LCCC NEWS
BULLETIN
MARCH 15/2006
Below news from the Daily
Star for 15/03/06
The Lebanese are still waiting for the revolution they demanded
Dead for years or still in Syrian prison?
UN report: Syria is cooperating
Third report of the IIIC established pursuant to Security Council resolutions
1595, 1636 and 1644
Fatfat rebuffs As-Safir, insists February 14 saw over a million demonstrators
Leaders agree Shebaa Farms is Lebanese territory
Qoleilat may dodge extradition from Brazil
UNIFIL: State of alert still in effect along Southern border
NSSF needs dues paid to function
Citizens less apprehensive ahead of UN report's release
Former MP Bakhos accuses Hashash of sabotaging polls
March 14 Forces mark anniversary
Farmer stops feeding chickens, 8,000 die
Russia-Syria arms deals legitimate, Lavrov insists
This is why the Islamists are winning.By
Rami G. Khouri
Israel assaults West Bank prison
Below news from
miscellaneous sources for 15/03/06
Lebanon to disarm Palestinians outside camps-ABC
News - USA
Lebanese leaders call for bilateral diplomatic relations with
Syria-KUNA
Chief U.N. Investigator to Submit Report to Security Council Tuesday
Analysis: Finally, hints of
cooperation in Lebanon-Jerusalem Post
Syria rejects US sanctions-Khaleej
Times
Report: Lebanese president wants Israeli land-Jerusalem
Post - Israel
Lebanon: A man they love to hate-Global Politician
Lebanon talks focus on Shebaa Farms-Aljazeera.net
Brazil nabs woman wanted for Lebanon bank fraud-Reuters
Lebanon to disarm Palestinians outside camps-Reuters
Syria's Assad to Cooperate With Hariri Probe, Investigator
Says-Bloomberg
The Lebanese are still
waiting for the revolution they demanded
Wednesday, March 15, 2006- Editorial-Daily Star
Shortly after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on
February 14, 2005, Lebanese citizens started laying the groundwork for what
would be called their "Independence Intifada." In those initial days after
Hariri's brutal murder, much of the momentum toward change came from the
country's young people, who organized marches and erected a city of tents in
Martyrs' Square to protest against the Syrian-controlled political order. They
bravely held their demonstrations, even when the government warned that the Army
might be ordered to act against them in the interest of preserving security.
Their popular uprising quickly gained momentum, culminating on March 14, 2005,
when over one million Lebanese took to the streets to demand freedom,
sovereignty and independence.
In Washington, the movement was termed Lebanon's "Cedar Revolution," a
catch-phrase that was rejected as lacking authenticity. Analysts have pointed
out the semantic difference between an intifada, or uprising against foreign
occupation, and a revolution. It is true that a primary goal articulated at the
time was the withdrawal of Syrian troops. But behind this objective was another,
more powerful sentiment, one which stemmed from a complete frustration with the
status quo. The people were seeking a radical change to the corrupt and failing
political system; they wanted the government to be overthrown and another to be
created in its place - one that would respond to the aspirations of the
governed. They wanted unity in the place of an outdated and divisive
confessional system. While they may have called it an intifada, what the
Lebanese really wanted was a revolution.
The protests forced the government to resign and Syrian troops to pull out. But
while there are no more uniformed Syrian soldiers in the streets, the Lebanese
are not much closer to achieving their aspirations. On the first anniversary of
the people's uprising, the county's rulers were gathering for the national
dialogue, which was held not far from the site of the people's massive
demonstration. The politicians who rode to prominence on the wave of people
power have been tight-lipped about their efforts to forge a consensus on how to
govern the country. The people are told little about developments in the
corridors of power, where leaders are ostensibly at work on a political project
of historic proportions. The uprising, and the people who championed it, seem
long forgotten.
The Lebanese who gathered on March 14 did not expect that repressive foreign
rule would be replaced with a homegrown closed system. That day the people made
clear their desire for a departure from the past and their hopes for a new
beginning. They are still waiting for a response.
Dead for years or still
in Syrian prison?
Family seeks clarification of son's status
By Rym Ghazal and Morshed al-Ali
Daily Star staff-Wednesday, March 15, 2006
BEIRUT: The parents of army officer Elias Aoun said they were "shocked" by the
news this week that a corpse recently unearthed at a mass grave in Yarze had
been identified as that of their missing son. A painful revelation under any
circumstances but the Aoun family's grief and confusion is compounded by the
fact they had been told repeatedly Elias was alive and held in Syria. A source
at the Defense Ministry told The Daily Star Tuesday that the army commission
investigating the Yarze mass grave is to release a report later this week with a
list of the names of those remains identified through DNA analysis. "The
families are being notified as we speak, we identified 10 of the bodies found in
the grave," the source said. Relatives and friends flocked to the Aoun residence
in Jdeidet al-Fekha, where Elias's weeping mother Georgette Maqdessi held a
portrait of her son.
Youssef Aoun, Elias's father and a retired military officer, said he is proud of
his son for sacrificing his life for his country, but wondered, "How can I be
sure about the truth?"He was particularly confused because three prisoners
recently released from a Syrian prison had said Elias was a fellow inmate before
being transferred to Mezze prison.
Another former detainee said Elias was later transferred to Tadmor prison, where
about 200 other Lebanese were detained. He recognized Elias from a picture on
display during one of the past year's protests for the release of Lebanese
detainees. Youssef said other former inmates from the Chamoun and Jaafar
families had also identified Elias. The grieving father pleaded with authorities
to undertake further investigations before issuing a final verdict. Elias was
originally pronounced dead on October 13, 1990 during a Syrian-led operation to
oust then-interim Premier Michel Aoun from Baabda. Elias' parents said they will
wait for further confirmation of their son's death before holding official
condolences in Beirut.
The remains of 20 persons were uncovered at Yarze last November. A statement
released by the army commission Monday said 10 of the bodies had been
identified. "Those found are martyrs, and will be honored as such," it said.
According to reports, the 10 identified bodies were wearing army uniforms.
The unidentified remains will be returned to the ministry graveyard, with
records of the DNA findings filed to await further investigation.
UN report: Syria is cooperating
Compiled by Daily Star staff -Wednesday, March 15, 2006
The United Nations investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime
Minister Rafik Hariri is closer to understanding the circumstances surrounding
his killing and has received better cooperation from Syria, according to its
latest report to the Security Council. While referring to the killing as a
highly complex "terrorist operation," the report said its inquiry was in a
particularly delicate stage and that it could not yet name the perpetrators,
even though an earlier report had tied the crime to Syrian security officials
and their Lebanese counterparts. Handed to the Security Council on Tuesday, the
25-page report prepared by the United Nations team headed by Serge Brammertz did
say that one of those killed in the February 14, 2005, blast had not been
identified and it was possible that he was one of the perpetrators behind the
killing.
