Mouqbel: cabinet consensus over STL in Lebanon

Vice Prime Minister Samir Mouqbel said Saturday to Sharq radio station that the cabinet's stance from Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) expressed clear cooperation with all international resolutions, including 1701, despite the fact that Hezbollah had its own opinion in the matter. Time Magazine published an article Saturday claiming that Hezbollah culprits accused in PM Rafik Hariri's assassination were unfazed by indictment. The magazine quoted one of the accused, who was interviewed anonymously, saying that he did not care about the indictment and dared the government to come and get him. The 4 culprits were rumored to be living openly in Hezbollah controlled areas. Mouqbel clarified that the arrest process was in the hands of Lebanese justice system and serious investigations were underway in coordination with security authorities. He called upon Lebanese to patiently await results of the investigations before passing any judgments. "The STL is requested to show the truth, away from politicization," Mouqbel commented, adding that governmental solidarity existed and ministers had to accept it. The issue of electricity draft law suggested by MP Michel Aoun and Energy Minister Gebran Bassil, asking for 1.2 billion USD to generate 700 Megawatts of electricity, caused controversy among allies within cabinet and parliament, as well as extreme resistance from Opposition. Mouqbel said that the cabinet will study this issue technically and scientifically in its next session, upcoming Tuesday. "We will research means of funding the electricity project." Two sources for funding were named, "Either treasury bonds put forth into global markets, or Arab funds." He concluded that the project will be presented on behalf of the cabinet and not in Bassil's name.