On emerging, Hariri spoke to awaiting journalists outside the STL, saying, "I came to attend the opening of the final hearings of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, where the Prosecution and the Defense Offices make their closing arguments before the judges issue their verdict in this case."
"There is no doubt that this day is difficult for me, as the son of Rafic Hariri. Rafic Hariri, and the other martyrs of March 14, fell to protect Lebanon, not to destroy it. Therefore, from the start, we demanded justice because we believe that justice and the truth protect Lebanon. This is what we always wanted and we never resorted to revenge. Rafic Hariri was not a man of revenge but of justice and we will continue on this path," Hariri asserted.
"Other relatives of the victims were also present today. Within a few months, the verdict will be issued, and justice will be achieved. This justice that we have always demanded. It may have taken some time, and maybe with time, one becomes calmer. He sees the facts, and reflects. For me, the most important thing is the country. Like my father used to say, no one is greater than his country."
"I want to thank all those who worked in this Tribunal, the judges and lawyers," Hariri went on. "This is the first time in such tribunals that even the accused have defense lawyers. I want to thank the United Nations and all those who helped achieve this Tribunal. Lebanon witnessed many assassinations, but the truth was never revealed. This time, truth will be revealed hopefully. Those who committed this crime will pay the price, sooner or later."
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