Hariri faces critics in assassination probe

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- A former Lebanese military general blamed Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri for neglect in the investigation into the death of his father in 2005.

"You are your father's own killer until you hold all of those accountable," said Maj. Gen. Jamil al-Sayyed.

Sayyed was one of four Lebanese military officials detained in 2005 for his alleged role in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in February of the same year. He was freed in April.

Sayyed lashed out at a series of high-profile officials in the Lebanese government. He blamed former intelligence officials and political leaders for misleading the investigation into the Hariri assassination, Lebanon's Daily Star newspaper reports.

He called on officials in the Justice Ministry to imprison Lebanese state prosecutor Saeed Mirza and intelligence chief Wissam al-Hassan for "crimes against the state" for their role in the Hariri investigation, which led in part to Sayeed's detention.

"(President Michel) Suleiman and Hariri specifically should hold all those who committed mistakes accountable since the assassination of Rafik Hariri," he added.

The United Nations in 2006 backed a special tribunal to examine the assassination. Beirut in April released four generals held in connection with the assassination, leaving the Special Tribunal for Lebanon with no suspects in custody.

Many believe Damascus played a role in the 2005 assassination, thought the Syrian government adamantly denies the allegations.