The U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution establishing a tribunal to prosecute suspects in the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.By a 10-0 vote with five abstentions – including those of two veto-wielding permament members, Russia and China – the council on Wednesday gave the Lebanese parliament until June 10 to establish a tribunal. Pro-Syrian elements in Lebanon have blocked efforts by the prime minster, Fouad Siniora, to establish such a tribunal If Lebanon doesn’t act by the council’s deadline, an agreement will automatically “enter into force,” creating a tribunal outside Lebanon with a majority of international judges and an international prosecutor.Also Wednesday, the Security Council expressed its concern over the continuing violence in Gaza and welcomed the efforts of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to bring about a cease-fire.
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