March 14 Calls for Massive Turnout on Hariri Assassination Anniversary
The ruling March 14 coalition has called for a massive turnout on the anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri as a show of Lebanese unity.
Lebanon is marking the 4th anniversary of the killing of Hariri and 20 other people in a massive Beirut car bombing on February 14, 2005 with rallies.
"We call for a massive popular turnout to mark the fourth anniversary of the assassination of martyr Rafik Hariri next Feb. 14," said a statement issued by March 14 leaders following an overnight meeting.
March 14 said Lebanese participation at the rally in Martyrs” Square, or what is now called Freedom Square, would be "an expression of commitment to the achievements of independence, sovereignty and democratic regime."
More than one million people turned out on March 14, 2005 for a massive demonstration one month after Hariri”s assassination.
The statement also stressed the importance of a unified Lebanese stance regarding the Palestinian cause and solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine.
March 14 reiterated the Palestinians” right to have an independent, democratic state and the right to return to their homeland safe from Israeli ambitions and attacks.