"The commission is closer to a more complete understanding of how the
preparatory work was undertaken, how those who participated on the day performed
their respective tasks, what those tasks were before, during and after the
attack, and of the overall modus operandi employed by the perpetrators of the
attack," the commission said.
It further said those involved in carrying out the attack appeared to be "very
'professional' in their approach, as they planned to a high-percentage
likelihood for success, and conducted the operation with high standards of
individual and collective self-discipline.
"It must be assumed that at least some of those involved were likely experienced
in this type of terrorist activity," it said. The report also identified as a
"priority" the investigation of those who enabled the crime.
It said it had identified a number of individuals for interviewing and
re-interviewing, and had other evidence under review. However, it refused to
give further details due to the "critical requirement of confidentiality."
In January, the commission asked to interview Syrian President Bashar Assad and
Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa for their possible connection to the murder.
The lack of information in Brammertz's report was a marked contrast to the
details delivered by his predecessor, Detlev Mehlis, who publicly and
exhaustively described his theories about the explosion.
Brammertz did not repeat Mehlis' conclusions that the killing could not have
happened without the knowledge of senior Syrian and Lebanese intelligence
officials. It was not clear if he disagreed with Mehlis or just did not want to
discuss those details because of the sensitivity of the probe.
Concerning Syrian cooperation with the UN investigation team, the report said:
"The Syrian government has, in particular in the last three months, formally
complied with nearly all of the Commission's previous requests for assistance."
The report said Damascus had provided responses on a number of specific issues
raised by the commission, highlighting that it had examined the archives of
Syrian military intelligence and reviewed records related to the political
situation in Lebanon as requested. After two high-level meetings, reported to
have been held in Damascus and Beirut, Syria agreed to a deal granting the
commission access to "individuals, sites and information," among other things.
The report said the commission and Syrian authorities would hold regular
meetings on cooperation matters.
The report detailed, for the first time, the 14 assassinations and assassination
attempts in Lebanon since October 1, 2004.
Brammertz is scheduled to brief the 15-member Council Thursday.
- Additional reporting by Raed el-Rafei
Third report of the IIIC established pursuant to
Security Council resolutions 1595, 1636 and 1644
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
The Security Council requested the United Nations International Independent
Investigation Commission to report to the Council on the progress of the
inquiry, including on the cooperation received from the Syrian authorities,
every three months from the adoption of resolution 1644 (2005) 0115 December
2005.
This third report details the status and progress of the investigation into the
killing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 22 others, and
highlights the progress made in consolidating the Commission's organizational
structure and resources in light of both its expanded and extended mandate.
The consolidation provides critical continuity to the core work of the
Commission following the appointment of the new Commissioner, and allows it to
afford necessary technical assistance to the Lebanese authorities with regard to
the investigation of the terrorist attacks perpetrated in Lebanon since 1
October 2004, as requested by the Council in resolution 1644 (2005).
In the critical area of cooperation with the Syrian Arab Republic, a common
understanding has been reached on the operational modalities in such areas as
the applicable legal framework, access to individuals, sites, and information,
and communications with the Government.
The report presents a number of conclusions in regard to the investigation of
the Hariri assassination, and the capacity of the Lebanese authorities to
conduct their investigations into presently 14 other cases of assassination
attempts, assassinations, and explosions perpetrated in Lebanon since 1 October
2004.
Contents
I. Introduction 1-12
II. Progress in the Investigation 13-48
III. Technical Assistance in 14 other
cases 50-88
IV. International Cooperation 89-102
V. Organizational Support
103-110
VI. Conclusions 111-116
I. Introduction
1. The present report is submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 1644
(2005) of 15 December 2005, in which the Council requested the United Nations
International Independent Investigation Commission ("the Commission") to report
to the Council on the progress of the inquiry every three months, including on
the cooperation received from the authorities of the Syrian Arab Republic
("Syria").
It covers the progress made in implementing the Commission's mandate as laid out
in Security Council resolutions 1595 (2005), 1636 (2005), and 1644 (2005) since
its last report of 10 December 2005 (Sf20051775).
2.This third report details the status and progress of the investigation into
the killing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 22 others ("the
Hariri investigation"), and highlights the progress made in consolidating the
Commission's organizational structure and resources in light of both its
expanded and extended mandate. The consolidation provides critical continuity to
the core work of the Commission, and allows it to afford necessary technical
assistance to the Lebanese authorities with regard to the investigation of the
terrorist attacks perpetrated in Lebanon since 1 October 2004, as requested by
the Council in resolution 1644 (2005).
3.The Commission's work has entered into a new phase, commensurate with the
natural progression of any criminal investigation. It is developing a deeper
understanding of the structural and political environment in which the crimes
took place, an enhanced capacity to pursue new lines of inquiry, and a
methodological approach to ascertain the reliability of information obtained,
corroborate new evidence and findings, and, where appropriate, review initial
leads and working assumptions.
4.In this phase, it remains critical for the success of the Commission's work to
ensure the application of recognized standards of international and Lebanese
law. The Commission is conscious of the fact that only a credible investigative
process will be able to assist and guide the Lebanese authorities in their own
investigations, and provide an accepted basis for the establishment of a
tribunal, possibly of an international character, as requested by the Prime
Minister of Lebanon in his letter to the Secretary General of 13 December 2005
(S/2005/783), and reflected in resolution 1644 (2005). In anticipation of the
latter, the Commission has enhanced the identification, planning, implementation
and management of various support systems commensurate with cases of this
complex nature.
5.While conscious of the high level of expectations surrounding its work, the
Commission is encouraged by the Lebanese authorities' recognition of the need
for a systematic and methodological approach to the investigation. This includes
the application of internationally accepted investigative and legal standards
and an awareness of the timescale realities required to pursue the
investigations successfully, as already concluded by the Commission in its
previous reports.
6.The investigation of the blast that killed former Prime Minister Hariri and 22
other victims has advanced further. Based on a systematic evaluation of
available but previously not tracked forensic evidence, the Commission has moved
closer to establishing the exact circumstances and modus operandi of the blast.
This will provide a critical link in the chain of evidence needed to identify
and hold accountable those who are perpetrators, sponsors, organizers, and
accomplices of the crime.
