LEIDSCHENDAM An international tribunal to prosecute suspects in the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri opened yesterday with a pledge to investigate the politically charged case impartially.
At the opening ceremony of the Special Court for Lebanon, prosecutor Daniel Bellemare said he would continue his investigations and call "as soon as possible" for Lebanese authorities to turn over four pro-Syrian generals who are suspects in the case.
The generals led Lebanon's police, intelligence service and an elite army unit at the time of the assassination on February 14, 2005. They are the only suspects in custody, but have not been charged.
Bellemare said he could issue several indictments as a result of his investigation into the suicide bombing that killed Hariri and 22 others, but would not say when.
"I will submit an indictment when I am satisfied personally and professionally that I have enough evidence," he told reporters.
In Lebanon, hundreds of supporters of the anti-Syrian March 14 group gathered near Hariri's tomb in central Beirut and watched the opening session on giant screens.
Hariri was credited with rebuilding Beirut after the 1975-90 civil war and with trying to limit Syria's influence.
Many in Lebanon believe Syria was behind the assassination. Damascus denies any involvement.-AP
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