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16/02/2005
Thousands gather for Hariri funeral in Beirut
Thousands of mourners gathered in Beirut today for the funeral of former Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri.
Mr Hariri, 60, was killed in a bomb explosion, on Monday in which 14 others were killed. It is believed to have been a suicide car bomb attack.
Mr Hariri's coffin, which was draped with a Lebanese flag, was brought to his home in West Beirut, along with the bodies of several of his bodyguards, who were also killed in the attack.
The funeral cortege then travelled to the Muhammad Amin Mosque, amid a huge security presence, including heavily armed police, soldiers and armoured vehicles. Thousands of mourners gathered around the mosque, making it virtually impossible for Mr Hariri's sons to carry the coffin inside.
It was reported that many people were crying, although some members of the crowd also chanted anti-Syrian slogans. Opposition leaders and many Lebanese people have blamed both the Lebanese and Syrian governments for Mr Hariri's death, although both governments have denied any involvement.
The United Nations has also called for Syrian troops to be withdrawn from Lebanon. Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, issued a statement saying that he hoped there would be "clear signs" of a withdrawal of troops from the country within the next two months.
Mr Hariri, a self-made billionaire, served as Prime Minster of Lebanon from 1992 – 98 and again from 2000 until his resignation last October.
He was regarded by many as hugely influential in the rebuilding of the country following the 15-year civil war, which devastated Lebanon in the late '70s and into the 1980s.
There have been fears that his assassination could spark renewed conflict in the country, not seen since the war finally ended in 1990.
(KMcA/SP)
Mr Hariri, 60, was killed in a bomb explosion, on Monday in which 14 others were killed. It is believed to have been a suicide car bomb attack.
Mr Hariri's coffin, which was draped with a Lebanese flag, was brought to his home in West Beirut, along with the bodies of several of his bodyguards, who were also killed in the attack.
The funeral cortege then travelled to the Muhammad Amin Mosque, amid a huge security presence, including heavily armed police, soldiers and armoured vehicles. Thousands of mourners gathered around the mosque, making it virtually impossible for Mr Hariri's sons to carry the coffin inside.
It was reported that many people were crying, although some members of the crowd also chanted anti-Syrian slogans. Opposition leaders and many Lebanese people have blamed both the Lebanese and Syrian governments for Mr Hariri's death, although both governments have denied any involvement.
The United Nations has also called for Syrian troops to be withdrawn from Lebanon. Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, issued a statement saying that he hoped there would be "clear signs" of a withdrawal of troops from the country within the next two months.
Mr Hariri, a self-made billionaire, served as Prime Minster of Lebanon from 1992 – 98 and again from 2000 until his resignation last October.
He was regarded by many as hugely influential in the rebuilding of the country following the 15-year civil war, which devastated Lebanon in the late '70s and into the 1980s.
There have been fears that his assassination could spark renewed conflict in the country, not seen since the war finally ended in 1990.
(KMcA/SP)
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15 February 2005
Lebanese army on 'high alert' following assassination
The Lebanese army has been placed on high alert, following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in the capital, Beirut, yesterday. The army has been placed on high alert, amid fears that the assassination could mark a return to the conflict last seen in the 15-year civil war, which ended in 1990.
Lebanese army on 'high alert' following assassination
The Lebanese army has been placed on high alert, following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in the capital, Beirut, yesterday. The army has been placed on high alert, amid fears that the assassination could mark a return to the conflict last seen in the 15-year civil war, which ended in 1990.
10 March 2005
Pro-Syrian Lebanese PM to return to government
Pro-Syrian former Lebanese Prime Minister Omar Karameh has been re-appointed in the post, following his resignation over a week ago. Mr Karameh resigned from his post ten days ago, following anti-Syrian protests in the country.
Pro-Syrian Lebanese PM to return to government
Pro-Syrian former Lebanese Prime Minister Omar Karameh has been re-appointed in the post, following his resignation over a week ago. Mr Karameh resigned from his post ten days ago, following anti-Syrian protests in the country.
14 February 2005
Former Lebanon Prime Minister killed in bomb blast
Former Lebanese prime minister, Rafik Hariri, has been killed in a bomb attack in Beirut. At least nine other people are reported to have been killed in the explosion, which is believed to have been caused by a car bomb.
Former Lebanon Prime Minister killed in bomb blast
Former Lebanese prime minister, Rafik Hariri, has been killed in a bomb attack in Beirut. At least nine other people are reported to have been killed in the explosion, which is believed to have been caused by a car bomb.
24 July 2006
Blair announces Middle East plan
Prime Minister Tony Blair has announced that a plan to end the current conflict in Lebanon is being drawn up. Mr Blair said that it would take "a few days" to finalise the plan.
Blair announces Middle East plan
Prime Minister Tony Blair has announced that a plan to end the current conflict in Lebanon is being drawn up. Mr Blair said that it would take "a few days" to finalise the plan.
14 August 2006
Clashes continue following Middle East ceasefire
A ceasefire has come into force in Lebanon, following 34 days of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. However, there have been reports of skirmishes between Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, in which six militants are understood to have been killed.
Clashes continue following Middle East ceasefire
A ceasefire has come into force in Lebanon, following 34 days of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. However, there have been reports of skirmishes between Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, in which six militants are understood to have been killed.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Any early mist soon clears to leave a dry and warm day with increasing sunny periods, these may be hazy due to lingering high cloud. Maximum temperature 21 °C.Tonight:It will stay dry throughout the night with long clear periods. It will also feel mild in a light southerly breeze. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
