Syrian president refuses UN interview over Hariri killing

President Bashar Assad of Syria indicated today his rejection of a second request by UN investigators to interview him over the Rafik Hariri assassination, declaring that Syria would not bow to international pressure.

Assad’s uncompromising tone on what he termed a matter of national sovereignty was certain to further heighten tension with the US and complicate the seven-month probe into the February 14 truck bombing that killed the former Lebanese premier and 20 others on a Beirut street.

In two interim reports last year, the UN commission investigating Hariri’s murder implicated top Lebanese and Syrian security officials. Syria rejected the findings and tried to discredit commission witnesses.

In press interviews after his recent defection to France, former Vice President Abdul-Halim Khaddam said Assad had either known about or gave the orders for the assassination of Hariri.

In a speech to the Arab Lawyers Union, Assad pledged, however, to continue co-operation with the probe. The UN investigation has said Syria has not been sufficiently forthcoming and the Security Council demanded full co-operation.

“The issue of national sovereignty is paramount, not the (UN) Security Council decision or others,” Assad said.

The Syrian leader did not specifically address the request by the UN investigation to interview with him and his foreign minister about threats Assad allegedly made against Hariri months before the assassination.

That left open the possibility that Assad might later agree to meet with UN investigators, rather than submit to an interview.

Assad has denied he had threatened Hariri. He made no reference to Khaddam in his wide-ranging speech, the first since the former vice president, an old friend of Hariri, launched a political campaign last month against the Assad regime, accusing it of corruption and hindering reforms.

Assad rejected a request by the investigation to interview him last year as well. But the arrival of new chief investigator Serge Brammertz, a Belgian, in Beirut Thursday to begin his mission could provide a fresh start in dealing with Syria.

Brammertz, deputy prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, replaces German prosecutor Detlev Mehlis, who has been sharply criticised by Syria.

Assad invoked national sovereignty, saying it supersedes any legal and political considerations.

“We should not give up our national sovereignty even if the circumstance requires that we fight for our country. We must be prepared for that.”

A member of the audience interrupted, yelling: “Your dignity and ours, our leader, is the most important thing.”

Assad responded: “Don’t worry about this point. I am not worried about this and any other point.”

Assad repeatedly was interrupted by applause and shouts of support.

“(Even) if all the Arab, Islamic and world rulers agree that Bashar Assad be questioned, we will prevent you by force (from submitting),” said Arab Lawyers Union head Sameh Ashour of Egypt.

Apparently seeking to strengthen his position at home, Assad offered his people a promise soon to continue political and economic reforms. He said the government is preparing several initiatives, including reforming election and party laws as well as those governing local administrations, “to boost popular participation and contribute to enriching political life.”

In a further sign of hardening his position, Assad consolidated his alliance with Iran, another country facing international pressure and the threat of sanctions over its nuclear program, holding a summit with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad in Damascus this week.