New evidence implicates Syria in Hariri death - UN
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-12-13 08:30

The new information "points directly at perpetrators, sponsors and organizers of an organized operation aiming at killing Mr. Hariri, including the recruitment of special agents by the Lebanese and Syrian intelligence services, handling of improvised explosive devices, a pattern of threats against targeted individuals and planning of other criminal activities," the report said.

Mehlis said that investigators had been continually slowed by "procedural maneuvering and sometimes contradictory feedback from the Syrian authorities."

Syria has vigorously denied the accusations and said Mehlis' probe was politically motivated. Officials in Damascus said they were still studying the new report.

Lebanese opposition protesters carry portraits of slain former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri during a demonstration in Beirut Martyrs square, Lebanon, in this March 14, 2005, file photo.[AP/file]

Mehlis, who will be leaving the inquiry this month, recommended the probe be extended for six months. The Security Council is expected to renew the mandate.

The death of Hariri, an opponent of Syrian domination of his country, transformed Lebanon's political landscape. The killing led to a pullout of Syrian troops from Lebanon after three decades.

DOCUMENTS BURNED

Mehlis also said that statements made by two of the suspects in Vienna indicated that all Syrian intelligence documents concerning Lebanon had been burned.

Mehlis' new report also refuted the claims of a Syrian witness, Hosam Taher Hosam, who recanted his testimony last month saying Lebanese officials had threatened and tortured him into giving false testimony.

Mehlis said his commission had received credible information that Syrian officials had arrested and threatened some of Hosam's close relatives in Syria.

"Preliminary investigation leads to a conclusion that Mr. Hosam is being manipulated by the Syrian authorities," the report said.

It said that led it to question whether Syria's own judicial commission was committed to conducting an independent and transparent investigation.

But the head of Hosam's defense team, Imran al-Zoa'bi, said the witness was not threatened, telling Arabiya TV in Dubai that no one tried to pressure Hosam or his family.