President Suleiman from London: Full Truth Is Coming Out

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman expressed relief at a decision to release the four generals detained without charges since August 2005, stressing the move proves that the international tribunal has started functioning.

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon's decision to release the generals means "the international court began its work in a transparent way and free from politicization,"

Suleiman told Lebanese and Arab reporters in London on Wednesday. He said the tribunal's move is also a "sign that the whole truth will be revealed."

He stressed that Lebanon is committed to Security Council resolution 1701 and that recently discovered ‘Israel'-linked networks constitute a violation of the 2006 resolution and "proof of the extent of ‘Israeli' danger on Lebanon and its surroundings."

The Lebanese President stressed that preparations are underway to hold democratic and transparent elections. June 7 will be the date "to establish democracy in Lebanon," he emphasized.

Earlier in the day, Suleiman and first lady Wafaa met with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. The queen stressed her sincere affection to Lebanon, adding that she followed "the difficult circumstances that the Lebanese people went through in the past years." She lauded the "historic relations between Lebanon and Britain" and the role played by the Lebanese community in the UK.

President Suleiman also held talks with Defense [War] Secretary John Hutton who stressed Britain's backing for the army and security forces.