Security Council

5901^st Meeting (PM)

Security Council extends mandate of commission investigating murder of lebanon’s

Former prime minister, Rafiq Hariri, until 31 December 2008

Resolution 1815 (2008) Adopted Unanimously

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the International Independent Investigation Commission, which is investigating the 2005 murder of Lebanon’s former Prime Minister, Rafiq Hariri, and other attacks, until 31 December 2008.

Unanimously adopting resolution 1815 (2008), the Council left open the possibility of terminating the mandate earlier, if the Commission reported that it had completed implementation of that mandate.

The International Independent Investigation Commission was established on 7 April 2005 by resolution 1595 (see Press Release SC/8353), with the Lebanese Government’s approval, in order to investigate in all its aspects the terrorist attack that killed Mr. Hariri and others and caused the injury of numerous people, including helping to identify its perpetrators, sponsors, organizers and accomplices.

The meeting started at 3:10 p.m. and adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 1815 (2008) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions, in particular resolutions 1595 (2005), 1636 (2005), 1644 (2005), 1664 (2006), 1686 (2006), 1748 (2007), 1757 (2007), 1373 (2001) and 1566 (2004),

“Reaffirming its strongest condemnation of the 14 February 2005 terrorist bombing, as well as of all other attacks in Lebanon since October 2004, and reaffirming also that those involved in these attacks must be held accountable for their crimes,

“Having examined the report of the International Independent Investigation Commission (S/2008/210) (“The Commission”), submitted pursuant to resolutions 1595 (2005), 1636 (2005), 1644 (2005), 1686 (2006), and 1748 (2007),

“Commending the Commission for its outstanding professional work and the progress it continues to achieve under difficult circumstances in assisting the Lebanese authorities in their investigation into all aspects of this terrorist act,

“Taking note of the request to extend the mandate of the Commission expressed by the Commissioner in his briefing to the Security Council on 8 April 2008, in order to ensure stability and continuity in the investigative process,

“Taking note of the letter of the Prime Minister of Lebanon of 8 May 2008 (S/2008/334, Enclosure) to the Secretary-General expressing the hope that the Security Council will respond favourably to the Commissioner’s request by extending the mandate of the Commission until 31 December 2008, and noting the concurrent recommendation of the Secretary-General in this regard,

“Willing to continue to assist Lebanon in the search for the truth and in holding all those involved in this terrorist attack accountable,

“1.   Welcomes the report of the Commission;

“2.   Decides to extend the mandate of the Commission until 31 December 2008 and declares its readiness to terminate the mandate earlier if the Commission reports that it has completed the implementation of its mandate;

“3.   Requests the Commission to report to the Council on the progress of the investigation at the latest in six months, and at any other earlier time if it deems appropriate;

“4.   Decides to remain seized of the matter.”

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For information media • not an official record