NNA - The United States welcomed the decision of Lebanon to fulfill its financial obligations of the year 2013 for the International Tribunal.



"The United States welcomes the decision of Lebanon to fulfill the obligations of the funding of 2013 for the Special Tribunal," according to a statement issued by U.S. State Department.



It added " we acknowledge and commend the leadership of Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, who ensured that the government will fulfill this commitment. We fully support the work of the STL in order to detect those responsible for the violence acts which aimed at destabilizing Lebanon, and hold them accountable."



The statement added that the assassination of former Finance Minister Mohammed Shatah in Beirut was a stark reminder that Lebanon has suffered for a long period of not punishing those who committed the murders against the interests of the Lebanese people.



The U.S. State Department confirmed that " this court will work with the Lebanese government to help in putting an end to impunity through the transparent and fair process and will determine the responsibility in the terrorist attack that killed former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and many others."



It considered that the continuation of financial support, cooperation of political and judicial authorities were essential to the work of the court, "for this the United States provided strong financial support and will continue to do so."



The International Tribunal confirmed on Monday that it had received from the Lebanese government 's share of the country's budget for the year 2013 which amounted 29.3 million euros .



==================A.A.M