June 19, 2009 - Daily Star - Najjar signs deal to set up tribunal office in Beirut

BEIRUT: Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar and Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon Robin Vincent signed on Wednesday a Memorandum of Understanding on the UN-backed court's office in Lebanon. Speaking at a conference at Beirut's InterContinental Phoenicia Hotel, Vincent said the memorandum was aimed at protecting the tribunal's employees working in Lebanon.
"We need a presence in Beirut and an office that provides services five or six days a week," he said, calling the office "the link between the tribunal and Lebanon because the court's headquarters is not in Lebanon" but in the Netherlands.
"The staff will take charge of continuously providing the press with information," Vincent said, adding that while the office staff will enjoy diplomatic immunity, the STL will ensure they do not abuse that status.
Employees will not provide the Lebanese authorities with any information regarding their investigation, he added.
The tribunal will work independently and transparently, reiterated the registrar, adding that he expected trials to begin in 2010 and cost $65 million, a $14 million increase from last year.
Vincent had met with representatives of the UN Security Council to request further funding, he said, adding there was "a possibility they could increase their contributions."
Vincent and an accompanying delegation also met with Acting Army Commander Major General Shawki al-Masri on Wednesday to thank the Lebanese Armed Forces for its "extraordinary and special" efforts to facilitate the operations of the tribunal.
Vincent, a British national, resigned from his post on April 21 citing personal reasons. His predecessor is expected to be appointed shortly and will assume official duties in July.