Lebanon PM open to Hariri tribunal changes News
Lebanon PM open to Hariri tribunal changes

[JURIST] Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora [BBC profile] told reporters Wednesday that "the door remains open" for possible changes to the structure and procedure of a divisive UN-supported international tribunal [JURIST news archive] being proposed to try suspects accused of assassinating former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri [JURIST news archive] in February 2005. Siniora didn't specify what the possible amendments were, but said they would have to be advanced clearly and in writing.

The Lebanese cabinet approved a draft plan [JURIST report] for the tribunal late last month despite resignations by all six of its pro-Syrian members. Earlier this month, Lebanese President Emile Lahoud [official profile] formally refused to endorse the document [JURIST report], calling on the cabinet to take up the proposal again "when there is a legitimate and constitutional government." The measure has been approved by the UN but requires backing by both Lahoud and the Lebanese parliament before the tribunal can said to have been formally accepted. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Montgomery started racially-integrated bus service after boycott

On December 21, 1956, buses in Montgomery, Alabama, started racially integrated service following federal court rulings ending on-board segregation. Bus boycott leaders Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Rev. Ralph Abernathy were among the first riders under the new scheme. Learn about the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Stalin born

On December 21, 1879, Joseph Stalin was born in Gori, Georgia. In 1922, he became leader of the USSR until his death in 1953. During his time as Soviet dictator, Stalin industrialized his country, which he then led to become one of the world's two superpowers after WWII. Through his infamous purges, show trials and nationwide famines, Stalin also became responsible for millions of deaths.