LOC23:23
20:23 GMT
UNITED NATIONS, Nov 23 (KUNA) -- The Chief Prosecutor of the Special
Tribunal for Lebanon Canadian judge Daniel Bellemare on Tuesday expressed
extreme disappointment at a recent report by the Canadian Broadcasting
Corporation (CBC) linking the 2005 assassination of Lebanese former Prime
Minister Rafiq Hariri to the militant group Hezbollah and accusing the UN
investigators of negligence.
In a statement distributed here, the Tribunal said Bellemare is "extremely
disappointed" about the CBC investigative report which was broadcast last
Sunday at a time when he is "working flat out" to ensure that a draft
indictment is submitted in the "near future."
It said the Prosecutor's decision not to comment on matters relating to the
investigation "will not change," adding that this decision is based on
considerations of utmost concern for the integrity of the investigation and
the safety of victims, witnesses, suspects and staff.
"Preserving confidentiality is essential for the success of the
investigation," it stressed, warning that the CBC broadcast "may put people's
lives in jeopardy."
The statement quoted Bellemare as saying that "it will be for the Judges,
and the Judges alone, to assess the evidence and reach conclusions based on
the facts as established at trial, and the law."
His Office indicated that the staff "remain committed to bringing it
(investigation) to a successful conclusion." (end)
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