Hariri murder investigation expects a 'unifying theory' soon
Lebanon-UN, Politics, 3/20/2007

The head of the United Nations probe into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic al-Hariri says in a new report that his team expects to develop a "unifying factual theory" behind the crime in the next three months or so, and points to Hariri's likely 2005 election victory as a possible motive behind the killing.

Presenting the seventh report of the International Independent Investigation Commission (IIIC) to the Security Council, Serge Brammertz also said it is unlikely that the Commission will complete its work before its mandate expires in June, and so requested more time.

"The Commission's understanding of the facts has advanced substantially, producing valuable links within and between the main components of the case. In the next reporting period, and potentially beyond that, the Commission believes that it will be able to develop further a unifying factual theory built upon newly identified linking evidence," the report states. The IIIC reports to the Council every three months.

"It is of some note that Hariri was killed on the day that Parliament was scheduled to debate the electoral law to be applied in the forthcoming elections. Another working hypothesis for the Commission is that those who decided upon the assassination saw it as beneficial to kill him before he formally began his election campaign, especially given the perception in the media at the time that he was likely to win."

The report acknowledges the full support of the Lebanese Prosecutor General in the investigation, which is also looking into the deaths of 22 other people at the time of the Prime Minister's assassination, as well as helping probe other attacks in Lebanon since October 2004, including the murder last year of Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel.

It notes that other requests for assistance made to Lebanon, the Syrian Arab Republic and other States have "received mostly positive and timely responses," while stressing that such help remains essential to allow the Commission to carry out its investigative work effectively. The 20-page report of the IIIC, set up in April, 2005, also highlights the effect of the "volatile political and security environment" in Lebanon on the Commission's ability to work.

Brammertz is scheduled to brief the Council on these latest findings on Thursday.

Previous Stories:
  Lebanon reconstruction focus of talks between Ban Ki-moon and French leader   (1/27/2007)
  Hariri: All must cooperate in UN assassination probe   (1/13/2007)
  Lebanon stabilized but Israeli overflights continue, Annan reports   (12/9/2006)

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