Mikati's triumph: STL paid, crisis averted

PM Najib Mikati held  a press conference on Wednesday to announce the long-waited solution to the STL funding issue.

“Lebanon’s share of the STL costs were transferred this morning” he said, sparing Lebanon possible international sanctions.

Mikati said that this move stems from his desire to preserve Lebanon’s interest and unity. “My move is not the victory of one party over another but rather benefits the state”, he confirmed, calling for the resumption of dialogue.

Mikati had repeatedly threatened to resign if the cabinet failed to approve the payment of Lebanon’s $33 million share of the STL costs.

Reuters also reported that "Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Lebanon has financed its portion of a U.N.-backed court investigating the death of statesman Rafik al-Hariri, resolving months of political wrangling that threatened to bring down the government."

"Keeping my commitment to not be the prime minister who reneges on Lebanon's international obligations... I sent Lebanon's portion of the funding for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon this morning," he said.

On the other hand, witnesses reported to LBCI that vehicle convoys in Tripoli fire into the air in celebration of STL funding.

Reuters / LBCI