Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Saturday denied that Syria played a role in his decision to pay Lebanon’s share of funds to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).

“At the beginning, there were statements that [my] cabinet was made by Hezbollah. Now, there are statements that Syria interfered in my position on the STL. I swear that no one interfered in the issue [of the STL],” Mikati told Al-Jazeera television.

He also voiced hope that the tribunal, which was established “to reveal the truth” behind the murder of Hariri, is not politicized, adding that his decision to pay the funds to the tribunal was coordinated with Speaker Nabih Berri and President Michel Sleiman.

“I cannot overlook any crime, especially if it is committed against a former premier. I will not be an obstacle in the face of justice, but at the same time, I am against politicizing the tribunal.”

Mikati added that he was “clear” about his position against politicizing the tribunal during his meeting with STL President Judge Sir David Baragwanath, who visited Lebanon in November.

In November, Mikati announced the transfer of funds to the UN-backed court probing the 2005 assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri. 

Asked about the witnesses who allegedly gave false testimonies to the commission probing the Hariri murder, Mikati said the issue should be taken into consideration but that he cannot make a judgment now on the false witnesses’ file.

He added that the false witnesses issue will be addressed at the “appropriate time.”

Commenting on the Syrian situation and recent sanctions imposed on it by the Arab League, the premier said Lebanon’s situation is “critical,” adding that Lebanon is dissociating itself when it comes to decisions on Syria for the “sake of national interest.”

“We are concerned about Arab consensus, and we are sure that Arab countries understand Lebanon’s stance.”

Mikati added that he wants to prevent the Syrian situation from having repercussions on Lebanese society.

“We are trying to avoid [being in a position] where we have to stand with Syria or against it.”

The PM also said that he received an official invitation to visit Paris, and added that he will go to France after the holidays end.