Syria backs down to UN threats in Hariri probe

Oh, that's a relief. For now...

By Simon Freeman and agencies

Syria today promised to co-operate fully with a United Nations inquiry into the assassination of Rafik Hariri, Lebanon's best-known politician and former Prime Minister.

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The diplomatic retreat was greeted with noisy demonstrations in Damascus today... (snip) Although apparently spontaneous, such demonstrations are extremely rare without state support.

France and the United States yesterday dropped the specific threat of sanctions following opposition from China and Russia. Instead, there will be unspecified "further action" if Syria refuses to play ball.

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