Dubai: The Mehlis report, the United Nations inquiry into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, has had a deep impact on the political scene of the Middle East.
The final version of the Mehlis report (which was released on October 20, 2005) found that senior members of the Syrian and Lebanese governments were linked in the assassination.
Moreover, the Mehlis report found that the crime was planned over several months and that it was highly unlikely for Syrian or Lebanese intelligence not to have been aware of the assassination plot.
Syria angrily refuted the report's findings and accused Mehlis and his team of bias. Mehlis was also accused of giving in to Western pressure.
On its part, the UN Security Council has repeatedly called for greater Syrian cooperation to help with the investigation.
Detlev Mehlis, the head of the UN inquiry panel, went as far as accusing Syria of using propaganda to discredit his commission.
Mehlis also insisted the inquiry had not been undermined by Syrian witness Hosam Taher Hosam - who said he was bribed by Hariri's son Sa'ad to give evidence against Syria.
Hariri's family has dismissed Hosam's testimony.
This week, Mehlis is questioning five senior Syrian officials at United Nations offices in Vienna, Austria.
The investigation, which was due to end on December 15, looks set to be extended for another six months. While Mehlis has indicated he might step down from his position as chief investigator on January 1, reports say the US is pressuring UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to persuade Mehlis to continue his term.
Lebanon has also urged Annan to extend the investigation.
