Lebanon Marks Hariri Assassination Anniversary

A mass rally is due to be held today in Beirut to mark the second anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.

Pro-government supporters, who accuse Syria of involvement in the bombing that killed Hariri on February 14, 2005, plan to gather near Hariri's grave in central Beirut.

Syria has always denied any role in the attack.

The antigovernment opposition, including Hizballah supporters, are expected to stage their own protests as part of their campaign aimed at bringing down Lebanon's government.

Three people were killed and some 20 others injured on February 13 when bombs exploded within minutes of each other on two commuter buses in a mainly Christian area northeast of Beirut.

It was not clear why this area was targeted and there has been no claim of responsibility.

The United Nations Security Council has issued a statement condemning the bus bombings, calling them an attempt to undermine security and efforts to preserve stability in Lebanon.

Copyright (c) 2006. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org

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Demonstration in Beirut today

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