Naharnet - Lebanese Politicians Interviewed by Investigation Commission Into Hariri Crime, September 19, 2008

The U.N. commission investigating the 2005 assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri and related crimes has recently sped up efforts and interviewed a number of Lebanese politicians. Such politicians have been reportedly interviewed for the first time since the Feb. 14, 2005 crime.The commission, according to a western diplomatic source, appears in a hurry to conclude its mission and finalize all its files, especially in light of the non-cooperation by several states with its mission.Canadian Judge Daniel Bellemare, who heads the commission, was reportedly heading to concluding his mission by preparing a charge sheet before year end.The charge sheet, better known as the final report by the investigation panel, would be referred to the international tribunal's prosecutor, a step that would practically activate activities of the special court on the Lebanon crimes. Bellemare has been offered the post of the tribunal's prosecutor when the investigation commission's term expires late in December.