Security Council (UNSC) vote regarding Lebanon
30 May 2007
Pretoria: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) today Wednesday, 30 May
2007, voted on a resolution that imposes the formation of a Special Tribunal to
prosecute any persons identified by the Lebanese authorities and the United
Nations International Independent Investigation Commission as suspects in the
assassination of the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Mr Rafiq Hariri and
other prominent Lebanese leaders.
The South African government reiterates its strong condemnation of the
assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri and calls for a thorough
investigation of this heinous crime to ensure those responsible for this
dastardly act face the full might of the law.
In this regard there exists general consensus within Lebanon and
internationally for the United Nations (UN) to assist the Lebanese authorities
in their efforts to bring to justice those responsible for this heinous act.
There is also widespread support for the creation of a Special Tribunal based
outside Lebanon and composed of both international and Lebanese judges as well
as prosecutors.
Accordingly South Africa supports the need for a Special Tribunal to ensure
those responsible for these horrific crimes to be brought to justice. However,
our view is that the Tribunal should be the product of consensus within Lebanon
as required by the Lebanese constitution and not an imposition of the Security
Council.
South Africa is of the view that the imposition of the Special Tribunal
under the current circumstances will detrimentally affect the political
stability of an already fragile Lebanese State and politicise international
criminal law and thus undermine the very foundations of international law.
South Africa joins other members of the Security Council in calling for the
Lebanese ownership of the process and for the Security Council to respect the
sovereignty and constitution of Lebanon and to refrain from taking sides in
internal Lebanese politics.
For South Africa, the key principle is that all violators of international
law including international humanitarian law in Lebanon are brought to justice
and not only those who perpetrate criminal acts against one faction within
Lebanon. In this regard we believe that the Security Council must act on behalf
of the international community impartially and without any political bias.
South Africa as a matter of principle abstained on voting for the current
resolution on Lebanon in the Security Council.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
30 May 2007
