UNITED NATIONS, March 14 (Xinhuanet) -- The UN probe into the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri reported on Tuesday progress of the investigation into the killing amid improved cooperation from Syria.

    The report, issued by the UN International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC) led by Serge Brammertz of Belgium, detailed the status and progress of the investigation into the killing of Hariri.

    It also highlighted the progress made in consolidating the Commission's organizational structure and resources in light of both its expanded and extended mandate.

    The Commission's work has entered into a new phase, commensurate with the natural progression of any criminal investigation, the report noted, adding that it is developing a deeper understanding of the structural and political environment in which the crimes took place.

    "Based on a systematic evaluation of available but previously not tracked forensic evidence, the Commission has moved closer to establishing the exact circumstances and modus operandi of the blast," the report said.

    The Commission is closer to a more complete understanding of how the preparatory work was undertaken, and how those who participated on the day performed their respective tasks.

    "The individuals who perpetrated this crime appear to be very professional in their approach," the report concluded.

    "It must be assumed that at least some of those involved were likely experienced in this type of terrorist activity," it added.

    "This will provide a critical link in the chain of evidence needed to identify and hold accountable those who are perpetrators, sponsors, organizers, and accomplices of the crime," it pointed out.

    However, the report, which is the third of its kind since the beginning of the investigation last April, did not disclose further details of its work, saying it is not appropriate at this stage.

    "This may unnecessarily threaten the security of witnesses, compromise the collection of future evidence and undermine the outcome of the investigation as a whole," it said.

    Meanwhile, the Commission stressed the importance of the international cooperation, especially the cooperation from Syria.

    The Syrian government has formally complied with nearly all of the Commission's previous request for assistance, the report acknowledged, saying progress has been made in the critical area of cooperation with Syria.

    The report said that after two high-level meetings with senior Syrian officials, Syria agreed to give the Commission access to "individuals, sites, and information" among other things.

    Brammertz's report is the third of its kind since the beginning of the investigation last June. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan appoint Brammertz in January to succeed Detlev Mehlis as Commissioner of the UNIIIC.

    In the previous two reports, the Commission implicated that Syria failed to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation, and suggested high-level Syrian involvement in the assassination plot. However, Syria has denied any involvement in Hariri's murder, and accused the UN panel of political bias. Enditem