Ex-Lebanese Lawmaker Released in Hariri Inquiry

A former Lebanese lawmaker questioned in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was released early Wednesday, but investigators were expected to keep interrogating four pro-Syrian generals.

United Nations investigators leading the inquiry, aided by Lebanese forensic experts, also visited two Beirut apartments Wednesday that they believe may have been used by those who planned the massive Feb. 14 bombing that killed Hariri and 19 others, said a security official who asked not to be identified.

Former legislator Nasser Qandil, a staunch defender of Syria’s involvement in Lebanon, had returned from Syria and surrendered Tuesday at the request of United Nations investigators. He refused to comment on the inquiry after his release.

A newspaper and television stationed owned by the Hariri family reported that the five detained Tuesday were wanted for questioning in connection with a letter Qandil allegedly sent to Syrian leaders, explaining reasons for getting rid of Hariri.

He “was heading for winning a guaranteed majority in parliament that would lead to the withdrawal of the Syrian army from Lebanon,” Al Mustaqbal newspaper and the Future Television quoted the letter as saying.

The newspaper also reported that the four Lebanese generals had met to prepare for Hariri’s assassination and had inspected the bomb scene before the attack.

Qandil also declined to comment on the media reports.

The generals spent the night at an eastern Beirut police headquarters, another senior Lebanese security official said, also speaking on condition of anonymity.

U.N. chief investigator Detlev Mehlis sent the generals’ files to Lebanese investigative magistrate Elias Eid, the official said. Eid will decide whether to release them, free them on bail or issue arrest warrants.

U.N. investigators also inspected the two apartments in an area south of Beirut and took fingerprints before police detained at least four people for questioning, a security official said.

Hariri’s death sparked mass protests that led to the April withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon and the ouster of Lebanon’s pro-Syrian government. Many Lebanese blamed Syria and its Lebanese allies, particularly members of this country’s security apparatus, for the assassination. All have denied such claims.