Hariri: Shatah's Murderers Same Ones behind Rafik Hariri's Assassination
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri condemned on Friday the assassination of his adviser Mohammed Shatah, saying that Lebanon lost moderate figure who believed in peace and an independent Lebanon.
He said in a statement: “Shatah's murderers are the same ones who assassinated former Premier Rafik Hariri.”
“The murderers seek to assassinate the whole of Lebanon and weaken the state,” he remarked.
“The accused, and until further notice, are the same ones who are running away from international justice,” added Hariri.
“The accused are the same ones who refuse to stand trial before the Special Tribunal for Lebanon because they are paving the way for evil and chaos in Lebanon,” he continued.
“They seek to spread regional wars to Lebanon,” he stressed.
“They practice oppression against anyone who follows the example of Rafik Hariri and who demands the rise of the state that does not include terrorists, murderers, and supporters of car bombings among its ranks,” he declared.
“The murderers succeeded today in targeting our lifelong friend and partner in defending Lebanon, Mohammed Shatah,” Hariri said.
“Shatah believed in peace and justice. His murderers will not stop their criminal path and their insistence to drag Lebanon towards the abyss of strife,” he continued.
This reality will remain as long as some sides in Lebanon continue “to bury their heads in the sand and continue to justify the possession of illegitimate arms,” he stated.
“Shatah's name will ring loud at the opening of the STL trial in a few days at The Hague,” he remarked.
“His name will remain a beacon among a civilized and progressive Lebanon,” said the former premier.
“Your career will remain a source of inspiration for us throughout our political and national life,” said Hariri, while offering his condolences to his family.
Shatah was killed on Friday in a huge car bombing in downtown Beirut.
The STL had accused five Hizbullah members of being behind the 2005 assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri.
Hizbullah had slammed the accusation with party chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah vowing not cooperate with it.
The suspects have not been found.
The trial is scheduled to kick off on January 16 at The Hague.
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