March 6, 2009 - Naharnet - Saniora Seeks to Dissipate Fears Over MoU

Prime Minister Fouad Saniora said Thursday that the Memorandum of Understanding with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon does not give more authority to the general prosecutor."The issue has been exaggerated… this MoU does not give additional authority or reduce (the powers) of the international general prosecutor," Saniora told al-Arabiya TV network before the cabinet session.The cabinet postponed discussion of the MoU till next week and agreed to form a committee to study the issue.Asked about fears that the MoU violates Lebanon's sovereignty and the office of the public prosecutor could question any person, Saniora said: "The public prosecutor has to go through Lebanese authorities before doing anything. That's why there is nothing that could violate Lebanese sovereignty."The premier told al-Arabiya that the international tribunal has two months to ask for the files, and request the transfer of those in custody to The Hague.The court that will try ex-Premier Rafik Hariri's murderers was launched on Sunday March 1. Four former generals are held on suspicion of involvement in Hariri's Feb. 2005 assassination.
Asked if the four generals will be in Lebanese judicial custody till the end of April, Saniora said: "Until the end of April or when the international public prosecutor requests (their transfer)."