Commissioner Detlev Mehlis of United Nations International Independent Investigative Commission gives a press briefing after addressing the United Nations Security Council on the assassination of Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Al-Hariri in New York City, December 13, 2005. (Reuters photo)

    BEIJING, Dec. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- The United Nations chief investigator Detlev Mehlis says that the UN investigation of the murder of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri would need two more years because of slow pace of the Syrian cooperation.

    Detlev Mehlis noted that "after much hesitation and procrastination" Syria had permitted five high-ranking officials to be interviewed in Vienna. 

    "This latest development is undoubtedly an important stage in the investigation," he said, adding that it was too early to say if Syria was in violation of a Security Council resolution that threatened "further action" unless Syria cooperates.

    "At this rate the investigation might take another year or two," Mehlis said. "Cooperation in good faith should be diligent and timely."

    "It remains to be seen whether the Syrian cooperation will be in full and without any conditions," Mehlis added.

    Mehlis' latest report said new evidence strengthened his belief that the Syrian and Lebanese intelligence services had a hand in Hariri's assassination Feb. 14 in Beirut. It said there were 19 suspects so far, including six high-ranking Syrian officials.

   Security Council members are expected to extend the investigation into Hariri's murder by another six months as Lebanon and Mehlis want and possibly widen the probe to cover other assassinations, favored by France.

    The killing of Hariri, a leading anti-Syrian politician, sent shock waves through Lebanon. His death prompted the Syrian military to withdraw from Lebanon in April. Enditem

(Agencies)