Dubai: As Lebanese from different political spectrum are anxiously awaiting indictments in the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) in the murder of former premier Rafik Hariri, the prosecutor's office was tight-lipped on Wednesday over the developments.

"The Prosecutor's investigation into the attack against Former PM on February 14 2005 may continue into the trial phase, as there is no time limit on the investigation," said a spokesperson in the prosecutor's office in response to a question on when the investigations will be concluded.

"A Trial Chamber of three judges will decide on the start date of any trial," added the spokesperson in a statement sent to Gulf News.

On Thursday, the UN-backed court submitted a sealed indictment in the case to the country's prosecutor general.

Lebanese judicial sources in Beirut expected earlier in the week that the STL will release the "indictment by the first week of July, if no obstacles come up."

Ealier on Wednsday, the sources added in press statement that four judges were summoned ahead of the issuance of the indictments in connection with the assassination of Hariri in a massive car explosion.

STL officials declined to comment on the contents or the timing of the indictments. However, Lebanese and Arab press reports speculated that members from the Lebanese group of Hezbollah will be indicted over the assassination - a move already being publicly rejected by Hezbollah. Over the former prime minister, Sa'ad Hariri's refusal to stop cooperating with the UN Tribunal, the government collapsed.

Hezbollah, which denied any involvement in Hariri's murder, has warned that "none of its members will be interrogated or questioned in this regard."

But, according to a report published earlier this week, the London-based daily Asharq Al Awsat, the STL wants to question five Hezbollah members over the next few days.

STL prosecutor's spokesperson, however, declined to comment on the issue of quizzing members of Hezbollah.

"As a matter of policy, the Office of the Prosecutor does not share information about its investigation with the public. This policy is based on considerations of utmost concern for the integrity of the investigation and the safety of victims, witnesses, suspects and staff," the spokesperson said. "Preserving confidentiality is essential for the success of an investigation."

At the same time, members from the March 14 bloc, which is headed by Sa'ad Hariri, led by Al Mustaqbal party said leaks on STL indictment are "pure speculation".

"We do not have any information when the indictment will be issued," Jean Hogassapian, an MP from Future Parliamentary bloc, was quoted as saying

Also, State Prosecutor Saeed Mirza denied, in a telephone interview with the Al Mustaqbal newspaper, receiving anything related to the STL indictments, stressing that in line with the agreement with the tribunal, Lebanon will be the first to receive a copy of the verdict. Al Mustaqbal is owned by Sa'ad Hariri.

Mirza had met Monday with Secretary-General of the Lebanese Cabinet Suheil Bouji, to inform him of the procedures the government should take once the STL indictments are released, press reported said.

The STL, established in 2007 and tasked with bringing to justice those involved in the assassination of Hariri in 2005, is widely believed to name members of Hezbollah, a leading party in the March 8 coalition. Hezbollah denies involvement in the killing of the former statesman.

Members in March 14 bloc warned against rescinding Lebanon's commitment toward the STL, saying this would expose Lebanon to further political instability and would "prompt the international community to label Lebanon as a failed state."

But the newly-formed Lebanese government has failed to agree on a position on the STL. A committee tasked with drafting the government programme held its sixth meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Najib Mikati's office said in a statement.

The Lebanese parliament speaker, on the other hand, warned Mikati's government on Wednesday that it will collapse if it fails to draft a programme by July 13.

"According to the Lebanese constitution, when you form a Cabinet you have 30 days to present a policy statement to parliament," an official in Speaker Nabih Berri's office was quoted as telling AFP on condition of anonymity. "If that does not take place, the cabinet automatically collapses."