London, EU Welcome STL Funding, Say It Serves Stability

Britain and the European Union welcomed on Wednesday Lebanon’s announcement that it will uphold its duties to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon

“The United Kingdom remains a strong supporter of the tribunal and of a stable, independent and peaceful Lebanon,” the British Foreign Office said in a statement after Premier Najib Miqati announced that Lebanon had paid its dues to the tribunal.

Miqati announced on Wednesday that he transferred the funds Lebanon is required to provide to the STL.

It is obligated to fund 49 percent of the tribunal budget.

For her part, EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton lauded Miqati’s announcement, describing it as a “positive step, in line with previous commitments by the Lebanese authorities that Lebanon would continue to respect its international obligations.”

“The Special Tribunal plays an important role in the fight against impunity in Lebanon and in the search for justice. I encourage the Lebanese authorities to continue their cooperation with the Tribunal,” Ashton added.

“The Prime Minister's decision should enable Lebanon to preserve the stability of its Government,” she noted.

The funding created deep disputes within the government with some sides, including Miqati, voicing support for the matter and others voicing their opposition to it.

Last week, the prime minister threatened to resign if Lebanon did not fund the STL.