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Lebanese Government Approves UN Investigation

On Saturday, Lebanon`s cabinet unanimously approved the establishment of a special United Nations tribunal intended to try those involved in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, in February 2005. The country`s pro-Syria opposition leaders consider the action unconstitutional and provocative. Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader, is threatening to stage street protests until the government falls. Ghazi Aridi, Lebanese Minister of Information, said: "This is not a provocation to any party," after the cabinet vote.

The United Nations body still has quite a bit of work before it can be created. Emile Lahoud, the Lebanese President, who is a Hezbollah ally, considers the cabinet approval unconstitutional and is expected to appose its implementation. The tribunal must also win approval in the Lebanese parliament. The parliament is predominantly pro-West but is headed by Nabih Berri, a prominent Shiite leader and a Hezbollah ally.

Hariri`s assassination in February 2005 sparked the Cedar Revolution, forcing Syria to loosen their political hold on Lebanon and to withdraw its troops from the puppet state. The sense of national unity didn`t last for long and the Hezbollah, supported by Syria and Iran filled the vacuum of power left by the Syrian withdrawal. Since the withdrawal at least four other anti-Syrian politicians were assassinated including the assassination of Pierre Gemayel, who was Lebanon`s Industry Minister. These murders that are widely suspected to be ordered by Syria will also be investigated in the UN tribunal if it indeed takes place.