The Commission, however, does not deem it appropriate, at this stage, to
disclose further details of its work as this may unnecessarily threaten the
security of witnesses, compromise the collection of future evidence and
undermine the outcome of the investigation as a whole.
The Prosecutor General of Lebanon agrees with this approach.
7.The Commission has continued to share, on a regular basis, information and
results of the Commission's investigative efforts with the relevant Lebanese
authorities and has broadened its dialogue with law enforcement and judicial
authorities to identify areas in which the Commission can best assist the
Lebanese efforts.
8.Moreover, since receiving authorization by the Council in resolution 1644
(2005), the Commission has directed part of its capacity to the task of
extending technical assistance to the Lebanese authorities with regard to the
investigations of the assassination attempts, assassinations, and explosions
perpetrated in Lebanon since I October 2004.
This has involved the provision of legal, forensic, and analytical expertise and
cooperation to the Lebanese authorities in their investigation of presently 14
cases.
9.International cooperation remains key to successfully discharging the
Commission's mandate. To that end, progress has been made in the critical area
of cooperation with Syria.
In view of the difficulties encountered by the Commission in the past in
accommodating its requests for cooperation, the Commission held two high-level
meetings, in Damascus and in Beirut, with senior Syrian Government officials.
A common understanding has been reached on the operational modalities in such
areas as access to individuals, sites, and information, witness/suspect
interviews, the applicable legal framework, and communications with the
Government. This understanding will be tested in the upcoming months.
10.In this context, the Commission has reaffirmed the legal framework of its
operations and activities, which is principally formed by the body of relevant
Security Council resolutions, most notably resolutions 1595 (2005), 1636 (2005),
1644 (2005), and the recognized standards of international criminal law, taking
into account Lebanese and other national law where consistent with these
standards.
11.During the reporting period, the Commission was also required to direct
considerable time and effort at the consolidation of its internal structure and
capacity. Uncertainties surrounding the actual length of the Commission's
mandate had led to the gradual departure of significant numbers of key staff
primarily investigators, and posed a challenge to the incoming Commissioner's
endeavors to ensure continuity and a seamless transition.
The Commission reviewed its entire staffing table, developed a new budget and
appropriate job descriptions, and recruited a number of new staff members, in
part by approaching international judicial/law enforcement institutions as well
as member states.
12.All staff members presently employed are equipped with the skills,
qualifications, and experience needed to conduct complex terrorism
investigations and international criminal law enforcement activities.
Reconciling the focus on staff security with the need to maintain staff morale
and the high levels of commitment and professionalism in a volatile and
restrictive environment continues to be a priority for the Commission's senior
management.
II. Progress in the Investigation
A. Support mechanisms
13.During the reporting period, the Commission introduced a number of essential
support mechanisms (see in more detail under Chapter V. of this report) to
further strengthen the investigation process, including an operational analysis
capacity; a legal advisory and analysis capacity; forensic coordination and
analysis capacity; an information systems management capacity commensurate with
the complexity of the case; standard operating procedures for investigative work
such as interviews of witnesses and suspects; minimum legal and operational
standards for interpreters and translators; the procurement of electronic
analysis tools and case management software; specialist skills, e.g.
anti-terrorism expertise, as and when required; and a rolling recruitment
process to provide continuity and depth to the investigation effort. These core
functions within the investigative process are crucial to conduct complex
patterns analysis, manage extensive amounts of communications data, and identify
linkages.
B. Methodology
14.In pursuing the investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister
Rafik Hariri and 21 other named victims (Zahi Abou-Rjeyleh, Yehya Al-Arab,
Mohammed Al-Ghalayini, Abdul Hamid Al-Ghalayini Mahmoud Saleh Al-Khalaf, Sobhi
Al-Khodr, Omar Al-Masri, Mahmoud Hamad Al-Mohammad, Joseph Aoun, Alaa Asfour,
Rima Bazzi, Abdu Bou-Farah, Mazen Dahabi, Yamama Damen, Mohammed Darweesh,
Bassel Fouleyhan, Rawad Haydar, Farhan Issa, Talal Nasser, Haytham Ousman, Ziad
Tarraf. An unidentified body was also found), the Commission, since the January
of this year, has been following a three-pronged approach: (i) review of
collected information and evidence; (ii) analysis of existing information and
evidence; and (iii) pursuit of selected existing or identified new lines of
inquiry. While shifting in their relative emphasis, all three core objectives
are being advanced, simultaneously, to ensure balanced strategic direction and
continued forward momentum.
15.Firstly, the Commission undertook a review of all intelligence, information
and evidence collected since the inception of its work in June of 2005. The
review has included an assessment of the manner and rationale for the collection
of this large volume of material as well as an evaluation of the evidentiary
standard and legal thresholds applied. All key collection categories (i.e. crime
scene, execution of the assassination operation, linkages to alleged
perpetrators, perpetrator involvement and target identification) have been
subjected to this process. This review has been nearly completed.
16.Secondly, the Commission has established a multi-disciplinary investigative
capacity to analyze and review existing and new intelligence, information, and
evidence, in order to assess its value for the development of the case. Such
capacity is essential to effective investigative work and to assess any
modifications in the case direction.
17.Thirdly, the Commission continues to pursue selected existing lines and newly
identified lines of inquiry while ensuring the application of minimum
international operating and legal standards, at all times, in anticipation of a
possible future judicial process.
18.Following the above-mentioned review of the existing sources, a decision has
been taken to discontinue some of the previously identified leads, and to
corroborate and ascertain the specific utility of some others to the case.
C. Current status of the investigation
1. Circumstances of the blast
Nature of the impact
19.The Commission has moved closer to establishing a unifying theory of the
exact circumstances of the blast that killed Mr. Hariri, 21 other named victims
and a single unidentified person, possibly one of the perpetrators. It has
evaluated comprehensive supporting evidence, including forensic findings of how
the crime was perpetrated and on the nature of the blasts. It has also further
examined the possibility of an aboveground, underground or combination impact.
Engaging the services of terrorism experts was of great help to the Commission
and has produced valuable new insights into the means and methods used by the
perpetrators on the day of the crime.
20.Since the beginning of the Commission's work, there have been numerous
forensic reports, varying both in their terms of reference and the specificity
of tasks undertaken. Over the last few weeks, all of these reports have been
subjected to a comparative forensic analysis aimed at establishing areas of
commonality or contradiction, gaps in their terms of reference, and the quality
of forensic collection. This analysis was necessary to satisfy the minimum
standards required of any future legal process as well as to enable the
investigation to discard certain theories while testing and scrutinizing other
theories.
