fund the STL, saying that the funds were obtained from outside of the state budget, similar to last year.

In remarks to As Safir newspaper about the criticism on the way the tribunal was funded, the premier said: “We believe in justice and we practice it.”

“Criticism is easy but being responsible towards the nation and committing to Lebanon’s international obligations is the most difficult part,” the premier told the newspaper.

Reports have said that Lebanon paid its share to the tribunal after Miqati demanded that the money be transferred from the premiership’s funds. But several March 8 majority and opposition MPs criticized him for overriding cabinet approval.

According to An Nahar, Miqati held a telephone conversation with Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday to inform him about the latest achievements of the government, including the adoption of the 2012 state budget.

The daily quoted Berri as saying “this is the way things should be done.”

Berri also told An Nahar that the cabinet is functioning according to the plans set following a consensual agreement among its different parties last month to activate the government’s work.

“Things are moving forward at a good rate and the most important thing is not to go backwards,” he stressed.