Fillon: New Cabinet Should Respect Tribunal

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon reiterated that Lebanon should respect international resolutions and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

“We had fully supported the national unity cabinet headed by Saad Hariri,” Fillon told pan-Arab daily al-Hayat in an interview published Friday.

“We have taken notice of the appointment of a new Lebanese prime minister. We urge the next cabinet to respect Lebanon’s international commitments and obligations, particularly issues linked to the tribunal which is an independent judicial body established by Security Council resolution 1757,” he said when asked if France would continue to cooperate with Lebanon if it stops funding the STL.

The court “should continue to function without obstacles and in cooperation with the Lebanese government,” Fillon told al-Hayat.

He said Paris is stressing to Syria through honest and direct dialogue with Damascus the need to respect Lebanon’s independence and sovereignty.