U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Thursday welcomed the opening of the trial of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), nearly nine years after the terrorist attack that killed former Prime Minister Rafiq Harir and 22 others. "The Secretary-General stresses the vital importance of combating impunity for the long-term stability and security of Lebanon," U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said in a statement. "He notes with gratitude the continuing support of the Government of Lebanon, and of other Member States, for the work of the Tribunal