Mehlis off the Hariri case

The Financial Times reports the comments by German prosecutor Detlev Mehlis in the Lebanes papers saying that the appearance of a Syrian intelligence agent on state television, recanting his testimony to the UN team, had not undermined his probe.

This followed the appearance of so called “star witness” on TV on Sunday, of Hosam Taher Hosam (pic) who alleged he had been offered money (US1.3mn) by Hariri's son to frame high-ranking Syrian officials in the February murder.

A spokesman for the Hariri family denied Hussam's statements.

"This claim is fabricated. It is a lie and it is baseless," spokesman Hani Hammoud told Hariri-owned Future Television in Beirut.

Doubts arise that investigation (already extended to December 15^th ) will be completed. Ibrahim Gambari, UN undersecretary-general for political affairs, is reported as saying on Wednesday he expected the investigation to continue past December 15, but that the German prosecutor might have other commitments.

One thing is certain. He will never reveal the truth about what happened. Even Mr Fisk who scampered along the Corniche in the reeking smoke to find the battered body of Hariri and police fixing the evidence in the bomb crater , as he claims in his recent book, (The Great War For Civilization;The Conquest of the Middle East) hasn’t yet come up with any answers.

Recent blogs on same topic here

Friday 2/12 Beirut Daily Star reports, Lebanese Justice Minister Charles Rizk said after meeting Mehlis on Thursday that the investigator had told him he would not continue with the investigation if its mandate was to be extended.

Rizk noted that investigations into the February bombing could "last months even years"

German representatives said it was down to Mehlis but diplomatic gossip says he's on his way out. Syrian witnesses are due to be interviewed in Vienna next week - don't hold your breath.

Saturday 3/12 am see al jazeera comments.

Kuwait News Agency reports John Bolton asking that Mehlis departure not slow the reporting down ... apparently Reuters repoorts he said that the best replacement for Mehlis would be a clone ... you bet.

Bolton (the man who visited Judy Miller in prison) must be going truly apeshit now Bashar has effectivley neutralised the enquiry. Chirac will no doubt have an amysed smile playing baout his lips at the discomfiture of the US and telling Total to get on with the plans for that Syrian refinery.