Lebanese authorities have begun handing over files from theirinvestigation into the killing of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri tothe U.N.-sponsored special tribunal in The Netherlands.
TheLebanese investigating judge, Saqr Saqr, on Wednesday ordered thetransfer of the case in response to a formal request made last month bythe special court in The Hague.
The judge also ordered fourpro-Syrian generals arrested in connection with the probe to remain injail until the tribunal decides what to do with them.
Mr. Hariri and 22 others were killed in a truck bombing in Beirut in February of 2005.
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon began its work at The Hague on March 1.
U.N. officials say they expect the tribunal to complete its work in three to five years.
ManyLebanese blame Syria for the attack. Syria has denied responsibility. But pressure from Lebanon and the United Nations led Syria to pull its14,000 troops out of Lebanon less than three months after theassassination.
Officials from Syria and Lebanon have said they will cooperate with the proceedings.