BEIRUT: The head of the United Nations-backed court probing the 2005 assassination of statesman Rafik Hariri issued a robust defense of his institution Monday, following his first trip to Lebanon last week.

Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) President Sir David Baragwanath said he received strong verbal support from senior Lebanese officials while in Beirut.

“The main purpose of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is to bring the killers of Lebanese citizens to justice. This week's visit to Beirut has given me great confidence that our mandate of challenging impunity will be fulfilled,” Baragwanath said in a statement.

“I was particularly heartened by the determination of the representatives of the Lebanese people to work for the rule of law and long-term stability.”

Baragwanath’s visit, during which he met with President Michel Sleiman, Prime Minister Najib Mikati and General Prosecutor Saeed Mirza, came as the debate over Lebanon’s financial contribution to the STL threatens to split the government.

Mikati has said he will resign if the Cabinet fails to stump up more than $30 million for the court on Nov. 30 and the Free Patriotic Movement has warned its ministers will quit should the funding pass.

The STL has accused four Hezbollah members of killing five-time premier Hariri. Lebanese authorities have been unable to arrest the suspects, leading to increasing talk within the tribunal that the four could eventually be tried in absentia.