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STL President Antonio Cassese and Vice-President Ralph Riachy Continue Visits with Lebanese Government Officials
Beirut, 2 February 2010: This morningPresident Antonio Cassese and Vice-President Ralph Riachy met with H.E. Nabih Berri, Speaker of the Parliament.
They had an open discussion about the challenges that international criminal tribunals face. President Cassese offered his assurance to H.E. Nabih Berri that the Tribunal is committed to accomplishing its mission efficiently while being completely independent and impartial.
The President and the Vice-President also met Mr. Ghaleb Ghanem, President of the Court de Cassation and Mr. Said Mirza, Chief Prosecutor of the Court of Cassation. During their meetings, they discussed ways to facilitate cooperation between the Tribunal and Lebanese authorities. On this occasion, President Cassese also expressed his gratitude for the constant support from the Lebanese judiciary to the work of the Tribunal.
During the afternoon President Cassese and Vice-President Riachy took part in an ‘experts roundtable’ held at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut. The roundtable, which included participation by representatives from the legal, academic and civil society, was an open discussion about the legal framework and activities of the STL and lessons learned from other international tribunals. The President stressed that he saw this meeting also as an opportunity for the STL to benefit from the participants’ extensive experience in Lebanese and international law. The President highlighted the importance of a vibrant and well-informed debate about the STL, its mandate, and its rules.
The President and Vice-President’s official visit continues tomorrow with a courtesy call scheduled at the Lebanese University and a presentation to the Beirut Bar Association.
For further information, please contact Press Officer / Spokesperson Ms. Fatima El-Issawi:
Or Outreach Officer Ms. Wajed Ramadan:
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