A UN report into the killing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri concluded Thursday that Lebanon's investigation process suffers from serious flaws, and a new international investigation is needed.
The report, issued by a UN fact-finding mission, led by Irish Deputy Police Commissioner Peter Fitzgerald, said an international investigation by an independent body is needed to "find the truth".
"The Lebanese investigation process suffers from serious flaws, " the report said. "Whether caused by lack of capabilities or commitment, this process is unlikely to reach a satisfactory conclusion."
The report also pointed out that the credibility of the Lebanese government handling the investigation is doubted by a great number of Lebanese.
"Therefore, an international independent investigation would be necessary to find the truth," it stressed, adding that a self- sufficient team should be set up.
The report called for the restoration of the integrity and credibility of the Lebanese security apparatus, saying it is of vital importance to the security and stability of the country.
On the responsibility of the assassination, it said the Lebanese security services and the Syrian Military Intelligence bear the primary responsibility for the lack of security, protection, law and order in Lebanon.
The report noted that Syria should be primarily responsible for the political tension that preceded the assassination of Hariri.
"International and regional political support will be necessary to safeguard unity and to shield its fragile polity from unwarranted pressure," the report said.