Russia questions Lebanon approval of Hariri court (Reuters)

Russia questions Lebanon approval of Hariri court
16 Nov 2006 20:08:39 GMT
Source: Reuters

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By Irwin Arieff

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Russia questioned on Thursday
whether Lebanon's government had acted legitimately in approving
a U.N.-backed special court to try suspects in the murder of former
Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.

"We are somewhat bothered" that Lebanon's president had objected
to the approval by a government diminished by the resignation of six
of its ministers, Russia's U.N. ambassador, Vitaly Churkin said when
asked if Moscow questioned the legitimacy of the approval.

Before Russia could consent to the plan along with its Security
Council colleagues, "We will look at how it all fits into the
Lebanese constitution," he said. "Our experts are looking."

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U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said he hoped for council approval
within days and he did not expect the objection of pro-Syrian
President Emile Lahoud to affect deliberations.

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