VZCZCXYZ0010
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHC #4281 0422348
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 112345Z FEB 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0572
INFO RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT IMMEDIATE 7807
UNCLAS STATE 014281
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC PTER PREL SY LE
SUBJECT: SPECIAL TRIBUNAL FOR LEBANON: GUIDANCE FOR
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
REF: USUN 117
(SBU) This cable is in response to Post's request in reftel
for instructions on signing side understandings with France,
Germany, the Netherlands and the UK concerning Special
Tribunal for Lebanon Management Committee decisions.
Although Department continues to have reservations regarding
the sufficiency of the side letter to protect U.S. interests,
post may agree to the following text:
Begin Text.
The representatives of the governments of France, Germany,
the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States of
America are pleased that Terms of Reference for the
Management Committee for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon
have been completed, and look to the Management Committee to
play an important role in the efforts of the Tribunal to
operate efficiently, effectively, and accountable. They
commit to achieve consensus among themselves on a common
position for all decisions before the Management Committee
and to cast their votes accordingly. They highlight the
importance of supporting the Secretary-General's efforts for
the establishment of the Tribunal in a timely manner, as a
means to put an end to impunity and deter further
assassinations in Lebanon.
End text.
RICE