A UN panel investigating the killing of ex-Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri wants to meet Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Foreign Minister Farouq Shara. The request follows the expulsion by the governing Baath Party in Syria of he former Syrian vice-president, Abdul Halim Khaddam.

Mr Khaddam has alleged that Syrian leaders threatened Mr Hariri before his assassination last February. The UN commission also says it wants to interview Mr Khaddam. Syria has denied making any threats against Mr Hariri. The United Nations investigation into the murder has already implicated Syrian officials. Damascus has strongly denied any involvement.