BEIRUT: Tens of thousands of people gathered in Beirut on Sunday to mark the 5th anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, whose death touched off Lebanon’s “Cedar Revolution” and ushered in the end of Syria’s 30-year domination.
Although turnout was huge, it was estimated to be less than in previous years — perhaps a reflection of the rift within the pro-Western ruling coalition, now headed by the slain Hariri’s son, the current prime minister.
“I am here to say Rafik Hariri did not die for nothing,” said Zeina Al-Sidani, who was carrying a red, white and green Lebanese flag in one hand and a red rose in the other. “We will continue to fight for our independence.”
Hariri was killed in a massive truck bombing in Beirut on Valentine’s Day 2005, a killing that sparked a cascade of political turmoil in the Middle East. An international tribunal set up to try his killers has yet to identify the perpetrators.
The five-time prime minister had close ties with Western leaders as well as Syria and was credited with helping rebuild Lebanon’s capital after the 1975-1990 civil war. In the last few months before his assassination, however, he had tried to limit Damascus’ influence over Lebanon.
Hariri’s death was followed by the rise of a US-backed alliance that became known as the March 14 coalition, named after a day of massive anti-Syrian protests dubbed the “Cedar Revolution.” The demonstrations eventually led to the withdrawal of Syrian troops, ending almost three decades of Syrian domination that was established during Lebanon’s civil war.
This year’s anniversary comes after Prime Minister Saad Hariri reconciled with neighboring Syria. The 40-year-old Hariri now heads a unity government that includes Syrian-backed politicians who had been part of the political opposition.
Hariri this year spoke of a new stage in Lebanon’s relations with its neighbor.
