(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Religious and political leaders in Lebanon are remembering Rafic Hariri on the 10th anniversary of his assassination on Feb. 14, 2005, after his motorcade was targeted in a massive exposion in Beirut.
Hariri was a celebrated political icon and business tycoon, who was known as a voice of moderation and advocate for an independent and prosperous Lebanon.
Prime Minister Tammam Salam described Hariri’s death as a “sad moment” in history, hoping that the judicial system will bring justice to the 10-year case.
“Now that Rafic Hariri is gone, we have lost a great leader who exerted himself to replace Lebanon on the world map, and to give it a special place in the Arab world, especially after the ghastly war,” Salam said in a statement.
“We salute the memory of the man who dedicated his life entirely to achieving Lebanon’s security, sovereignty, pride and prosperity.”
Salam also called for political leaders to keep Hariri’s legacy alive by reinforcing state institutions and urging dialogue between political groups.
Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian visited Hariri’s tomb and expressed sorrow for the political instability in Lebanese parliament.
“The 10th annual commemoration of PM Rafic Hariri comes at gloomy time for Lebanon, as Parliament’s mandate was extended twice, presidential election had failed so far, the institutions are rusting, and security is volatile due to wars next door,” Derian said.
Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi, who is a member of Hariri’s Future Movement, vowed to carry on the former prime minister’s legacy until “all his objectives are achieved.”
“The road is still very long until we restore the state’s authority, disband illegal arms and achieve total sovereignty in the country for which Rafic Hariri was a martyr,” Rifi said in a statement released to the Lebanese National News Agency.
Several Lebanese politicians visited Hariri’s grave in Downtown Beirut, including Progressive Socialist Party chief Walid Jumblatt, Head of the parliamentary Future bloc Fouad Siniora, Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk, Future Movement MP Jamal Jarrah, and Tourism Minister Michel Pharaon.
Two wreaths carrying the names of Prime Minister Tammam Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri were also laid on the grave.