Lebanon has formally asked for an extension of the UN investigation into former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri's murder to Dec. 15, Lebanese Information Minister Ghazi Aridi told reporters on Thursday.

The cabinet decision to extend the UN mandate was aimed at providing support and assistance to the Lebanese judiciary, said Aridi.

He said chief UN investigator Detlev Mehlis, a German prosecutor, would still submit his findings on Oct. 21, three days ahead of the deadline of his mission.

Aridi's announcement came after Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora's indicated last week that the investigation should continue till the end of the year.

Siniora asked for an extension in a phone call to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan earlier this month. Thursday's request means the decision was backed by the government.

Hariri was assassinated in a huge bomb attack on Feb. 14 in Beirut, touching off massive anti-Syrian demonstrations and mounting international pressure on Damascus, which finally led to the Syrian troops withdrawal from Lebanon in April.

Syria denies any role in the killing.

Source: Xinhua