UN says 'network' killed Hariri

28/03/2008| IslamWeb

A UN commission investigating the death of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri says the evidence suggests a network of people was responsible for the attack.

 

No individuals were named, but the investigators said what it called the "Hariri Network" might also be behind other deadly attacks in Lebanon.

 

The ex-PM and 22 others died in a huge car bombing in Beirut in February 2005.

 

Past UN inquiries suggested that Syrian and Lebanese intelligence forces had played a role - which Syria denied.

 

The commission said the evidence indicated that the network existed before his assassination and carried out surveillance of the former prime minister.

 

It said at least part of the network continued to operate after Hariri's killing.

 

Lebanon has been in crisis and without a president for months, amid a drawn-out power struggle between the pro- and anti-Syrian factions.

 

Progress

 

The UN panel said in the 10th report on the case that it could now confirm "on the basis of available evidence, that a network of individuals acted in concert to carry out the assassination... and that this criminal network - the 'Hariri Network' - or parts thereof are linked to some of the other cases within the commission's mandate".

 

The report suggests progress is being made in identifying the bomber who killed Hariri, reports the BBC's Matthew Price at UN headquarters in New York.

 

It says it has received close co-operation from Lebanese authorities, and "generally satisfactory" co-operation from Syria - a country which continues to deny official involvement in the Hariri killing.

 

However, the report identifies some problems hampering the investigation - including the political and security situation in Lebanon, and a lack of resources from the UN itself.

 

The commission, headed by Canadian former prosecutor Daniel Bellemare, is using forensic information and DNA profiling in its investigation.

 

The UN is currently setting up a tribunal which it is hoped will try those suspected of Hariri's murder.

 

Complex politics

 

As well as being a dominant figure in Lebanese politics in the period after the civil war ended in 1990, Hariri was also a business tycoon.

 

A self-made billionaire, he was among the richest individuals in the world.

 

Hariri's death triggered huge demonstrations in Lebanon against the Syrians.

 

Despite its denial of involvement, Damascus eventually bowed to international pressure, pulling out its troops after nearly 30 years of military presence.

 

Investigators have previously pointed to links between Hariri's death and many other attacks in Lebanon since 2004.

 

Analysts say Lebanon is the most politically complex and religiously divided country in the Middle East.

 

PHOTO CAPTION 

 

Assassinated former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri  

 

BBC