21.As a result, further forensic study of the crime scene will be carried out,
including the examination of surrounding areas, types and origin of the
explosives conducting important DNA analysis as well as a thorough examination
of the damaged vehicles.
22.Forensic examination of the crime scene It is likely that fragments from
relevant vehicles are still at the crime scene. Thus, even after the crime scene
is designated as "clean" of forensic evidence and handed over to the Lebanese
authorities for re development, the Commission will continue to provide forensic
coverage for the blast affected area, in case any other forensic-related
evidence is found.
23.DNA examination The Commission deems it necessary to establish the ethnic and
regional origin of the single unidentified person whose human remains have been
found at the crime scene and to complete an inventory of DNA samples that have
been collected and analyzed to date. Also, parts of the driving compartment of
the Mitsubishi truck have been collected and will be tested for explosives
residues, DNA and/or fingerprints. They will, thus, be submitted for forensic
examination and comparative analysis.
24.Inventory of forensic exhibits A complete inventory of all forensic exhibits
is being established to record essential data, including the type of exhibit,
picture, date and origin of collection, identity of the examining person and
actual location.
25.Exact time of blast/s The time of occurrence given by the report of the
initial fact-finding commission (S/2005/203), namely 12:56:26, and by the
National Centre of Geophysics in Lebanon, namely 12:55:05, differ. It is crucial
to establish the reasons for a time difference of apparently 1 minute 21
seconds, then determine the exact time of the blast/s, in order to integrate
other forms of evidence concerning the implementation and mechanical aspects of
the operation.
26.Videotape analysis Further forensic and media-technical examination is
required of the videotape of Ahmad Abu Addas and its packaging, e.g. DNA,
fingerprints, videotape analysis.
27.Seismologic analysis While the seismologic analysis has been conducted by
specialists in natural seismology, it is necessary to complement this with an
analysis by specialists in artificial seismology to determine the properties of
the explosion.
Properties of the blasts
28.While there still remains contradictory information on whether the blasts
occurred underground or aboveground (as well as on the immediate events
surrounding the attack), the Commission is pursuing promising lines of inquiry
and achieving clarity in this respect. It has prioritized its evaluation of
possible road works occurring in the vicinity of the explosion prior to the
detonation.
Mitsubishi truck
29.In its second report the Commission discussed the line of inquiry surrounding
a stolen Mitsubishi truck. This remains an on-going initiative, with significant
DNA analysis being scheduled and further information being sought as to the
vehicle's origins and movements prior to the blast/s. It was stated that further
investigation was required into an allegation that a Mitsubishi truck was seen
in a camp in Zabadane (Syria) shortly before the explosion This allegation needs
to be further corroborated and remains an on going line of enquiry in the
context of the evaluation of the information provider.
HSBC footage
30.The Commission noted in its previous report that certain individuals present
at the crime scene and captured in the HSBC Close Circuit TV footage had been
acting suspiciously and that further interviews would be required This line of
enquiry remains open. Additional analysis of the HSBC footage is on-going to
support new lines of inquiry, in particular concerning the modus operandi of the
perpetrators.
Modus operandi for the attack
31.There still remains no single unifying theory with comprehensive supporting
evidence of how the execution of the operation was implemented. However, the
Commission is closer to a more complete understanding of how the preparatory
work was undertaken, how those who participated on the day performed their
respective tasks, what those tasks were before, during, and after the attack and
of the overall modus operandi employed by the perpetrators for the attack.
32.Four investigative measures contribute to this understanding: (i) the
collection of witness and victim testimony; (ii) forensic investigation; (iii)
expertise in the means and methods assessments; and (iv) overlaid application of
analysis of communications patterns, both on the day of and in the lead-up to
the crime. The latter aspect is being evaluated for authenticity and
reliability. While the Commission has obtained significant results in this area
over the last two months, it would not be appropriate to disclose any specific
information at this stage of the investigation.
33.On a more general note, it has become clear that the means and methods of
such a terrorist operation are more complex in their preparatory and planning
stage, and simpler in their execution. The individuals who perpetrated this
crime appear to be very "professional" in their approach, as they planned to a
high percentage likelihood for success, and conducted the operation with high
standards of individual and collective self-discipline. It must be assumed that
at least some of those involved were likely experienced in this type of
terrorist activity.
Other previously identified leads
34.In its second report, the Commission suggested that further investigation
into the mooted delay of Mr Hariri' s motorcade and into the apparent
interference with telecommunications on 14 February 2005 would be undertaken,
and that the origins of a call to Al-Jazeera be further investigated. The first
two topics have been largely dealt with by the Commission, and it has satisfied
itself as to the findings and their relevance. The third topic remains under
consideration, and the Commission is actively engaged in clarifying and
developing the issue.
2. Those who committed the crime on the ground
35.The identification of the actual "on the ground" perpetrators of the crime on
the day is an on-going aspect of the investigation. The Commission believes it
is inappropriate to comment extensively on this facet of its inquiry, but can
state that it has made progress in the investigation and pro-actively continues
to pursue its work into this component of the case.
3. Those who enabled the crime
36.The Commission believes that there is a layer of perpetrators between those
who initially commissioned the crime and the actual perpetrators on the day of
the crime, namely those who enabled the crime to occur. Participation in
enabling the crime can be tangential or central to its perpetration, and can
carry differing levels of criminal liability. Because this area of the
investigation promises to be fruitful for the Commission, it is being given
priority. While the Commission has identified a number of individuals for
interviewing or re-interviewing, as well as other forms of evidence for review,
no further details can be disclosed at this stage due to the critical
requirement for confidentiality.
37.The Commission is also actively pursuing several lines of enquiry identified
in its previous reports. For example, the role of the Al-Ahbash organization,
and members thereof, is still being evaluated for its relevance to the
investigation. Likewise, the Commission's earlier suggestion to restore military
intelligence archives for its review remains an on-going line of investigative
inquiry. The Commission also continues to investigate and evaluate the extent to
which certain intercepted telephone conversations referred to previously provide
any insight into the scope of involvement of key individuals in the
assassination. Further, the reduction of security personnel for Mr. Hariri' is
currently being evaluated in the context of its relevance and in relative terms
of priority with other lines of inquiry. Similarly, the Commission is evaluating
the documentation of orders by the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF)
asking to place Mr. Hariri under surveillance.
4. Those who commissioned the crime
38.Due to the highly complex nature of the sponsoring, support and execution of
terrorist activities, it is critical for the Commission to identify and utilize
new forms of intelligence and information to establish links between the crime
itself and those who enabled or commissioned it. The Commission is proactively
pursuing a number of sources which can yield such data.
