Two of Lebanon's top security chiefs offered to step aside during the UN probe into the assassination of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri as the new cabinet moved to ensure crucial elections are held on time.
General Jamil Sayyed, the General Security chief and General Ali Hajj, head of Internal Security Forces, made their offers in writing to prime minister Najib Miqati.
According to AFP, Sayyed and Hajj were among several security heads whose removal has been demanded by the anti-Syria opposition for suspected involvement in Hariri's death. An official announcement said Sayyed, a known Syrian supporter, had placed himself at the disposal of the council of ministers.
The security chiefs said they would not exercise their functions during the mission of the UN probe commission.
Miqati, who received Sayyed early Friday, vowed that the government was "committed" to meet demands for the sacking of five top security chiefs and the public prosecutor.
