UN inquiry mission into former Lebanese premier's murder completes probe

The United Nations Mission of Inquiry into last month's assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri of Lebanon has left the country after completing its probe and is expected to report to Secretary-General Kofi Annan next week.

The team, led by Peter Fitzgerald, a deputy Irish national police commissioner, was appointed by Mr. Annan after the Security Council requested the Secretary-General to report urgently on the circumstances, causes and consequences of the murder.

"We fully understand the gravity of the task at hand and can assure all concerned that we will work with absolute impartiality and professionalism," Mr. Fitzgerald said on his arrival last month in Beirut of the inquiry into the explosion that also killed 14 other people.

Two other Irish national police officers, Chief Superintendent Martin Donnellan, head of the National Bureau of Investigation, and Superintendent Patrick Leahy, head of the National Support Services, were also on the team.

The assassination increased tensions in Lebanon, and a separate UN envoy seeking the withdrawal of Syrian troops and intelligence from Lebanon has also been in the region talking with leaders of both countries.

Terje Roed-Larsen, Special Envoy for implementation of Security Council resolution 1559, which calls for withdrawing all foreign forces from Lebanon, disbanding all militias and extending Government control over the whole country, is expected to present details of a timetable for a complete pullout to Mr. Annan later this week.