STL submits fifth annual report to UN’s Ban, President Sleiman and PM Salam

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon submitted last week its fifth annual report to the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, to Lebanese President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister Tamam Salam.

The start of trial in Ayyash et al. on 16 January 2014, with proceedings broadcast by video-link in Lebanon and internationally, marked a new chapter in the history of the STL.

The report details the Tribunal's activities, achievements and challenges over the past 12 months, and its objectives in the coming year.

It highlights the wide-ranging pre-trial preparations of the Chambers, Office of the Prosecutor, Defense Office, Registry, Defense counsel and Legal Representatives of Victims, the confirmation of a second indictment against Mr. Hassan Habib Merhi in July 2013, and the joinder of the Ayyash et al. and Merhi proceedings in February 2014.

"Of vital importance to its judicial work is the Tribunal's commitment to informing the Lebanese people and broader international public about that work, and supporting Lebanon's wide-reaching efforts to promote the rule of law," STL President Judge Sir David Baragwanath noted in the report.

"The Tribunal's four organs continue to engage in an array of public communications and outreach activities, with a special emphasis upon developing relationships with the legal and academic communities in Lebanon, as well as civil society groups."

In conclusion, the President noted, "now the task of the STL is to increase its efforts to complete the task given to it by the Security Council on behalf of the people of Lebanon."