Lebanon Marks First Anniversary Of Hariri Murder

Rafiq Hariri (file photo) (epa) 14 February 2006 -- Lebanon today marks the first anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

A large rally is scheduled for Beirut after candlelight vigils on the evening of 13 February. The streets of Beirut are lined with billboards in honor of the five-time prime minister.


Hariri was killed 14 February, 2005 in a truck bombing in Beirut that left 20 others dead.


The assassination sparked anti-Syrian street rallies, leading to the withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon.


In Paris on 13 February, French President Jacques Chirac likened Hariri to General Charles de Gaule and described him as a leader who earned incomparable respect around the world.


In Washington, the U.S. State Department said those responsible for Hariri's death will be brought to justice.


Damascus has rejected a UN probe implicating it in the murder.


(AFP, dpa, AP, Reuters)