The Netherlands: No Guesses over Release of Indictment or Who Will be Accused

Dutch Ambassador to Lebanon Hero de Boer stressed that justice must take its course on the national and international scenes regarding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

He told the daily An Nahar in remarks published on Tuesday that the Netherlands cannot “make guesses over the release date of the indictment” in the investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri or over who will be accused in the crime “as these are matters that would severely affect our credibility.”

He also voiced his concern over the safety of witnesses, as well as the suspects, adding: “We are seeking to distance ourselves from any political position or bias to any side in this entire affair.”

De Boer stated that he won’t be surprised of the new Lebanese government adopted a stalling policy regarding to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, noting that Prime Minister-designate Najib Miqati has not altered his stand towards the court “and he was clear in stating that he is personally concerned with continuing cooperation with it.”

The ambassador also voiced his concern that the case of false witnesses would be employed for political reasons in the STL.

“We truly believe in independent justice and that it should take its course,” he stressed.