39.The Commission has also begun conducting a series of interviews aimed at
clarifying the existence of an alleged informal oral agreement referred to in
its previous report as the "Damascus Protocol".
40.Regarding other previously identified leads, the Commission has evaluated the
relevance of issues surrounding the affairs of the bank Al-Madina and concluded
that the issue remains a task for f investigation. The second report also
mentioned that a fund operated by the former Director of Surete Generale was
being cross-checked with other lines of inquiry' This remains the case today and
continues to be a factor for investigative consideration as and when
appropriate.
41.Moreover, the Commission has undertaken a comparative telephone analysis
cross-referencing numbers allegedly related to the Hariri assassination and the
14 other attacks. This analysis has been completed as a preliminary exercise,
and remains a priority task for further consideration. Similarly, the analysis
with regard to a pre-paid SIM card user has been completed as a preliminary
exercise and remains a priority topic for the investigation.
5. Interaction with the Lebanese authorities
42.In its resolution 1595 (2005), the Security Council requested that the
Commission assist the Lebanese authorities in their investigation of all aspects
of the 14 February 2005 terrorist act. In order to enable the Commission to
discharge its duties, the Council stated that the Commission shall enjoy the
"full cooperation of the Lebanese authorities, including full access to all
documentary, testimonial and physical information, and evidence in their
possession". In addition, the Council gave the Commission the authority to
"collect any additional information and evidence", in particular to interview
witnesses. The framework set out by the Security Council has been further
refined in a Memorandum of Understanding of 13 June 2005 between the United
Nations and the Government of the Republic of Lebanon.
43.The interaction between the Commission and the Lebanese authorities is the
centerpiece of this novel joint - national and international - effort to
identify the perpetrators, sponsors, organizers and accomplices of the terrorist
attack of 14 February 2005. The Commission would like to commend the commitment
displayed in this respect by the Prosecutor General of Lebanon and his office,
and the investigating judge in this case. Close coordination and effective
interaction will become even more essential as and when the investigation is
nearing its completion and the results of both the Commission's work and the
Lebanese investigation will be used in a court of law.
Information sharing and coordination
44.Numerous coordination meetings were held in recent months and case-related
information has been shared, including witnesses and suspect statements. For
instance, on 2 March 2006, the Commission received from the Lebanese authorities
statements taken by 1SF investigators regarding an important aspect of the
investigation. In turn, on 3 March 2006, the Commission transmitted to the
competent investigating judge seven binders of documents, including
witness/suspect statements. On 8 March 2006, the Commission's and the Lebanese
authorities' forensic experts met to discuss the status of various DNA projects
both related to the Hariri investigation and that of the 14 other terrorist
attacks. Forensic coordination is critical to ensure that these 14 cases are
being investigated adequately from a forensic perspective, both individually and
horizontally.
45.These initiatives have already contributed towards strengthening the
investigative capabilities and confidence of the Lebanese judicial and law
enforcement agencies. It must be recalled that the Commission is primarily
assisting the Lebanese authorities in their investigation. Hence, it must be
ensured that all relevant information be shared with the Lebanese authorities in
a timely fashion to enable the Lebanese judiciary to adequately discharge its
functions. The Commission will thus, as a matter of policy, accompany any
witness/suspect statements shared with the Lebanese authorities with its own
assessment of the actual evidentiary value of the information provided.
46.Among the issues still to be clarified with the Lebanese authorities is that
of information obtained from sensitive sources. Naturally, the Prosecutor
General would like to have access to all information obtained from sensitive
sources relevant to the ongoing investigation.
47.However, sensitive sources and potential witnesses who appear to possess
credible information relevant to the investigation have on occasion conditioned
their cooperation with the Commission upon the premise that their information
will not be divulged to the Lebanese authorities. The Commission aims at finding
a practical case-by-case solution to this issue that would allow for the testing
of integrity and reliability of sources or potential witnesses. The ability of
the Commission and the Lebanese authorities to keep and attract further
potential insider witnesses will depend on the ability to protect them. A first
meeting has taken place between the Prosecutor General's office and the
Commission to begin discussions on the application of witness protection support
programs within the context of the national Lebanese judicial system, and
possibly a tribunal of an international character. The discussions covered the
flail range of measures and procedures commonly associated with such programs.
Suspects and arrests
48.In the course of the ongoing investigation into the attack of 14 February
2005, and in order to preserve their procedural rights, several individuals have
been interrogated as suspects by the Lebanese judiciary and the Commission In
total 14 suspects were arrested by the Lebanese and, in one case by the French
authorities, some following a recommendation by the Commission To date, 10
individuals are still held in custody in connection with the Hariri
investigation.
49.All these individuals are suspected of having committed crimes under the
Lebanese Penal Code, the Weapons and Ammunitions Law, and the so-called Law
dated 11 January 1958. The suspects can be grouped into three categories: (i)
persons suspected of instigating and participating in the planning and execution
of the crime, based on articles 270, 271, 314, 549 and 549/201 of the Penal
Code, articles 2,4, 5 and 6 of the Law dated 11 January 1958, and articles 72
and 76 of the Weapons and Ammunitions Law; (ii) individuals suspected of
withholding information concerning a crime committed against state security,
forgery, or fraudulent use of personal documents, based on articles 398, 471 and
471/454 of the Penal Code, articles 2, 4, 5 and 6 of the Law dated 11 January
1958, and articles 72 and 76 of the Weapons and Ammunitions Law; and (iii)
individuals suspected of making false testimony, based on article 408 of the
Penal Code.
Ill. Technical Assistance in 14 Other Cases
50.In resolution 1644 (2005), the Security Council authorized the Commission,
following the request of the Lebanese Government, to extend its technical
assistance as appropriate to the Lebanese authorities with regard to their
investigations of the terrorist attacks perpetrated in Lebanon since 1 October
2004, that is, the assassination attempts and assassinations and explosions that
took place in Lebanon starting with the attack on Minister and Member of the
Lebanese Parliament Marwane Hamadeh on 1 October 2004. The Council also
requested the Secretary General, in consultations with the Commission and the
Lebanese Government, to present recommendations on whether to expand the mandate
of the Commission to include investigations of those other attacks.
A. Progress in providing technical assistance
51.The Commission has offered assistance in seven substantive areas: crime
analysis; legal analysis; forensic analysis and investigation; identification of
next investigative steps, gaps, and areas of strength; horizontal inter-case
crime analysis; identification of any linkages of the 14 cases to the Hariri
investigation; and identification of areas for future investigative capacity
building measures. Mindful of the Commission's continuing operational focus on
the Hariri investigation, the provision of such assistance takes place on a
case-by-case basis and is governed significantly by the amount of resources
available to the Commission for these tasks. More detailed technical assistance
may become necessary should preliminary assessments indicate potential linkages
between the 14 cases or with the Hariri investigation.
