UN vows to support Lebanon to strengthen stability, security

UNITED NATIONS (Xinhua) - Marking the tenth anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Saturday the UN will work with the government of Lebanon to support its efforts to strengthen stability and security.

"As Lebanon faces renewed challenges, the United Nations continues to work with the Government of Lebanon, alongside all Lebanese partners, to support the country in its efforts to strengthen stability and security, in line with relevant resolutions of the Security Council," said a press statement released by Ban's spokesperson.

Rafiq Hariri, was assassinated by a car bomb in Beirut on Feb. 14, 2005, which also killed 21 others.

Ban also noted "the United Nations is committed to support the work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), with the continued support and cooperation of the Government of Lebanon."

The STL, based in The Hague, the Netherlands, is an independent tribunal set up at the request of the Lebanese government to hold trials for suspects of the assassination.

On Jan. 2 this year, Ban extended the mandate of the UN-backed STL for another three years.