IV. Conclusions and Recommendations (Return to Table of Contents)

88. The Commission's conclusions set out in its earlier report (S/2005/662, section VI) remain valid. In the interval since the presentation of that report, the investigation has continued to develop multiple lines of enquiry which, if anything, reinforce the conclusions of the previous report.

89. It is important that the steady pace of the substantive lines of enquiry be maintained. The process of convergence of evidence and the careful cross-checking and review of testimony requires time. Extraneous events cannot, and should not be used to, distract the Commission from the mandate given to it by the Security Council to help identify perpetrators, sponsors, organizers and accomplices in the terrorist act which took place in Beirut on 14 February 2005.

90. The next steps to be followed in the investigation are clear, in the work of the Commission to assist the Lebanese authorities: to continue to follow existing lines of enquiry on all aspects of the case; to assess and follow-up new elements which are brought to its attention; to close-out any lines or enquiry which no longer have a direct bearing on the case; to receive at all times the full and unconditional cooperation of the Syrian authorities; and to report on progress to the Security Council at regular intervals. Delays in proceeding with any one of these elements will inevitably have an impact on all of them. In this regard, it would be helpful if a number of Member States from whom specific assistance has been solicited, could respond to the Commission's requests.

91. The Commission maintains the view expressed in its earlier report that there existed a number of personal and political motives for the assassination of Mr. Hariri. This view has been corroborated, in several respects, by evidence and testimony received since October 2005.

92. The Commission and the Lebanese judicial and security authorities have further enhanced their co-operation in recent weeks, in the pursuit of their common objective: to uncover the truth. The Lebanese authorities have the will and a growing capacity to carry forward the investigation in Lebanon. However, given the broader implications of several lines of enquiry, it is essential that the international community continue to support the investigation both inside Lebanon and beyond its borders, so that all aspects of the case may be thoroughly investigated and brought to a conclusion.

93. Council resolution 1636 (2005), and in particular Section III thereof, remains for the Commission a clear and unambiguous mandate for the work of the investigation. In this regard, The Commission has the authority, in its pursuit of witnesses and testimony outside the State of Lebanon, to ask for information and to receive it, to summon named witnesses and suspects (and if need be to request their detention or arrest), and to request evidentiary materials, free from any condition, pressure or interference in that process. The Commission cannot, however control the clock: it is equally important that co-operation with the Commission be displayed in a timely and unambiguous manner.

94. The Commission is aware of the request dated 5 December 2005, of the Government of Lebanon, further to operative paragraph 8 of Council resolution 1636, to extend the work of the Commission for a further period. Given that its substantive lines of enquiry are far from being completed, and given the slow pace with which the Syrian authorities are beginning to discharge their commitments to the Council, the Commission recommends that there be such an extension and for a minimum period of six months. Such a decision would avoid the inevitable disruptions to the substantive work of the Commission, that result from shorter-term mandate renewals.

95. The Commission relies on the full and unconditional cooperation of the Syrian authorities in the next period of its enquiries, so that all aspects of the case under investigation may be ascertained.

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