Syrian investigation committee receives witnesses into Hariri assassination

Chief Justice of Syrian Investigation Committee into the assassination of Lebanese former Premier Rafik Hariri announced Monday that the Committee started its mission on Thursday Nov. 4, 2005 by studying the international investigation committee's report submitted to UN Security Council and inspecting the minutes of Syrian witnesses' testimonies.

"Syrian Judicial Committee is permanently present at its headquarters, previously announced on mass media, since Sunday 6.11.2005 and it is receiving all information whether by individuals coming personally to the headquarters or by fax and e-mail," Attorney General Ghada Mourad said in a statement during a press conference.

"The committee listened to a number of witnesses who came to the committee's office... it also studies information received by post to be later evaluated, as well as to summon whom it reckons there is a benefit of listening to his/ her words," Murad added.

She said the committee seeks to fully cooperate with the international investigation committee and Lebanese judicial authorities in line with principles of achieving justice.

"The Syrian Committee will seek the help of experts whether nationals, Arabs or foreigners if there is need to do so," Attorney General added.

"The Syrian probe team is ready to receive information which benefits the investigation through any source, taking into consideration secrecy and legal guarantees given to witnesses," she underlined.