U.N. approves tribunal in Lebanon slaying

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said the resolution "essentially is an encroachment upon the sovereignty of Lebanon." He said Moscow supports bringing the perpetrators to justice. But "given the deep rift in Lebanese society ... that should not lead to negative consequences."

Chinese U.N. Ambassador Wang Guangya warned that only a tribunal supported by all Lebanese factions can be effective.

The council's move "will give rise to a series of political and legal problems, likely to add to the uncertainties embedded in the already turbulent political and security and situation in Lebanon," Wang said.

In Lebanon, joyful supporters of the slain former leader erupted in cheers, wept and even danced in the streets when they got word of the U.N. approval. About 200 people holding flags cheered. Some cried near Hariri's downtown Beirut grave. A giant screen broadcast the Security Council vote live from New York. Dozens of people prayed before the vote was taken.

Fireworks lit the night sky in Tarik Jadideh, a Sunni Muslim neighborhood where support for Hariri runs high. People danced the dabkeh, the traditional foot-stomping Lebanese folk dance. Some shouted slogans criticizing Syrian President Bashar Assad and his close ally, Lebanese President Emile Lahoud.

Hariri's assassination sparked huge demonstrations against Syria. Syria denied involvement but was forced to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, ending its 29-year domination of it smaller neighbor.

Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari criticized the resolution.

"Definitely this is something that goes against the interests of the Lebanese people and Lebanon as a whole," he told reporters after the vote.

The Lebanese government appeared fearful that celebrations could turn to violence between pro-government and opposition factions. The Interior Ministry banned the public from firing guns in the air, releasing fireworks and using motorcycles from 8 p.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m Thursday. Some of the bomb attacks in Lebanon have been blamed on assailants riding motorcycles.

Most of Beirut's other neighborhoods were empty after the vote as people stayed indoors fearing trouble. Lebanon was already in a state of heightened tensions because of ongoing fighting between the army and Islamic militants holed up at a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon. Scores have been killed in the violence, among them troops, militants and civilians caught in the crossfire.

The U.S., Britain and France expressed satisfaction.

"By adopting this resolution, the council has demonstrated its commitment to the principle that there should be no impunity for political assassination, in Lebanon or elsewhere," U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said.