New York - The lead UN investigator in the murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri said Tuesday that the case can be solved when an international tribunal begins prosecuting the murder in March. Daniel Bellemare requested the UN Security Council in New York extend the mandate of the international investigative commission through February so it can complete its work before the trial to be held at The Hague. The council was expected to extend the mandate beyond the December 31 expiration.
"Yes, this case can be solved," he said, adding that the investigation, which began in mid-2005, has probably been one of the most difficult in the judicial system of any countries.
Hariri was killed by a massive bomb in Beirut in February 2005. UN investigators at the time suspected Lebanese and Syrian security forces in the crime, which also killed more than 20 bystanders. Since 2005, two dozens Lebanese politicians and journalists who have made anti-Syrian statements have been assasinated.
The investigating team, which was appointed by the 15-nation council, is also responsible for finding those who killed the Lebanese politicians and journalists.
Bellemare said his investigators had found links between the Hariri murder and other fatal attacks. But he declined to provide details, warning of "lives at risk."
Syria, which occupied Lebanon for more than three decades, withdrew its vast military and intelligence forces in May 2005.
