BERLIN, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Detlev Mehlis, the U.N. investigator into the slaying of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, said he quit because of security measures and the distance from his family.
Speaking to the media in Berlin Thursday, the German lawyer said those were the only causes for his resignation, adding he would be willing to head a similar investigation in the future.
"The security measures meant that I didn't have the opportunity to do anything," he said, according to Deutsche Welle. "I couldn't just drive anywhere, have a beer or glass of wine or go for a meal. I mean, in theory, I could, but it would have meant closing off areas, blocking streets, and getting 40 or 50 people to accompany me, and put themselves in danger. That makes you think twice about going out."
Mehlis denied suggestions a hate campaign in Syria and personal threats to his safety had prompted him to take his hat.
"There is no hidden reason for my decision not to extend my contract again, there's really no secret. In addition, decisions made on a political level don't affect the investigation."
Mehlis has written two reports in the investigation, heavily implicating Syrian and Lebanese intelligence officials in the killing. Syria rejected all accusations.
Mehlis wants Belgian Serge Brammertz, deputy prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in the Hague, to take over his job. The U.N. Security Council extended the investigation last week.
