Thousands of people yesterday gathered in and around the Church of the Miraculous Icon in Achrafieh to attend a memorial service held for Bashir Gemayel, 15 years after the president-elect was assassinated in a bomb blast at the Kataeb Party quarters.
During the service, 15-year-old Nadim Bashir Gemayel called in a brief speech his fathers followers to "stop talking and start acting because the days of empty words are over."
Meanwhile, security forces trying to stop a march to the site of Gemayel's death, were forced by the crowds to help organize the procession by closing off the roads. Pictures of the former leader of the prohibited Lebanese forces were pasted next to those of Bashir Gemayel on placards, while the flags of both parties hovered over the heads of the rushing crowds.
About 12 people were reportedly arrested, but were later released. Bashir's widow Solange, commenting on the matter, said, "the crowds were willing to comply with the laws, so long as these laws were equally applied. But if the laws were conveniently changed by the authorities, and if they want to challenge us, then we want them to know that we accept the challenge".
Thanks to Lebanon Wire. 15/9/1997
posted by Rampurple @ 7/26/2003 10:40:00 PM
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