Within an Hour... The Security Council Will Vote on Establishing the International Court of AL-Hariri

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />New York May 30, 2007 6:45pm GMT/2:45 EDT- Today is a very important and Historical day for Lebanon and the Lebanese people. Within les than half an hour, the Security Council will vote on establishing the International Court for Trial of Al-Hariri Killers under the Article Seven.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />  

 

When Prime Minister Rafiq Al-Hariri was assassinated about two years ago, most Lebanese accused the Syrians for the killing. Lebanese and UN investigators worked on the case, but no conclusion was drawn, and no accusation was made. The Lebanese government asked the UN to establish this international court. This move was not approved by the Lebanese opposition. They have some remarks and issues on this court.  

 

Because of the political struggle in Lebanon, the parliament was unable to meet to discus the issue nor approved sending the case to the Security Council. One of the issues for opposing this SC court is that it will be established under Article Seven of the UN, a move the opposition highly refuses. They see it as losing the souvrenty of Lebanon to the SC for allowing the SC to take charge of the case.   

 

Article Seven mandates the SC to take military actions against the assassins and their supporters. Since the Syrians are directly accused of the assassination, Article Seven gives the SC to use force against Syria if they see that it is involved.  

 

The United States and France are supporting this court under Article Seven, and they think they have the approval of 10 members in the SC. Russia is not expected to veto it.  On the ground, the Lebanese are divided, some hope this court will ease the tension between them, others see it a way to increase it.  

 

This morning, Mr. Saad Al-Harir, son of assassinated PM Rafiq Al-Harir, head of Future Party asked his supporters to celebrate the SC decision inside their homes and light candles and praying on the deadand not take it to the streets.

 

 

The Lebanese government is on allert this morning.