Joseph A. Kechichian, Senior Writer
Beirut: For the 11th year running, thousands gathered to commemorate the assassination of Rafik Hariri, on Valentine’s Day in 2005. Hundreds of thousands watched on television screens though only MTV, Al-Jadeed, Future Television and LBC carried the commemoration live. OTV, TeleLiban, NBN and Al-Manar broadcast regularly scheduled programmes.
Speaking at the Biel Conference Centre, the fallen martyr’s son, former prime minister Sa’ad Hariri reiterated his commitment to his father’s memory. He repeated that no one stood above the state.
Hariri insisted that Lebanon belonged to everyone, not to a specific community, and that no party, on the strength of military might, could drag the Lebanese into adventures they disapprove of.
In a particularly strong comment, Hariri insisted that the Lebanese are Arabs and will not allow anyone to doubt that, or pit Lebanese Arabs against other Arabs, especially our brothers in Saudi Arabia and the Arab Gulf States. “We will never be Iranians,” Hariri thundered, and continued: “we are Arabs and we will remain so.”
He struck a popular note as he compared the presidential term of Michel Sulaiman and the period since, lamenting the void. He then presented a precis of developments that went from the selection of Geagea to Gemayel to Franjieh, affirming that he never backed Michel Aoun. His goal, Hariri affirmed, was to do everything in his ability to fill the immense political void that was created after Sulaiman ended his term on May 24, 2014.
It has now become quite clear, Hariri insisted, that that void is precisely what Hezbollah and March 8 seek. In a passionate speech, Hariri reiterated that March 14 was the true supporter of democracy because it was ready to elect a head of state, unlike March 8 that refuses to know the result before actual elections are held.
Hariri recalled the sacrifices of all those who were murdered so that Lebanon lives. “Ours,” said Hariri, “is a nationalist plan, that allows the Lebanese to build a country, while others have little more than sectarian objectives”.
“February 14 is Rafik Hariri’s day and all those who spilled their blood so that we remain free from all occupations, the Syrian in the past, and others now,” declared Hariri. “The fate of Lebanon is in our hands, not in Tehran’s,” he said, “and our weapons are the constitution and the spirit of freedom. Our martyrs are calling us to be faithful to God and to our land. All to free our country and we know exactly how to defend our nation.
He closed by asking what his father would have done if he was in his place. “I wish Rafik was standing in front of you.”
He then invited all March 14 leaders to join him for a commemorative photograph.
A full who’s who of Lebanon answered the call of duty, including Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese Forces, as well as former president Amine Gemayel along with former first ladies Nayla Mouawad and Mona Hrawi. Sulaiman Franjieh, with whom Hariri spoke over the telephone, was not present. Neither was Michel Aoun, the leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, although several FPM ministers and deputies attended. Of course, there were no Hezbollah officials present, nor was Speaker Nabih Berri, the head of the Amal Party, in the audience.
The moribund March 14 movement, or what’s left of it, commemorated the fallen statesman’s legacy for the 11th year in a row, one wondered whether a little more could be achieved without the ability to elect a head of state.
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“Saad … Saad!” the crowd chanted as he shook the hands of politicians, religious figures and senior officials.
“With our blood and our souls, we will redeem you, oh Saad,” the whistling, applauding crowd said.
Hariri, who made a surprise return to Beirut Sunday at dawn,was wearing a black suit with a black tie.
The young Hariri later took his seat in the front row next to former Kataeb chief Amin Gemayel.
Hariri’s last visit to Lebanon was in February last year to mark the 10th anniversary of his father’s assassination. He has been living in self-imposed exile between France and Saudi Arabia since January 2011 over security concerns.
The crowd interrupted Hariri several times, whistling and applauding, before he was able to begin his speech.
“No one will be able to take control of the state, not by issuing false military rulings (referring to the military court’s verdict in the case of ex-Information Minister Michel Samaha), not by arms, terrorism or extremists.”
He underlined that Lebanon will remain for all the Lebanese, lashing out at parties that are linking the country’s future to the interests of regional, rather than local powers.
“Some decided to engage in battles in the wrong regions," he said, hinting at Hezbollah. "If the state cannot put an end to this error, then we will raise our political opposition and extend a hand to the Shiite sect to dismantle the mines in order to preserve coexistence.”
Hariri reaffirmed his commitment to Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia: “We are Arabs and we say it from rooftops … and we will not allow anyone to drag Lebanon into hostility with Saudi Arabia and our brotherly Arab countries.”
“Lebanon will never become an Iranian province.”
Prominent March 14 figures attended the late PM’s commemoration, including Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea, Gemayel and senior Future Movement officials, including Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi.
Geagea’s participation seeks to end speculations of a rift with the young Hariri over his reported nomination of Marada Movement chief MP Sleiman Frangieh and the LF leader’s endorsement of his long-time war rival the founder of Free Patriotic Movement MP Michel Aoun.
Education Minister Elias Bou Saab, who is affiliated to the FPM, also attended the event, while Taymour Jumblatt represented his father, Walid, head of the Progressive Socialist Party.
The crowded hall fit 6,000 seats, as heavy security surrounded the premises.
"You were right … Today more than ever," this year’s slogan read.
Participants stood a minute in silence for all those who were assassinated in the aftermath of Rafik Hariri’s murder.
The event opened with a documentary depicting the lifetime achievements of the late leader, followed by a choral recital of national songs.
Words confirmed Saad Hariri’s commitment to the legacy of his father, underlining that he would never give up on what his father began.
