February 15, 2007	Thursday	Muharram 26, 1428

BEIRUT, Feb 14: Tens of thousands of flag-waving Lebanese massed in the heart of Beirut on Wednesday to mark the murder committed two years ago, of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri, with security high after deadly bus bombings.

Behind bullet-proof glass, a succession of leaders blamed Damascus for the Hariri assassination and other attacks in the past two years but appealed for unity to end a deep political crisis between pro- and anti-Syrian factions.

Troops and tanks were out in force bracing for possible violence as the Hariri rally was taking place next to the site where pro-Damascus opposition rivals have been holding an around-the-clock sit-in since December 1.

“We are here to extend our hand to all Lebanese for dialogue and national unity,” said Hariri’s son Saad Hariri.

Tens of thousands of people carrying candles, flags and balloons in the blue colour of Saad’s political party poured into Martyrs’ Square where Hariri’s tomb lies at the foot of a great mosque.

The anniversary commemorations come at a time of acute crisis in a country still riven by political and confessional divisions and destabilised by a wave of attacks against Damascus critics.

Lebanon’s government has been paralysed since November when six pro-Syrian ministers quit, triggering the launch of a Hezbollah-led campaign to oust the cabinet of Western-backed Prime Minister Fuad Siniora.

The political feuding has arisen in part over the government’s backing for a UN tribunal to try suspects in the Hariri killing, a move opposed by Syria and its allies in Lebanon.—AFP