The United Nations Security Council today authorized the formation of an international tribunal to try suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, although some members warned that the move could have serious political repercussions because the council was exceeding its authority and interfering in Lebanese affairs.

By a vote of 10 in favour to none against, with 5 abstentions (China, Indonesia, Qatar, Russian Federation and South Africa), the Security Council, acting under Chapter VII of the Charter, adopted resolution 1757 (2007) authorizing the creation of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

The requirements agreed between the world body and Lebanon last November are attached to the resolution, along with the Tribunal's 30-article founding statute.

The measure responds to a request from Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, but the country's Parliament has not approved the plan because speaker Nabih Berri has not convened the chamber.

Expenses for the tribunal would be borne by United Nations Member States, unless Lebanon could take that responsibility.