Mikati to An-Nahar: I cannot evade resolution on STL funding

An-Nahar daily quoted PM Najib Mikati on Wednesday as saying that he will always fulfill his obligations as prime minister.

Mikati said that he does not mind going to Syria, adding that allegations that he has particular interests there are part of the smear campaign launched against him. Mikati added that Lebanon and Syria share good economic ties, calling on the international community to disassociate Lebanon from the resolutions on Syria.

When asked about Lebanese banks, Mikati clarified that “the banking sector is the backbone of Lebanon and the cabinet is keen on protecting this sector against any crisis”, adding that no Lebanese bank can take any step against the international will.

Mikati added that he brought up the issue of Lebanese banks during his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and that they have both agreed on the same approach, reassuring that Lebanese banks are in the safe zone in terms of international sanctions.

When asked about the credibility of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), Mikati said “I am committed to international resolutions, including resolution 1757, which established the STL, and the agreement inked between the U.N. and Lebanon with regards to the STL”, adding that he cannot evade the international agreement  and that he will not be selective in its application.

 In his concluding remarks, Mikati said that Lebanon would be the first victim should the cabinet fail to fund the STL, and Israel will be the biggest winner.