52.The Commission met with the Prosecutor General of Lebanon on 1 February 2006
to discuss the modalities of the requested technical assistance to the Lebanese
authorities. Based on a series of additional individual meetings with the
relevant military and investigating judges in charge of these cases, the
Commission developed an action plan. On 6 February 2006, the Commissioner and
the Prosecutor General, joined by the investigating judges, agreed on the
modalities of their cooperation with respect to the investigation of those
terrorist attacks perpetrated since 1 October 2004.
53.Between 8 and 24 February 2006, the Commission held 14 meetings with eight
investigating judges responsible for the cases. The objective of the meetings
was to understand the facts and merits of each individual case; to assess the
status and progress of the investigation; to discuss any problems encountered
during the investigations; and to hear the investigating judges' views on means
to manage the investigative issues. Based on these meetings and additional
documentation provided, the Commission conducted individual case analyses and
established the respective requirements of each case in terms of technical
assistance to be provided by the Commission.
54.In addition, the Commission visited the crime scenes of seven attacks for
preliminary orientation and assessment purposes. It further held meetings on 24
February 2006 with the Chief of the Explosives Department of the Scientific
Police Division of ISF and the Chief of the Explosives Ordinance Devices Unit
(Engineer Battalion). A meeting was held with the Prosecutor General's office to
discuss witness management and protection services, particularly in light of the
possible creation of a tribunal of an international character. The Commissioner
also had a working meeting with the management of the 1SF forensic laboratory to
discuss the need for further support to establish adequate technical
capabilities.
REST OF THE REPORT tomorrow
Leaders agree Shebaa Farms is Lebanese territory
By Majdoline Hatoum and Nafez Qawas
Daily Star staff
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Lebanese national Dialogue round 2 - Day 2
BEIRUT: Lebanon's leaders reached an agreement over three of the country's five
top politically disputed issues on Tuesday, unanimously saying Shebaa Farms is
Lebanese, announcing Lebanon will establish diplomatic relations with Syria, and
deciding to disarm Palestinian factions outside refugee camps within six month.
However, the third round of dialogue, expected Wednesday March 22, will be the
thorniest, as the remaining issues on the agenda are the most disputable:
disarming Hizbullah and ousting President Emile Lahoud.
The agreement was welcomed by regional and international players, with Saudi
Arabia, which has encouraged Lebanese political factions to reach consensus,
welcoming the progress, and UN Special Envoy to the Middle East, Terje Roed-Larsen
saying "such a consensus is an important foundation."
"The national dialogue in Lebanon should be guided by the principles of Security
Resolution 1559, and I am glad to say that today's agreement is in full
accordance with the resolution. I look forward to its full implementation on the
foundations of this consensus," Larsen said.
"There was agreement on a lot of issues that were divisive for us and we did not
think at some moments we could agree on them," said Parliament majority leader
MP Saad Hariri following the session.
"Today no one won but Lebanon," he added.
Tuesday's agreement was announced during the day by Speaker Nabih Berri,
following the third session of the second round of national dialogue, which
kicked off Monday. "Everyone present on the roundtable agreed that Shebaa Farms
and Kfar Shouba areas are Lebanese, and stressed their full support for the
government to prove the Lebanese identity of these areas before the United
Nations," Berri told reporters after the meeting.
He added that Premier Fouad Siniora informed the participants in the national
dialogue that he had a ready "file on this issue, and will soon present it to
the UN."
Shebaa Farms are currently under Israeli occupation, with Lebanon saying its
Lebanese land, and the UN saying it's a Syrian area occupied by Israel.
The speaker also said that the participants in the country's national dialogue
agreed to form relations with the government of Damascus, stressing the need to
create diplomatic representation with Syria, monitor borders between the two
countries, and solve the issue of Lebanese detainees in Syrian jails.
"All those gathered agreed to establish equal relations between the two
countries based on mutual trust and respect, and this will be embodied as
soon as possible through the establishment of diplomatic ties between Syrian and
Lebanese governments at the levels of embassies," Berri said.
He also said that the country's 14 top political leaders had affirmed a
government decision "to end the presence of the arms outside Palestinian refugee
camps in six months, and to tackle the issue of the arms inside the camps."Berri
pledged at the same time to improve dismal Palestinian living conditions, but
added leaders maintained their belief that refugees will not be settled in
Lebanon. Berri said the issues of disarming Hizbullah and ousting Lahoud will be
tackled next Wednesday. But he stressed that the "choice of the resistance
remains, remains, remains - until the last inch of Lebanese land is free."Hariri,
who pointed out the agreement came on the first year commemoration of the
"Independence Intifada," said the guarantee to implement decisions made on the
dialogue's roundtable was "those present in the dialogue."
"The guarantee is that political leaderships have agreed on making this happen,"
he said.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Information Minister Ghazi Aridi, who was present at
the dialogue during the day with Druze leader MP Walid Jumblatt, said Jumblatt
will support the choice of armed resistance, as soon as the UN acknowledges
Shebaa Farms is Lebanese.
"Such an acknowledgement will give legitimacy to the work of the resistance,"
Aridi said.
Jumblatt has been contending for the past couple of months that Shebaa Farms are
not Lebanese, and that there was thus no longer a need for the resistance's
armed struggle. But following his U.S. trip last week, Jumblatt said parts of
Shebaa were Lebanese but did not enjoy Lebanon's sovereignty.
After the session, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea expressed his belief that
ending Israeli occupation to Shebaa Farms should happen through diplomatic
channels, and if that doesn't work "armed resistance should be the last resort."
"But we will discuss this next week, and we will see what will happen."
But speaking after the session, the head of Hizbullah's parliamentary bloc, MP
Mohammad Raad, said that he hoped the country's politicians would accept a
formula "allowing the resistance to protect Lebanon within a pre-agreed
defensive strategy."
"We hope next week's discussions will lead to this," Raad said.
Meanwhile, Anwar Raja, a spokesman for the pro-Syrian Popular Front for the
Liberation of Palestine-General Command, rejected the six-month deadline given
by the Lebanese politicians to disarm Palestinian factions outside refugees
camps, saying the deadline sounded like "a military warning."
"What will happen if we needed a week more than the six months? Will they point
the guns toward us?" he asked.
He said Lebanon should first improve Palestinian civil and humanitarian rights
before discussing the question of weapons.
