UN opens international inquiry into killing of Rafiq Hariri

UNITED NATIONS - The UN Security Council voted Thursday to set up an international inquiry into the assassination of Lebanese former premier Rafiq Hariri.
The move could increase international pressure on Syria, which has been accused by the Lebanese opposition of responsibility for the February 14 suicide car bomb attack which killed Hariri and 14 other people.
The resolution, initially sponsored by the United States, Britain and France, was adopted unanimously. Five other countries signed on as co-sponsors ahead of the vote.
The commission was to report back its findings to the UN after three months.
A UN fact-finding report has already pointed the finger at neighbouring Syria over the killing of Hariri, who spoke out against Syrian dominance of his country.
Syria retains a strong influence over Lebanese affairs but has said it will withdraw its troops from Lebanon where legislative elections are to be held in May.

04/07/2005 16:41 GMT