in commemoration of the second anniversary of his assassination, a day after twin bus blasts left three people killed.

[View a Slideshow of today's protest]

Lebanese army troops backed by armored vehicles are out in force across Beirut as government supporters, in cars and buses, traveled from all over the country towards Martyrs' Square, where the ceremony to commemorate the second anniversary of the killing of former Premier Rafik Hariri was due to start at 10:00 a.m.

Lebanese soldiers have erected a barbed-wire fence to separate pro-government demonstrators, who are expected to turn out in large numbers for the commemoration ceremony in downtown Beirut, where Hezbollah-led Opposition activists have been protesting round-the-clock since Dec. 1.

Roads leading to Beirut were clogged by convoys of vehicles loaded with flag-waving people, who then walked the last five kilometers to reach Martyrs' Square on foot.

Scores of Lebanese Forces activists headed from the ports of Dbayeh and Byblos to downtown Beirut in motorboats, LBCI television reported.

Premier Fouad Siniora and several cabinet ministers as well as leaders from the March 14 coalition paid respect at Hariri's grave near al-Amin mosque. Hariri's sister, Bahia, and his brother also prayed for his soul.

Parliament’s majority leader Saad Hariri also paid respect at his father’s grave near al-Amin mosque.

Church bells tolled and mosque minarets blared “Allah Akbar” calls at 12:55 p.m., the same time a powerful blast killed ex-Premier Rafik Hariri Feb. 14, 2005.

Government supporters chanted patriotic songs at Martyrs' Square in a show of unity against terrorism and Hariri's killers.

They held banners that called for the formation of an international tribunal that would try suspects in Hariri's murder and related crimes.

The commemoration comes at a time of acute political crisis with the Opposition demanding that the rump anti-Syrian cabinet left after the resignation of six Opposition ministers last November make way for a government of national unity and fresh elections.

Tensions were also running high after three people were killed and 23 wounded when bomb blasts tore through two minibuses in the northern Metn town of Ain Alaq on Tuesday.

"Even more people will come after Tuesday's attacks," said 25-year-old Marwan Khalil, who came from his home in the northern region of Akkar with seven members of his family.

Tuesday's bombings are the latest in a series of attacks blamed on Lebanon's former powerbroker Syria, which has also been accused of the February 14, 2005 assassination of five-time premier Rafik Hariri.

An ongoing U.N. probe has fingered senior Syrian officials over the massive Beirut bombing that killed Hariri and 22 others but the Opposition is blocking plans for a U.N. tribunal to try the suspects

Speeches by March 14 Leaders

Parliament’s majority leader Saad Hariri said: “we are ready for any brave decision in favor of Lebanon, but the international tribunal is the only gateway to any solution.”
He also praised the people for gathering at Martyrs’ Square despite efforts to “terrorize”

Druze leader Walid Jumblat vowed that “we will not surrender in the face of terrorism, in the face of authoritarian parties be they Syrian or not … There will be no weapon except what is under the control of the Lebanese state.”

He said the international tribunal will be established and “punishment and death sentence” will follow.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea pledged that “we will not bow. We will not succumb. We will not surrender. We will fear nothing. And we will not back off.”

“We’ll chase criminals throughout the world,” Geagea added.

He said only Lebanese troops should be allowed to carry weapons, adding the army and the government are the “resistance.”

Addressing president Emile Lahoud, Geagea said: “You will ultimately go…and the Lebanese people will regain their palace and the presidency.”

Ex-President Amin Gemayel, in an address read by MP Antoine Ghanem, urged a return to dialogue as the only way to preserve Lebanon’s unity.

National Bloc Party leader Carlos Edde slammed Free Patriotic Movement leader Gen. Michel Aoun for “turning against the nation."

Social Affairs Minister Nayla Moawad slammed the Assad regime for “trying to topple the Cedar revolution” but vowed that pro-government supporters will continue their struggle to achieve “victory.” She also urged Speaker Nabih Berri without naming him to call for a parliament session to ratify the international tribunal plan.

Legislator Ghassan Tueni addressing the crowd said the international tribunal should try those who committed “crimes against humanity.” He also said that Lebanon will remain steadfast against “plots and assassinations”

Scores of protesters gathered on rooftops for a better view of the mass rally at Martyrs’ square.

Photo Gallery of Hariri's Second Anniversary

Video coverage of the massive gathering

Sources: Naharnet, Ya Libnan