Hariri ‘not seeking revenge’ for father

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Sa’ad Hariri said yesterday he is seeking justice and not revenge for the 2005 bombing that killed his father, former prime minister Rafik Hariri. He said he will act to preserve stability in his country.

He made the comments as prosecutors presented closing arguments in the case before a UN-backed tribunal against four suspects accused of carrying out the attack that killed Hariri and 21 others.

“We have always wanted justice and have not resorted to revenge,” Hariri, who attended the hearings, told journalists.

He added that hearing about the assassination of his father in court was difficult as a son but he had to put his feelings aside.

“There are things that hurt, but when in a position of responsibility, we have to look at the country’s interest,” he said.

Four alleged members of Iran-backed Hezbollah have been tried in absentia of planning and executing the bombing, which rocked the religiously divided country.

The closing arguments will run until September 21. No date has been set for a verdict but it is expected next year.