Mehlis must be brave

The United States urged UN Secretary General Kofi Annan Friday to persuade German prosecutor Detlev Mehlis to stay on as head of the UN investigation into the assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri, after numerous reports Mehlis would step down after December 15. In a letter to Annan on Thursday, U.S. Ambassador to the UN John Bolton said America wanted Mehlis to "continue in his current capacity." "We understand Mehlis is in dangerous personal circumstances there," Bolton said in reference to threats made against the investigator in Lebanon.

If Mehlis quits, it will be a terrible blow to Lebanon; furthermore, whomever takes his place will be subjected to the same intimidation tactics from Syria and would probaly give in and come up with the usual inconclusive, bland UN reporting.

Mr. Mehlis, Please don't quit. Justice needs you. You are the hero of many millions of Lebanese who are anxious to know the truth. You have our total support... Above all, we trust you all the way...Please stay the course and we will all be glad you did.

Don't betray the babes!

Mehlis, Syria, Lebanon, Hariri, UN, Bolton