Lebanon says initial UN talks on Hariri tribunal ‘fruitful’ News
Lebanon says initial UN talks on Hariri tribunal ‘fruitful’

[JURIST] Lebanese government officials have called "fruitful" initial consultations [JURIST report] with visiting UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs Nicolas Michel [official profile] on the establishment of an international tribunal for suspects in the February 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri [JURIST news archive]. A UN spokesperson also described the meetings constructive and positive [UN News Centre report]. Lebanon Justice Minister Charles Rizk is reported to have suggested either an international tribunal set up outside of Lebanon, or a Lebanon-located court of international judges. Government officials and observers appear to agree that a completely-internal Lebanese proceeding would be too controversial, especial as Syrian defendants could be involved. The UN is authorized to lend assistance to the Lebanese government in setting up a tribunal under UN Security Council Resolution 1644 [official PDF text]. This is the first of several planned trips by Michel to Lebanon. Reuters has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Laws of Burgos put into effect

The Spanish Crown put the Laws of Burgos into effect on December 27, 1512. These laws governed the relationship of Spanish settlers with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The laws established the encomienda system of labor, promoted conversion to Catholicism, and safeguarded the indigenous peoples from physical abuse.  However, historians argue that the laws were ineffective at protecting the rights of the indigenous population. Learn more from the Library of Congress.

Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public bar smashing

On December 27, 1900, militant Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public smashing of a bar, at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. Nation argued that destroying bars was an acceptable means of battling the liquor trade since the Kansas Constitution prohibited alcohol. Learn more about Carrie Nation.

World Bank created

On December 27, 1944, the World Bank was created during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA. Learn more about the history of the World Bank.