UNITED NATIONS – The UN Security Council on Wednesday considers a resolution, drafted by France, that would widen a probe into the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri to include other politically motivated killings in the past year. It asks UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to help Lebanon identify the scope of a tribunal with an
But the most controversial issue facing the council is a resolution, adopted Oct. 31, that threatens “further action” against Syria if it did not cooperate fully with Mehlis’s team. This could lead to sanctions, either against individuals or the country as a whole.
The draft resolution again demands that Syria cooperate with the UN-established commission investigating Hariri’s death but US moves toward a sanctions threat were deflected by divisions among the 15 members.
The text expresses “deep concern” that Syria had not provided full and unconditional cooperation to the Mehlis inquiry and demands it respond to future requests. it also asks the inquiry team for a progress report every two months.
US Ambassador John Bolton told reporters that “the government of Syria responds unfortunately only to pressure, at least that’s our experience to date, so we are considering what additional pressure we will bring to bear.”
“Syria is not going to get away with obstructing this investigation. It’s not going to cover up the actions of its senior officials and it’s not going to escape the consequences,” Bolton said.
When asked about the remarks, Syria’s Mekdad retorted, ”Ambassador Bolton has always been wrong.”
“He was saying that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction. He was wrong. Whatever he said was wrong,” Mekdad said.
