Qortbawi to LBC: STL funding should stay out of the limelight

Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi told Nharkom Said TV show that as soon as the cabinet takes a final decision regarding the issue of funding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), only then will the decision be made public.

Qortbawi voiced hope that the appointment of a president for the Higher Justice Council be included on the cabinet’s agenda as soon as possible.

Speaking on Thursday’s incident in the mecanique [vehicle inspection center] in Hadath, Qortbawi said that the Ministry of Justice is not concerned with the incident, stressing that the Lebanese judicial system will conduct all necessary investigations. 

On Thursday, shots rang out at a vehicle inspection center in Hadath after a man who was paid by individuals to illegally pass inspection on their vehicles became enraged when a vehicle did not pass.

When asked about the Syrian tanks that crossed into Arsal, Qortbawi said: “I do not think that we should blow things out of proportion”. 

Syrian tanks entered the Bekaa border village of Arsal and fired in the direction of an abandoned battery factory Tuesday, where they believed gunmen were hiding.