BEIRUT, Lebanon, October 3 (Lebanonwire) -- Although denying any prior knowledge of the outcome of the UN report due this October 24th, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora believes that Detlev Mehlis who is heading the investigation into Rafik Hariri’s murder has his eyes set on the truth, Elaph online daily reported Monday.

In an interview with Al-Ittihad daily in the United Arab Emirates where the prime minister is on an official visit, Siniora linked the recent bombings, which have devastated neighborhoods and killed or maimed a number of Lebanese politicians and journalists, with the ongoing investigation.

“There is a connection there. Today there is a premeditated plan to sow evil and as the investigation winds down to a conclusion, those planting the bombs are trying to revive memories of a bloody past,” Siniora said.

Siniora reiterated his position about Lebanon’s refusal to be subjected to any form of tutelage and defended the country's decision to invite foreign experts to help in the probe. “We invited all the experts currently investigating the crimes, they were not imposed on us,” Siniora said.

Siniora said he truly believes in the autonomous nature of the investigation and that no one knows what the report will say, “however, after four meetings with Mehlis, I have a personal feeling he is closing in on the truth.”

Siniora said that Mehlis could extend his investigation until December 15th adding “there are talks to prolong this period further.” Siniora added that predictions of an “earthquake” following the report will depend upon the party accused of the murder, whether there were Syrians involve or not, “but regardless of the outcome, and although we ill insist on punishing the perpetrators, our relations with Syria will remain strong.”

Siniora described his relationship with President Emile Lahoud as lukewarm by saying “it is dictated by the constitution, because we have to govern this country.”

“Ever since Lahoud’s mandate was extended last September, things began to deteriorate and Hariri’s assassination was the final straw that broke the camel’s back bringing us to the current situation,” Siniora said

Copyright © 1999-2005 Lebanonwire^®.com. All rights reserved.