United Nations Radio

The Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Robin Vincent of the United Kingdom, has started his duties.

The tribunal was established two years ago by an agreement between the United Nations and Lebanon to try those suspected of assassinating former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005.

Mr. Vincent, who was appointed by the Secretary-General last month, is the first official of the special court to take up his functions.

He has served as Registrar for the Special Court for Sierra Leone and, temporarily, as Deputy Registrar of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

UN spokesperson Marie Okabe said the Registrar will ensure that work to finalize the establishment of the court is completed in a timely manner.

"He will initially concentrate his activities on preparing the premises of the Tribunal, coordinating the transition between the International Independent Investigative Commission and the Tribunal, recruiting core staff, and finalizing the Tribunal's budget."

The Special Court has its seat in The Netherlands.

Diane Bailey, United Nations.

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