New Proposal For a Tribunal On Lebanon

By Staff Reporter of the Sun | May 18, 2007

UNITED NATIONS — America, France, and Britain circulated a new proposal last night for a U.N. Security Council resolution that would "enter into force" an international tribunal to try suspects in Lebanese political assassinations, including the 2005 killing of a former prime minister, Rafik Hariri.

The tribunal, composed of international and Lebanese jurists, has already been set up by the council and approved by Prime Minister Siniora's government. But pro-Syrian politicians in Beirut have prevented a parliamentary vote that would complete the ratification process. Last week, Mr. Siniora requested in a letter to Secretary-General Ban that the council adopt a "binding" resolution that would break the political impasse.

The proposed resolution, under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, calls for the establishment of the tribunal "in a timely manner." Mr. Ban is asked to report within three months on its implementation. Expecting some resistance, Western diplomats said yesterday that Russia is unlikely to use its veto power in a vote, which they hope will take place before the end of May.