January 13, 2010 - Naharnet - Riachi's Resignation Does Not Affect his Functions at International Tribunal

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon said the resignation of Lebanese judge Riachi does not affect in any way his functions at the international court."Following the articles published by some media and some comments made publicly, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) would like to clarify that the resignation of Judge Riachy from the Lebanese Judiciary does not affect in any way his appointment and functions as a Judge of the STL," STL said in a statement.It said that according to Article 9 paragraph 1 of the STL Statute, STL judges must fulfill the following conditions: be persons of "high moral character, impartiality and integrity", have "extensive judicial experience" and be "independent in the performance of their functions". "The provisions of the Agreement between the United Nations and Lebanon and the Statute do not require that an STL judge (international or Lebanese) be currently sitting as a judge in a national judicial system," the statement clarified. It said that regarding the appointment mechanism, in accordance with Article 2 paragraph 5 of the Agreement, all judges (Lebanese and international) are appointed by the Secretary-General upon the recommendation of a selection panel, composed of two international judges and the representative of the Secretary-General. The list of Lebanese Judges was presented to the Secretary-General upon the proposal of the Lebanese Supreme Council of the Judiciary.