Thursday, June 15 2006 10:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: A UN-backed probe team has reported 'considerable progress' in the investigations into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri but has yet to identify the perpetrators of the crime.

It also needs to conduct more intensive investigations into the 14 other cases which might the related to the attack.

However, the latest report on the status of the probe released yesterday was seen by the US as implying that Syria, whose intelligence are suspect to be involved in the bombings, is not fully cooperating.

The report by head of the International Independent Investigation Commission (IIIC) Serge Brammertz said level of assistance provided by Syria has 'generally been satisfactory' while the interaction with Lebanese authorities continues to be 'excellent'.

Syria, he said, responded to the commission's requests in a timely manner and in some instances comprehensive responses were also provided.

US' ambassador to the UN John Bolton, however maintained that comprehensive responses were not provided by Damascus.

Syrian Foreign Minister Fayssal Mekdad told the Council that the major danger to investigation was an attempt by some parties who wanted to put pressure on Damascus to jump to prejudgments which are not based on clear evidence or truth.

In the report submitted to the Council, Brammertz said his team has made critical forensic advances and in months ahead, the Commission will focus on identifying the perpetrators of the crime.

Hariri, along with 22 others were killed on February 14, 2005 in a blast in the Lebanese capital Beirut.