To commemorate the one year anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese premier Rafiq Hariri, a massive demonstration attended by an estimated one million Lebanese citizens was held on Tuesday in Beirut.
Most schools and private institutions were closed on Tuesday in memory of the February 14, 2005 truck bombing which took the life of the former leader as well as 20 others.
Marchers carrying countless red and white Lebanese flags attempted to recreate the momentum of a similar protest marking the one-month anniversary of Hariri's death last year in which one million Lebanese gathered in the same square on March 14, 2005.
The March 14 rally sought to pressure Syria, largely blamed for the assassination, to withdraw from Lebanese soil after years of occupation and influence in Lebanon, according to Naharnet.
Mass public outrage that ensued after Hariri's killing is said to be the main force behind the eventual withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanese soil after years of occupation.
Placards in Tuesday's demonstration read, "Isn't it enough, Bashar?" and listed the names of other anti-Syrian Lebanese who have been targeted in similar bombings since Hariri's death.
Other signs read, "Yes, for the Syrian people. No to (Syrian) intelligence terrorism."
So far, a United Nations investigation into the murder has implicated several Syria officials as the main suspects behind the attack. Syria has denied any connection to the bombing.
On Monday, candlelight vigils were held at the site in where Hariri was killed. Most windows in Beirut had candles on their balconies to mark the occasion, while cars were draped with Lebanese flags.
Images of Hariri and messages supporting him could be seen on billboards and posters throughout the city. 'He taught, rebuilt and liberated,' read one banner. 'We have missed you,' said another.
Loudspeakers had called on residents to participate in Tuesday's demonstration, while Druze leader Walid Jumblatt stated, "Every Lebanese is invited to pay homage to Hariri on Tuesday by placing a red rose at the site or at his tomb," according to DPA.
Hariri is given credit by many in Lebanon for rebuilding the nation's economy after 15 years of a devastating civil war.
Despite the expected high turnout at Tuesday's rally, supporters of the pro-Syrian Hizbullah and Christian Michel Aoun, did not attend, claiming that Hariri's death has been over-politicized.
© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
