Lebanese cabinet approves tribunal for alleged killers of former prime minister

LEBANON’S government yesterday approved a UN plan for an international tribunal for the suspected killers of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri — despite the objections of the president and the resignation of six ministers.

The draft document returns to the Security Council for endorsement, but its final approval by the weakened Lebanese Government is far from certain, owing to the resignations and threats from Hezbollah to call mass protests unless it and its Shi’ite Muslim allies gain effective veto power in the cabinet.

Yesterday’s vote in the cabinet was a small victory for Prime Minister Fuad Saniora, who is facing both the Hezbollah challenge and the objections of President Emile Lahoud.