Lebanon's Security Chief to Step Down for UN Probe

Lebanon's pro-Syrian security chief says he will step down from his position during a United Nations investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.

General Jamil Sayyed, director-general of the Interior Ministry's General Security Department, told reporters in Beirut Friday, he took the decision after a new government was put in place and before the arrival of U.N. investigators.

Lebanon's opposition groups have called for the resignation of pro-Syrian Lebanese security officials, who they accuse of being responsible, along with Syria, for Mr. Hariri's death.

Damascus has denied any involvement, but the assassination sparked calls for Syria to withdraw its 14,000 troops from Lebanon. Authorities say all but about 1,000 troops have left, with the remainder set to leave by April 30.

Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.