UN chief remarks fail to settle debate over renewal of STL mandate

U.N. Chief Ban Ki-Moon’s remarks put forth in Beirut regarding the renewal of the STL’s mandate have failed to settle the domestic debate over the Lebanese government’s role in the renewal and the amendment of the agreement inked between the U.N. and Lebanon.      

The STL kicked off its work on March 1, 2009 for a period of 3 years in line with Chapter 1, article 21 of the aforementioned agreement. Chapter 2 of the same article stipulates that, three years after the work of the Tribunal starts, both parties should, through deliberations with the U.N. Security Council, outline the progress achieved by the Tribunal.      

According to the same chapter, in the event that the Tribunal’s activities were not achieved during the given period, the agreement should be extended, allowing the Tribunal to accomplish its work; provided that the extended duration be set by the U.N. chief based on discussions with the Lebanese cabinet and Security Council.     
In this context, Former Justice Minister Charles Rizk told LBCI that the Security Council is not bound to endorse the decision of the Lebanese government if it does not approve the renewal of the STL’s mandate.       

Rizk added that the Security Council can decide not to renew the mandate, a decision conditioned by the consent of the five permanent members of the Security Council.