Syria's Assad to Cooperate With Hariri Probe,
Investigator Says
March 14 (Bloomberg) -- Syria has agreed to fully cooperate with the United
Nations-authorized probe into the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq
Hariri, including arranging a meeting this month with Syrian President Bashar
al-Assad, the chief investigator said in a report. ``Progress has been made in
the critical area of cooperation with Syria,'' Belgian prosecutor Serge
Brammertz said in a 25-page report given today to the Security Council. It's his
first report since succeeding German prosecutor Detlev Mehlis as head of the
inquiry in January. ``A common understanding has been reached,'' Brammertz said.
``Despite these encouraging steps, it is important to note that the commission
will ultimately judge the cooperation of the Syrian authorities on the merits of
the information provided and the promptness with which its requests are being
accommodated.'' Mehlis said Lebanese and Syrian intelligence officials,
including Assad's brother and brother-in-law, were implicated in the
truck-bombing that killed Hariri and 22 others in Beirut on Feb. 14. While Syria
has denied any involvement in the attack, the country's government didn't
cooperate fully with the investigation, Mehlis said in earlier reports.
Public outrage at the murders forced Syria to comply with international demands
and pull its troops from neighboring Lebanon in April. The withdrawal ended a
29-year presence and led to an election victory in June that gave the
anti-Syrian political bloc a majority in Lebanon's parliament.
Bombing Details Sought
While saying that further investigation has allowed the inquiry to ``move closer
to establishing the exact circumstances and modus operandi'' of the bombing,
Brammertz doesn't name any new suspects or disclose details of his conclusions.
At the direction of the Security Council, the investigators began assisting
Lebanese government investigations into 14 other terrorist acts committed since
October 2004. Brammertz said Lebanon's lack of progress ``strains the confidence
in, and trust between, the judiciary, the various security forces, the families
of the victims and the public in general.''
Syria has agreed to provide all documents, physical evidence and testimony
requested by the inquiry, and will arrest anyone implicated in Hariri's
assassination, according to Brammertz. ``The understanding will be tested in the
upcoming months,'' he said. Brammertz, 42, was named Belgian's federal
prosecutor in 2002 after a career in the nation's justice system that began in
1989. He has also worked for the European Commission to fight organized crime
and cross-border trafficking in persons.
He will head the probe for at least six months, the extended term mandated by
the Security Council in January.
Lebanon to disarm Palestinians outside camps
Mar 14, 2006 — By Lin Noueihed and Alaa Shahine
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Rival Lebanese leaders meeting to end a debilitating
political crisis failed to agree on Tuesday on the key issues of whether
Hizbollah guerrillas should disarm and whether pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud
should go.
However, they did agree on removing weapons from Palestinian factions outside
refugee camps, and called for full diplomatic ties with Syria, which has never
had an embassy in Beirut. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who called the
"national dialogue" conference, said the talks would continue on March 22.
"There was agreement on a lot of issues that were divisive for us and we did not
think at some moments we could agree on them," said Saad al-Hariri, leader of
the anti-Syrian parliament bloc and son of slain former Prime Minister Rafik
al-Hariri. "Today no one won but Lebanon." Lebanese politicians had warned that
any failure in the talks could sharpen divisions in a country still scarred by
its 1975-1990 civil war and undermine efforts to control a public debt that
reached around $36 billion last year.
The gathering came close to collapse last week when a row broke out over demands
by an anti-Syrian leader visiting the United States for Syrian-backed Hizbollah
to be disarmed.
But top politicians, pro- and anti-Syrian, Muslim and Christian, assembled again
this week to thrash out some of the less complex issues, including sorting out
ties with Damascus.
"All those gathered agreed to establish equal relations between the two
countries based on mutual trust and respect to be embodied as soon as possible
through the establishment of diplomatic ties between Syrian and Lebanon at the
levels of embassies," Berri told reporters after the meeting.
DIPLOMATIC ANOMALY
Syria, which intervened early in the civil war, kept troops in Lebanon for 29
years until an outcry over Hariri's killing forced it to withdraw. Damascus has
long argued that the two countries are so close they do not need diplomatic
ties. Some Lebanese see this as a refusal to accept Lebanon's sovereignty.
There was no immediate reaction from Syria on the Lebanese leaders' decision to
seek formal diplomatic relations. Berri said the leaders backed a government
decision to disarm Palestinians outside refugee camps in six months and to
"tackle the issue of the arms inside the camps," while also pledging to improve
Palestinian living conditions in Lebanon.
Palestinian refugees in Lebanon live in 12 squalid camps run by Palestinian
groups and are denied some services and jobs. Radical Palestinian groups close
to Damascus also run several military bases along the eastern border and near
Beirut. Many Lebanese see the bases as remaining vestiges of Syria's influence
following its troop withdrawal almost a year ago.
Lebanon plans to close the bases in line with a U.N. resolution demanding
militias in the tiny country disarm.
Anwar Raja, a spokesman for the pro-Syrian Popular Front for the Liberation of
Palestine-General Command, told Reuters the six-month deadline sounded like "a
military warning."
"What will happen if we needed a week more than the six months? Will they point
the guns toward us?" he asked. He said Lebanon should first improve Palestinian
civil and humanitarian rights before discussing the weapons question. The
politicians also agreed to consider the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms border
area Lebanese land, even though the United Nations says it belongs to Syria.
Israel seized the tiny pocket of land in the 1967 Middle East War.
Hizbollah attacks helped end Israel's 22-year occupation of southern Lebanon in
2000. The United Nations considers Israel's withdrawal complete but Hizbollah
has vowed to liberate the Shebaa Farms and often attacks Israeli posts in the
area.
The politicians agreed to keep talking about the issues of Hizbollah weaponry
and the fate of Lahoud, who has been under pressure from anti-Syrian politicians
to resign. He has vowed to serve out his term, which was extended amid
widespread opposition in 2004 at Syria's behest.
Lebanon to disarm Palestinians outside camps
BEIRUT, March 14 (Reuters) - Lebanese leaders agreed at national talks on
Tuesday to disarm Palestinian factions outside refugee camps within six months
and called for full diplomatic ties with Syria. But the officials meeting to end
a political crisis that has paralysed the country did not agree on the two
hottest issues: disarming the pro-Syrian Hizbollah guerrilla group and the fate
of pro-Syrian president Emile Lahoud. Further talks would take place on March
22, said parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who called the "national dialogue"
conference. "There was agreement on a lot of issues that were divisive for us
and we did not think at some moments we could agree on them," said Saad
al-Hariri, leader of the anti-Syrian parliament bloc and son of slain former
Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri. "Today no one won but Lebanon."
