Nine Ministers Voice Reservations on Use of ‘in Principle’ in STL Clause
Nine ministers voiced their reservation on the wording of the clause on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon during the session for approving the government policy statement on Thursday.
The ministers objected to the use of the word “in principle” in article 14 of the statement on the STL.
"The government confirms that it will follow the progress of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which was set up in principle to see justice served in a manner that is neither politicized nor vengeful, and as long as it does not negatively affect Lebanon's stability and civil peace," read the ambiguously worded statement.
The nine ministers included: Deputy Premier Samir Moqbel, National Struggle Front ministers Ghazi al-Aridi, Wael Abu Faour, and Aleddine Terro, as well as Minister Walid al-Daouq, Nicolas Nahhas, and Mohammed Safadi.
Their objections were not heeded by the other ministers.
Al-Liwaa newspaper revealed on Friday that a debate erupted over an article over telecommunications in Lebanon and OGERO Telecom.
Telecommunications Minister Nicolas Sehnaoui suggested that the company be placed under the minister’s jurisdiction, but the issue was dropped when it turned out that a law needed to be ratified in order for this change to be made.
The four-hour session on Wednesday witnessed talks between the ministers and the heads of their political blocs, such as minister Hussein Hajj Hasan, Mohammed Fneish, and Ali Hasan Khalil who exited the meeting to conduct telephone calls, reported al-Bayraq newspaper Friday.
The policy statement also voiced its commitment to the constitution, Taef Accord, and the presidential oath, as well as Arab and international relations and the equation of the army, people, and Resistance.
It also voiced respect to the national dialogue and the Palestinians’ right to return to their homeland, among other issues.
An Nahar daily meanwhile reported on Friday that President Michel Suleiman cancelled his trip to Monaco to attend the wedding of Prince Albert in order to remain in Lebanon to follow up on the approval of the government policy statement and release of the STL indictment.
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