American Official to Al Hayat: Washington Not Informed about Syrian-Saudi Deal, Tribunal Will Continue

A high-ranking U.S. official has denied that "Washington was informed about a Syrian-Saudi deal over the Special Tribunal for Lebanon," adding "All that we know is from newspapers and media reports that are not proved to be authentic."

The official told pan-Arab daily Al Hayat in remarks published Thursday that the tribunal constitutes a chance for a better Lebanon, noting that "The US and the international community said from the beginning that the STL is an international mechanism that cannot be canceled or subjected to political compromises. The tribunal is Lebanon's best hope to garner international support to put the tragic and bloody history of political violence behind it." 

The US official who spoke on condition of anonymity considered that ""It is absurd to believe rumors over an alleged compromise over the tribunal." He pointed out that "Saudi officials have told us that they were absolutely committed to building a positive relationship between Lebanon and Syria based on mutual respect and non-interference of any side in the other party's internal affairs." 

"If media reports about a deal were true, then this is blackmail," he said adding "Hizbullah on one side says that Lebanon will be in great danger in case the tribunal realizes progress, then it talks big about a Saudi-Syrian deal that will solve the issue, which was in founded by Hizbullah."
The official further expressed that Washington understands the difficult situation Lebanese Prime Minister was put in, claiming that who put him in this situation was not justice but Hizbullah through launching threats. He also added that PM Hariri enjoys support of the Lebanese as well as regional and international support.

The American official claimed also that "The STL was established upon agreement between Lebanon and the United Nations. He expressed support saying that the court will continue to operate despite Hizbullah's threats.

"We expect that Lebanon, as member of the Security Council that supports international law, will continue to cooperate and not try to sabotage the tribunal," he ended.