BEIRUT (REUTERS) – TENS of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Lebanon on Friday to mark independence day with a fresh wave of demonstrations against a ruling elite accused of rampant corruption and steering the country into deep crisis. The unprecedented wave of nationwide protests erupted five weeks ago, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri on Oct. 29. Despite a worsening economic crisis, deeply divided politicians have yet to agree on a new government.

Protesters waving Lebanese flags packed central Beirut’s Martyrs Square where music blasted into the night. Many protesters said they felt like they were celebrating independence for the first time. “This year independence day is different. Before, they marred it with their system of sharing power and corruption. Today, we are demanding a clean independence and a country where we can live in dignity and pride,” said a protester who gave her name as Hind. “It’s important to show up today of all days and be united as a country. Everyone is realizing what true independence looks like,” said Lydia, 21, who was protesting in Beirut.

A military parade usually held on the seafront near Martyrs Square was relocated to the defense ministry where Hariri, still serving as prime minister in a caretaker capacity since his resignation, attended a low-key ceremony with President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Hariri, who is aligned with Western and Gulf Arab states, is at odds with Aoun, Berri and the powerful Shi’ite group Hezbollah over the make-up of the next government. Broadcaster al-Jadeed noted an “unusual” silence between Hariri and Berri while other members of the government chatted to each other. Lebanon is facing its worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, rooted in years of state corruption and waste. The crisis has spread to the financial system where the pegged Lebanese pound has weakened, dollars have become scarce and banks have imposed controls to prevent capital flight. Aoun, in a televised speech marking independence day on Thursday, said it was “not the time for speeches, words and celebrations”. “It is time for work, serious and diligent work because we are in a race against time.” (Reporting by Dala Osseiran and Nadine Awadalla; Editing by Tom Perry and Peter Graff) Copyright 2019 Thomson Reuters.

Lebanese hold 1st “civil parade” to celebrate Independence Day

BEIRUT, (Xinhua) — Lebanon witnessed on Friday a “civil parade” for the first time to celebrate the country’s Independence Day, LBCI local TV Channel reported. The parade, which took place in the capital Beirut’s downtown, witnessed the participation of over one million people, including lawyers, doctors, retired military veterans, students, environmentalists, and other professionals and segments of the society. The parade comes a month after the country witnessed nationwide protests against the ruling political class leading to the resignation of the government of caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Protesters were keen to organize this year a parade of their own, while hoping to realize their dreams of changing the whole political system which is based on sectarianism by creating a secular state that acts in favor of Lebanon and its people. Nationwide protests started on Oct. 17 following attempts by the past government to impose taxes on the Lebanese population without resorting to the implementation of real structural reform measures. Protesters vowed not to leave the streets before witnessing real changes, including the fight against corruption by recuperating stolen public funds. Lebanese top officials gathered earlier in the day to celebrate the yearly traditional Independence Day at the Defense Ministry in Yarze. The official parade was supposed to take place in central Beirut, but it was called off due to protests in the area. Enditem Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and 

 

The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, lit up on Friday to mark the Lebanese Independence Day in Dubai. Lebanon-National-750 The Burj Khalifa lit up in colours of the Lebanese National flag. Gulf Today, Staff Reporter The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, lit up on Friday to mark the Lebanese Independence Day in Dubai. The Burj Khalifa Twitter said, “Burj Khalifa lights up in honour of the Lebanese Independence Day #Lebanon #BurjKhalifa…” The display of the national flag was synchronised with the Lebanese national anthem. Lebanese celebrated 76 years of national self-rule on Friday. Tens of thousands of Lebanese youth massed for joyous street festivities in Beirut and other cities.