PARIS, Feb. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- French President Jacques Chirac called Monday for an international investigation into the Beirut explosion which killed Lebanon's former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.

    "France calls for an international inquiry to be held without delay to determine the circumstances of, and responsibility for, this tragedy," Chirac's office said in a statement.

    Al-Hariri was killed Monday in a powerful explosion in central Beirut killing at least nine people, including some of al-Hariri'shis bodyguards, and seriously damaging buildings nearby.

    Al-Hariri, who resigned as prime minister in October, first took on the post in 1992 and headed five governments over 12 years.

    The 60-year-old Sunni Muslim was known for his objection to foreign meddling in Lebanon's affairs. Enditem