Middle East

UN sets up tribunal for Hariri killing

(AP)
Updated: 2007-05-31 11:04

Saniora, a longtime confidant of Hariri, called the tribunal "a triumph for Lebanon against injustice, crime and tyranny." He urged the Lebanese to put their differences behind, saying the approval was a "positive step" for renewed dialogue to work together.

The tribunal will be established under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which deals with threats to international peace and can be militarily enforced.

The Russians, South Africans, Indonesians and Qataris all objected to putting the resolution under Chapter 7, saying it was unnecessary because all Security Council resolutions are legally binding.

Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said the resolution "essentially is an encroachment upon the sovereignty of Lebanon." He said Moscow supports bringing the perpetrators to justice. But "given the deep rift in Lebanese society ... that should not lead to negative consequences."

Chinese UN Ambassador Wang Guangya warned that only a tribunal supported by all Lebanese factions can be effective.

The council's move "will give rise to a series of political and legal problems, likely to add to the uncertainties embedded in the already turbulent political and security and situation in Lebanon," Wang said.

Syria's UN Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari criticized the resolution.

"Definitely this is something that goes against the interests of the Lebanese people and Lebanon as a whole," he told reporters after the vote.

Hariri's assassination sparked huge demonstrations against Syria. Syria denied involvement but was forced to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, ending its 29-year domination of it smaller neighbor.

The Lebanese government appeared fearful that celebrations could turn to violence between pro-government and opposition factions. The Interior Ministry banned the public from firing guns in the air, releasing fireworks and using motorcycles from 8 p.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m Thursday. Some of the bomb attacks in Lebanon have been blamed on assailants riding motorcycles.

Most of Beirut's other neighborhoods were empty after the vote as people stayed indoors fearing trouble. Lebanon was already in a state of heightened tensions because of ongoing fighting between the army and Islamic militants holed up at a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon. Scores have been killed in the violence, among them troops, militants and civilians caught in the crossfire.