The Arab and Lebanese press report that compared to previous years, the Beirut rally yesterday marking the fifth anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Al-Hariri had fewer participants and the speakers were restrained in tone and refrained from accusing Syria of the assassination.
The background to this is the Syria-Saudi reconciliation, the establishment of the unity government in Lebanon, and the visit by Lebanese Prime Minister Sa'd Al-Hariri to Damascus.
In his address, Al-Hariri praised the solidarity with Hizbullah in the face of Israel's threats, and promised to continue to advance Syria-Lebanon relations and reconciliation between them, stressing that national unity was the only way to protect Lebanon.
Phalangist Party chairman Amin Al-Jemayel expressed support for reconciliation with Syria, but said that Syria had to understand once and for all that Lebanon is an independent and sovereign country.
Lebanese Forces party chairman Samir Geagea vehemently attacked Hizbullah, which he said was acting according to Iran's interests, and warned that Hizbullah's weapons were a burden and a risk for Lebanon.
Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt was conspicuous in his absence.
Sources: Al-Mustaqbal, Al-Safir, Lebanon; Al-Quds Al-Arabi, Al-Hayat, London, February 15, 2010
