Emotional Saad Hariri Urges Lebanese to Join Hands
| Legislator Saad Hariri welcomed the U.N. vote on Wednesday to set up the international tribunal that would try ex-Premier Rafik Hariri’s suspected assassins. “Let’s all join hands in defending the international tribunal … as an opportunity for all Lebanese to unite,” said Hariri, in a televised statement. “Enough is enough with division … Let’s join hands to serve the interests of our nation,” he said, addressing the Hizbullah-led opposition which was against the U.N. Security Council vote. “This tribunal is for all Lebanon … putting an end to the criminal terror intimidating Lebanon,” said Hariri choking back tears. “We are seeking justice to hold to account the perpetrators.” Seconds after the vote, watched on satellite television, celebratory gunfire was heard as Hariri’s supporters gathered at the downtown graveside of the former premier near Al Amin mosque. Saad Hariri also headed to his father’s graveside where he lit a candle and put a rose. Premier Fouad Saniora, also on local television stations, said the trial for the murder of Hariri that has been widely blamed on Syria would allow for “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth” to be revealed. It is not directed “against sister Syria,” he insisted. Saniora also urged the Lebanese to join hands and overcome their differences after the vote in New York. “Lebanon is not the homeland of any party, group, sect, or religion, it is the country of all Lebanese,” Saniora said.(AFP-Naharnet) |
| Beirut, 30 May 07 |
