Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06USUNNEWYORK920
2006-05-04 21:12:00
CONFIDENTIAL
USUN New York
Cable title:
PRESSING UN ON LEBANESE TRIBUNAL
how-toVZCZCXRO4637 OO RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHKUK RUEHMOS DE RUCNDT #0920 1242112 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 042112Z MAY 06 FM USMISSION USUN NEW YORK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8924 INFO RUEHEE/ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000920
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/04/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV LE SY
SUBJECT: PRESSING UN ON LEBANESE TRIBUNAL
REF: A. WOLFF/FELTMAN TELECON 5/2
B. USUN 891
Classified By: Amb. Alex Wolff for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000920
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/04/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV LE SY
SUBJECT: PRESSING UN ON LEBANESE TRIBUNAL
REF: A. WOLFF/FELTMAN TELECON 5/2
B. USUN 891
Classified By: Amb. Alex Wolff for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (C) In a May 2 meeting with Nicolas Michel, the UN's
Under Secretary General for Legal Affairs, Ambassador Wolff
requested an update on the UN's efforts to draft a treaty to
establish a tribunal to try any suspects in the murder of
Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. Ambassador Wolff emphasized
that this issue is a priority for the United States and
others, and urged Michel to take steps to demonstrate
movement.
2. (C) Michel said he was looking to wrap up the draft in
the next 2 1/2 weeks, and plans to have two ICTY judges
review the treaty this month. He said he is planning to
travel to Lebanon the first week of June to consult formally
with the Lebanese and has an open invitation for Lebanon's
judges to consult with him at the UN. Michel shared his view
that it would be inappropriate to establish the tribunal
before UNIIIC Commissioner Serge Brammertz had developed his
case, noting that a premature start could prove embarrassing
if no prosecution was imminent and would run up costs.
3. (C) Ambassador Wolff observed that in the circumstance an
open invitation may not be sufficiently specific. It is
important before the Lebanese public and regional and
international audiences to demonstrate that the UN is seen to
be actively committed to bringing the perpetrators to
justice. He urged Michel to stay focused on the matter and
to find ways to demonstrate continued progress, including
moving up his scheduled visit to Lebanon.
BOLTON
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/04/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV LE SY
SUBJECT: PRESSING UN ON LEBANESE TRIBUNAL
REF: A. WOLFF/FELTMAN TELECON 5/2
B. USUN 891
Classified By: Amb. Alex Wolff for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (C) In a May 2 meeting with Nicolas Michel, the UN's
Under Secretary General for Legal Affairs, Ambassador Wolff
requested an update on the UN's efforts to draft a treaty to
establish a tribunal to try any suspects in the murder of
Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. Ambassador Wolff emphasized
that this issue is a priority for the United States and
others, and urged Michel to take steps to demonstrate
movement.
2. (C) Michel said he was looking to wrap up the draft in
the next 2 1/2 weeks, and plans to have two ICTY judges
review the treaty this month. He said he is planning to
travel to Lebanon the first week of June to consult formally
with the Lebanese and has an open invitation for Lebanon's
judges to consult with him at the UN. Michel shared his view
that it would be inappropriate to establish the tribunal
before UNIIIC Commissioner Serge Brammertz had developed his
case, noting that a premature start could prove embarrassing
if no prosecution was imminent and would run up costs.
3. (C) Ambassador Wolff observed that in the circumstance an
open invitation may not be sufficiently specific. It is
important before the Lebanese public and regional and
international audiences to demonstrate that the UN is seen to
be actively committed to bringing the perpetrators to
justice. He urged Michel to stay focused on the matter and
to find ways to demonstrate continued progress, including
moving up his scheduled visit to Lebanon.
BOLTON