Lebanese politicians had warned that any failure to reach a consensus in the
talks could leave the country that fought a 1975-1990 civil war more divided and
undermine efforts to control a public debt that reached above $35 billion last
year.
The talks came close to collapse last week when a row broke out over demands by
an anti-Syrian leader visiting the United States for Hizbollah to be disarmed.
But top politicians, pro- and anti-Syrian, Muslim and Christian, gathered again
on Tuesday to thrash out some of the less complex issues. "All those gathered
agreed to establish equal relations between the two countries based on mutual
trust and respect to be embodied as soon as possible through the establishment
of diplomatic ties between Syrian and Lebanon at the levels of embassies," Berri
told reporters after the meeting. He said the leaders affirmed a government
decision "to end the presence of the arms outside the refugee camps in six
months and to tackle the issue of the arms inside the camps," but pledged to
improve dismal Palestinian living conditions in Lebanon also. The politicians
also agreed to consider the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms border area Lebanese
land and to follow up the issue with the United Nations, which considers it
Syrian soil seized by the Jewish state in the 1967 Middle East War.
Lebanese leaders call for bilateral diplomatic
relations with Syria
BEIRUT, March 14 (KUNA) -- Lebanese political leaders on Tuesday made
significant breakthroughs in a national reconciliation dialogue, which entered
its second week in a row, and unanimously called for diplomatic representation
with Syria. The leaders also called for "resolving the issue of Palestinian
weapons outside the refugee camps," Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri told
reporters. He added that the decision to have bilateral diplomatic relations
with Syria was "in line with the Taif National Accord," which has served as a
national constitution since it was launched in 1990.
"Participants in the dialogue have so far unanimously agreed to take the issue
of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Al-Hariri to an
international court and to expand the powers of such an investigation into the
murder," Berri said.
On the Palestinian issue, Berri said that participants agreed to "let the
government deal with the issue as well as that of improving the living
conditions of Palestinians within the camps.
On the issue of the Shebaa Farms, Lebanese leaders expressed their conviction
that they belonged to Lebanon and called on the government to adopt practical
steps to prove that fact. On another controversial issue, that of the
demand for impeaching Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on grounds of not living
up to his role, Berri said that more discussion was needed. The national
dialogue had kicked off on March 2 with 14 national leaders taking part.
Chief U.N. Investigator to Submit Report to Security
Council Tuesday
Chief U.N. investigator Serge Brammertz, who is leading the inquiry into the
murder of former Premier Rafik Hariri, is expected to submit his first report to
the Security Council Tuesday, the U.N. said. Brammertz, who arrived in New York
Monday, was scheduled to brief the 15-member Council Thursday, the U.N. press
office said. But the report would not be released to the media immediately, it
added. Last month, Brammertz, a 43-year-old Belgian prosecutor, went to U.N.
headquarters to review progress in the probe since he took up his new duties
January 23, succeeding German judge Detlev Mehlis. Since his nomination on
January 11, Brammertz has conducted his mission in utmost secrecy. He made his
first trip to Damascus on February 23 where he met with Foreign Minister Walid
Moallem.
In January, the commission asked to interview Syrian President Bashar Assad and
Vice President Farouk Sharaa for their possible connection with the murder, but
it is still not clear if Brammertz has achieved progress towards this goal.
Hariri was killed along with 21 other people in a massive bomb blast on the
Beirut seafront in February 2005.
Two previous reports by the U.N. commission implicated Syrian and Lebanese
intelligence for top-level involvement in the assassination. Four Lebanese
generals have been arrested and a number of top Syrian officials have been
interviewed in Vienna by U.N. investigators.Syria, the longtime powerbroker in
Lebanon, has denied involvement and blasted the reports as politically
biased.However, Mehlis said in a newspaper interview in December that the Syrian
authorities "are responsible" for the Hariri killing.In Beirut, An Nahar said
Investigating Magistrate Elias Eid denied a request to release the four generals
who are former Surete Generale chief Jamil Sayyed, ex-military intelligence head
Raymond Azar, ex-commander of the Internal Security Forces Ali Hajj and Mustafa
Hamdan who headed the Presidential Guard Brigade.
Last week the suspects' lawyers submitted a memorandum calling for their release
on the grounds that there is no evidence to take legal action against them. They
were arrested in August on Mehlis's recommendation and were subsequently charged
with complicity in the murder as well as attempted murder and terrorism.
The U.N. and Lebanon have been discussing the possibility of trying those
suspected of involvement in the killing in an international court. Last week,
Telecommunications Ministers Marwan Hamadeh announced from U.N. headquarters in
New York that the international body was expected to make an official
announcement soon on the formation of the tribunal.
In January, U.N. chief Kofi Annan asked Under-Secretary General for Legal
Affairs Nicolas Michel to travel to Beirut to consult Lebanese leaders about the
nature of the court. Security Council Resolution 1644, adopted December 15,
acknowledged Lebanon's request for an international tribunal to try the accused
for the Hariri murder and for an international probe into a dozen bombings that
targeted anti-Syrian critics over the past year. Brammertz is a former deputy
prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in charge of the investigations
division.(AFP-Naharnet) Beirut, Updated 14 Mar 06, 09:45
Syria kills 'Islamist militants'
Two Islamist militants have been killed in armed clashes with Syrian forces
north-west of Damascus, the official Syrian news agency says. Mohammed Ali
Nassif and Yasser Adawi, members of the militant group Jund al-Sham, were killed
near the mountain resort of Zabadani, Sana said. There were several clashes
between Syrian troops and militants last year.
In December, two alleged members of Jund al-Sham were shot dead near the
northern city of Aleppo.
One member of the Syrian security services was slightly wounded during the raid
near the resort, 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Damascus. "Rifles, books,
statements inciting extremism and terrorist acts as well as a computer were
confiscated from the terrorists' location," Sana added.
Islamists
Syrian forces have been tracking Tanzim Jund al-Sham lil-Jihad wa al-Tawhid (Organisation
of the Soldiers of the Levant for Jihad and Monotheism) since November 2004,
when a member was killed attempting to plant a roadside bomb. The group's
leader, Abu Umar, was killed in a raid on an apartment in southern Damascus in
June, Sana reported at the time. It is not known whether Syria's Jund al-Sham is
the same group as one that operates under the same name and said it had carried
out a bomb attack on the Egyptian Sinai resort of Taba in October last year
which killed 34 people.
A namesake also said it was behind a suicide bombing on a theatre in Qatar in
March 2005 which killed a British teacher.