OTTAWA, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Apparent leaks from a U.N. investigation into the death of a Lebanese leader is a matter of concern for the investigation, a U.N. spokesman said.
The Canadian Broadcast Corp. said it had evidence from Lebanese authorities and "sources from inside" the United Nations' backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon that links Hezbollah to the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Farhan Haq, a spokesman for the United Nations, was quoted by al-Jazeera as saying the CBC report may affect the work of the U.N. probe.
"Certainly leaks are matters of concern," he said. "We want to be able to ensure that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon can go about its work without hindrance or interference."
The Canadian report said records from mobile telephones were part of the evidence that linked Hezbollah to the case. German news magazine Der Spiegel published a similar account of Hezbollah's alleged ties to the assassination in a 2009 investigation.
Hezbollah is widely expected to face indictments from the STL. Hassan Nasrallah, the group's leader, warned of retaliation should any members of his organization face arrest.
Haq said the United Nations asked CBC to hand over its evidence. Hezbollah was quoted by al-Jazeera as saying it wouldn't comment on the Canadian broadcaster's allegations.
