July 20, 2010 - Naharnet - Ex-U.S. Official: It Was Obvious Syrians Were Not Behind Hariri Killing

A former high-level U.S. official has said that Washington was lately aware that no Syrian stood behind the assassination of ex-Premier Saad Hariri.
"It was lately obvious to us that the Syrians were not behind the assassination. However, they probably knew about it," the former official told As Safir daily.

Asked about the political intentions of Hizbullah, the official said: "We don't know yet. We have thought about many scenarios."

Another U.S. official told As Safir that Special Tribunal for Lebanon Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare is routinely visiting Washington to ask in vain for U.S. financial assistance.

The Obama administration wants to distance itself from the STL in order not to affect its operations, he said.