The UN Security Council on Thursday voted unanimously for establishing an independent international commission to look into the Feb. 14 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.

The resolution, tabled jointly by the United States and France on Monday, was co-sponsored by Denmark, the Philippines, Greece, Japan, Romania and Britain.

Under the resolution, the panel would help the Lebanese government identify perpetrators, sponsors and organizers of the attack and its "findings and conclusions" should be taken into account "fully" by the Lebanese authorities.

The resolution requests full cooperation of Beirut, including full access to documentary, testimonial and physical evidence related to the assassination, which also claimed the lives of 19 others.

The panel would also have the authority to interview Lebanese officials and enjoy freedom of movement throughout the Lebanese territory as well as privileges and immunities granted to UN personnel.

The panel would complete its work and report to the council on the conclusions of its investigation within three months from the adoption of the resolution, three months ahead of the deadline set in earlier drafts.

(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2005)