March 5, 2010 - Naharnet - Roux: Tribunal Will Go On for Many Months, Facts Will Be Kept Confidential

The Head of the Defense Office of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, François Roux, has said the court will go on for many months, stressing that all the facts disclosed will be kept confidential given that the scope of charges is being expanded in the absence of evidence.His remarks were made during training seminars on international criminal law which have been organized with the Bars of Beirut and Tripoli. On Thursday, Roux met with Prime Minister Saad Hariri where he discussed the nature and role of the Defense Office. A statement issued by the STL said Roux underlined that the Defense Office does not represent accused, but shall assist future Defense Counsel by providing legal advice and practical support.Roux also underlined that his office is fully committed to achieving fairness in the pursuit of justice for the assassination attack on former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 22 others as well as the related crimes falling within the Tribunal's jurisdiction. Roux emphasized that the Defense plays an important role towards the credibility and legitimacy of an independent and impartial Tribunal. He also discussed with Hariri the responsibilities of the Head of Defense Office under the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, notably concerning the list of Defense Counsel and monitoring the effectiveness of Defense teams.