Lebanon – Verdict of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon on the assassination of Rafiq Hariri (18 Aug. 20)

France pays tribute to the work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), an independent and impartial tribunal, which delivered its verdict yesterday in the case relating to the assassination of Rafiq Hariri. This decision is a major milestone in the fight against impunity for terrorist acts. It was highly anticipated by the victims’ families, as well as by the international community.

France is committed to the fight against impunity everywhere. Since its creation through UNSCR 1757, France has supported the Special Tribunal for Lebanon at the budgetary and technical levels and will continue to do so.

The verdict delivered yesterday by the STL must be fully applied. The work of the STL relating to the assassination of George Haoui and the attempted assassinations of Marwan Hamadé, as well as Elias Murr, must also continue.

France takes this opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and the 22 other persons killed in the attack on February 14, 2005, who embodied the fight for their country’s sovereignty. Our action in Lebanon reflects this same spirit. France is attached to Lebanon’s recovery, on the basis of ambitious reforms, including with respect to the rule of law, justice and the fight against impunity. These are the aspirations vigorously expressed by the Lebanese people.