Lebanon awaited the findings of UN probe into assassination of former Premier

The Lebanese police and army took additional security measures today as the country awaited the findings of a UN probe into the assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri. Many in Lebanon and elsewhere blame the Syrians for the February 14 assassination.

Leaks to the tiny country’s news media have suggested Syrian officials played a role, raising fears that pro-Syrian factions in Lebanon could resort to more violence if the UN investigation names Syria.

A series of mysterious bombings over the past eight months has killed or wounded politicians and journalists opposed to Syria and caused havoc in commercial and residential districts.

Syria was the main power broker in Lebanon when Hariri, prime minister for 10 of the past 15 years, was killed along with 20 others in a massive bombing on a Beirut street.

UN investigator Detlev Mehlis was to hand over his report to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan later today. President Bashar Assad has denied Syria’s involvement, reports Ireland On Line. I.L.