BEIRUT, Lebanon - Lebanon said Monday that the UN team investigating the murder of former Lebanese premier Rafiq Hariri in February is seeking more time to wrap up its probe.

Detlev Mehlis, a German magistrate heading the probe, was due to report back to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan by October 21 but has asked for his mission to be extended, the Lebanese press reported.

"Mehlis will take all the necessary measures so his mission continues until December 15," Prime Minister Fuad Siniora was quoted as saying.

Four top pro-Syrian security officials in Lebanon have been arrested over the February 14 killing of Hariri in a massive Beirut bomb blast that plunged the country into deep political turmoil.

Mehlis has also visited Syria twice to question security officials, amid widespread allegations in Lebanon that Damascus had a hand in the killing.

Mehlis is due to leave Beirut on Monday and is expected to visit Paris to meet members of the Hariri family. He is due to return to Lebanon on October 11.

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