Ban ( pictured right during his visit to Beirut) said decisions will be made on the location of the tribunal outside of Lebanon, and the appointment of judges and prosecutors.

"Those are very complex, technical and administrative issues, which need the attention and support of all UN member states," Ban told reporters.

The UN Security Council last month voted to establish the tribunal despite objections from five of the 15 members, who said the court lacks the legal and political support to try those responsible for the murder of Hariri in February, 2005, and at least 16 other political assassinations since that year.

"I hope that all leaders in the region would cooperate to bring security and peace to Lebanon, and every leader in every country has the responsibility to cooperate (with the tribunal)," Ban said.

The tribunal became automatically a reality effective yesterday June 10.

Lebanon has been locked in a bitter political dispute between pro- and anti-Syrian factions and failed to agree to form the tribunal. Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora last month asked the Security Council to improve it instead.

Ban last week also informed the council that he would extend until December the mandate of Serge Brammertz, who has led an independent investigation into the murders of Hariri and 16 Lebanese politicians and journalists. The victims had opposed the Syrian military occupation of Lebanon.

The Lebanese government itself had requested that Brammertz remain on the job until the investigation was completed.

Sources: DPA