The Mehlis report also accused Syria of failing to give meaningful cooperation to the probe.

NPR: U.S., France to Urge Syrian Help with U.N. Probe

Mehlis noted that the UN has extended his commission's mandate to investigate until mid-December.

NPR: U.S., France to Urge Syrian Help with U.N. Probe

But it also tried hard to discredit Mr Mehlis, most dramatically by televising a key witness's supposed recantation.

ECONOMIST: Dark deeds in Lebanon | The

Mr Mehlis is retiring from the investigation team, but the Security Council may extend its mandate for six months.

ECONOMIST: Dark deeds in Lebanon | The

Last month, the UN's chief investigator, Detlev Mehlis, pressed his inquiries still closer.

ECONOMIST: A rather convenient suicide | The

Mr Mehlis is due to report to the UN Security Council within days.

ECONOMIST: A rather convenient suicide | The

In Lebanon, likewise, many people will feel let down if senior members of the Syrian regime identified by Mr Mehlis are allowed to escape justice.

ECONOMIST: Syria

Mr Mehlis's report also politely but firmly chides Syria for stalling, despite a UN Security Council resolution obliging it to co-operate fully with the investigation.

ECONOMIST: Dark deeds in Lebanon | The

Despite assurances from President Bashar Assad, it has so far not allowed direct questioning of at least five officials sought by the chief investigator, Detlev Mehlis, a German prosecutor experienced in terrorism cases.

ECONOMIST: Lebanon