UN adopts resolution demanding co-operation from Syria

THE UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution last night demanding Syria's full co-operation with a UN investigation into the assassination of Lebanon's former prime minister and warned of possible "further action" if it doesn't.

The United States, France and Britain pressed for the resolution following last week's report by the UN investigating commission, which implicated top Syrian and Lebanese security officials in the February 14 bombing that killed Rafik Hariri and 20 others. The report also accused Syria of not co-operating fully with the inquiry.

The three co-sponsors agreed to drop a direct threat of sanctions against Syria in order to get support from Russia and China, which opposed sanctions while the investigation is still under way. Nonetheless, the resolution was adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which is militarily enforceable.