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Beirut on high alert as crowds gather to mark Hariri murder |
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Written by News Editor
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Thursday, 14 February 2008 |
Lebanon news, Lebanese radio
station , world news, music, discover Lebanon, visit Beirut, Radio sawt
Beirut
BEIRUT was on high alert today as crowds gathered to mark the third anniversary of the assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri, while the funeral of a former Hezbollah commander was being held just a few miles away.
A huge security operation was mounted in the Lebanese capital amid fears of clashes between pro and anti-Syrian factions.
Tens of thousands of Lebanese were expected to converge on Martyrs' Square in the city centre, where Mr Hariri is buried.
Lebanon has recently experienced some of its worst internal violence since Mr Hariri's assassination. His murder sparked massive domestic and international pressure, which forced Syria to withdraw its troops from neighbouring Lebanon after a presence of 29 years.
Large crowds were also expected at the funeral of one-time Hezbollah security chief Imad Mughniyeh, killed in a car bombing in Syria. Mughniyeh was one of the world's most wanted terrorists. |