Hariri Son Rejects Syria Action
Wednesday, 26 October 2005

The son of slain former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri has said he opposes possible sanctions against Syria in connection with the killing.

Saad Hariri's comments come as the UN Security Council is considering a plan, drafted by France, the US and the UK, to threaten Damascus with sanctions.

"I am not in favour of sanctions against Syria," Saad Hariri said.

"We are friends of the people of Syria. Lebanon and Syria have had a very long historic friendship and we'd like to keep it this way," the Lebanese lawmaker said.

Russia-One of the five veto-wielding Security Council Members-has said it will block any UN effort to impose sanctions on Damascus.

The Arab League has said that there was "no logic or legitimacy" for imposing sanctions based on accusations of the incomplete UN investigation.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4380358.stm