Mr. Saadeddine Hariri called for dialogue among all Lebanese to cement the national unity that prevailed following the martyrdom of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri and expressed optimism about the outcome of an international probe into the late leader’s assassination. Mr. Saadeddine pledged to bring all the Lebanese together, and stressed that the slain Premier was killed because he was working to achieve unity among all sects.
Addressing delegations representing Beirut families, in the presence of Mrs. Nazek Hariri in Koreitem, Mr. Saadeddine said voters should cast their ballots on May 29 for all the candidates running on his electoral alliance in the capital city, to keep the memory of the late leader alive in a clear message to those who killed the former Prime Minister. Delegates expressed their allegiance to Mr. Saadeddine and his assumption of the murdered Premier’s political mantle.
Mr. Saadeddine made clear in his speech that on March 14, when more than a million Lebanese took to Martyrs Square, near the late leader’s tomb demanding national unity and the truth behind the February 14 assassination, Christians as well as Muslims took part in the rallies. He said the martyrdom of the slain Prime Minister united the country and this accord must be preserved, citing the inclusion of Mr. Gebran Tueini and Mrs. Solange Gemayel in his electoral lists. Mr. Hariri expected similar alliances in other regions. But he pointed out that some Lebanese did not participate in the massive demonstration, adding “we have a duty to sacrifice for the sake of this unity and not close the door to unity,” even with General Michel Aoun who recently made “unsatisfactory” statements. Mr. Hariri told the gathering, “We are trying to tell General Aoun that this is not the way to build national unity,” advocating dialogue.
Regarding a UN Security Council commissioned international probe into the late Premier’s assassination, Mr. Hariri confirmed that the team of some 150 members will arrive in Beirut soon and has only one goal, which is finding out who decided, funded, planned and executed the car bombing, so they can be taken to justice.
Also at the meeting, Mrs. Nazek Hariri told Beirut families, national unity and sovereignty should be protected, and hailed Mr. Saadeddine.