Brussels, 02/11/2005 (Agence Europe) - On 31 October, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1636 calling on Syria to fully cooperate with the UN investigation headed by German judge Detlev Mehlis into the assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri on 14 February this year. The Resolution makes no mention of sanctions against Syria.
In a statement issued by the British Presidency at the special European Council at Hampton Court on 27 October, EU leaders 'welcomed the report of the UN International Investigation Commission under Judge Detlev Mehlis. The report's conclusions are very serious. The Leaders welcomed agreement to extend the ICC's mandate until December. The Leaders expressed their full support for the UN Security Council's determination to see justice done in this case, and deplored the clear indication that Syria has not cooperated fully with the investigating team. This is of particular concern given Judge Mehlis' identification of evidence of Syrian involvement in the assassination of Rafik Hariri. The Leaders call upon Syria to cooperate unconditionally with the investigators as they continue their efforts to bring about justice in respect of these appalling crimes. The Leaders underlined the importance of working to ensure the sovereignty of Lebanon, in recognition of its people's clearly expressed aspirations for democracy and independence. The Leaders look forward to decisive action by the UN Security Council in support of these aims.'