February 2, 2010 - Naharnet - March 14 Calls for Massive Turnout to Mark Hariri's Murder, Stresses Commitment to Principles

The majority March 14 coalition on Sunday called on its supporters to take part in a mass rally on Feb. 14 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination.
A statement at the end of its meeting at the Bristol Hotel in Beirut called on all Lebanese to gather outside Martyr's Square in downtown Beirut to "ensure continuance on the path of independence."

The statement read by March 14 General Secretariat Coordinator Fares Soaid also stressed that "change in circumstances won't change our commitment to our principles."

"We want to turn the black pages and open a new page of hope," March 14 said.

"We want a state where we can combine both accomplishments -- liberation and second independence," the alliance added.

Conferees agreed to form a committee to redraft the final communiqué that was previously prepared by the March 14 general secretariat.

The committee includes Samir al-Jisr, Antoine Zahra, Salim al-Sayegh and Nassir al-Asaad.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri attended the Bristol meeting which dealt with preparations for the upcoming Hariri assassination anniversary.

Druze leader Walid Jumblat, however, failed to attend. A statement issued Sunday after a meeting of the Democratic Gathering under Jumblat said the group will not take part in the Bristol meeting.
The statement, though, stressed the Gathering's eagerness to take part in the Feb. 14 rally.