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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Damascus Non-Cooperative In Un Probe, Sources Say |
| 2005-11-15 |
| Damascus, 15 Nov. (AKI) - German judge Detlev Mehlis, who is heading a comission of inquiry into the assassination of former Lebanese premier Rafik Hariri, has complained to the United Nations that Syria is failing to co-operate with the probe, sources in Lebanon say. Mehlis apparently sent a telegram to the United Nations - which mandated him to carry out the investigation - listing his grieviances with Damascus. The telegram was sent shortly after a Thursday 10 Nov. deadline set by Mehlis for Syria's co-operation expired, the sources said. Mehlis has said he wants to question several top Syrian officials which he has linked to Hariri's 14 Feb. murder and that he wants to do this in Lebanon. Damascus has said it is willing to allow the officials to be questioned, provided this does not take place on Lebanese territory. On Tuesday, Syrian authorities denied reports that Syrian foreign ministry legal advisor, Riyad al-Dawudi had reached an agreement with Mehlis on a venue for the questioning of the officials and the method to be employed. According to the sources in Lebanon, Mehlis rejected a proposal by the Syrians for the questioning to be held in Syria under the auspices of the Arab League. On Monday, Syrian Foreign Minister, Faruq al-Sharaa, reiterated Syria's objection to the questioning being held in Lebanon, citing the need to "safeguard the stability of Lebanon," that, he added, would be threatened by "demonstrations from supporters of both sides". Acccording to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1636, which stipulates the conditions for Mehlis' probe, Syria is requested to "unconditionally collaborate" with the inquiry, and that failure to do so should be reported to a committee tasked with overseeing the resolution's implementation. The committee then has 15 days to decide what steps must be taken next. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #1 German judge Detlev Mehlis, who is heading a comission of inquiry into the assassination of former Lebanese premier Rafik Hariri, has complained to the United Nations that Syria is failing to co-operate with the probe, sources in Lebanon say. Oh come on now. Y'all aren't surprised, are you? |
| Posted by: Bomb-a-rama 2005-11-15 11:43 |