president Michel Suleiman, Prime minister Fouad Siniora and Speaker Nabih Berri gathered to receive the congratulations for the Lebanese independence from Lebanese and foreign well-wishers.
The last official military parade in downtown Beirut was held in 2005. It is worth noting that for the first time since the end of the civil war representatives of the Syrian armed forces were not present at the parade celebrations. Syrian forces departed from Lebanon on 26 April 2005.
It is interesting to note that former President Emile Lahoud was absent from the Independence Day celebrations in downtown Beirut and from Baabda Palace. Lahoud was a staunch ally of Syrian president Bashar al Assad , who forced the parliament in 2004 to extend his term by 3 more years. Also absent from the celebrations were Hezbollah officials and former Prime minister Omar Karami , without any official explanation. Due to absence from the country MPs Walid Jumblatt, Saad Hariri and Michel Murr were absent from the independence day celebrations
Here are some pictures of the celebrations courtesy of Reuters , AFP and AP photographers :
Lebanese army soldiers take part in a military parade to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Lebanon's independence day in downtown Beirut November 22, 2008.
Lebanese military cadets march through Beirut to mark Independence Day. Lebanon marked 65 years of independence with an official ceremony staged in Martyrs square , downtown Beirut amid strict security for the first time in three years.
Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri (L) chats with President Michel Sleiman (C) as Prime Minister Fouad Siniora (R) looks on during a military parade to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Lebanon's independence day in downtown Beirut November 22,2008.
Lebanese President Michel Suleiman (L) reviews army troops with Defense Minister Elias al-Murr (R) during a military parade to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Lebanon's independence day in downtown Beirut November 22, 2008
Top and front picture: A Lebanese soldier sits atop an armoured personnel carrier during a military parade to mark the 65th anniversary of Lebanon's independence from France, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, on Saturday Nov. 22, 2008.
Tags: Berri, Hezbollah, Independence, Lahoud, Lebanon, Siniora, Suleiman, Syria, Ya Libnan
