In quotes: Lebanese leader remembered
As thousands gather in the streets of Beirut to grieve for the former Lebanese prime minster Rafiq al-Hariri, mourners and observers give their prespective on the popular leader’s death.
“This is a very important expression of people’s emotions. They are disgusted with the current [political] composition and the Syrian presence in Lebanon.
“They want to deliver a message to the whole world that the Lebanese authority does not represent them and does not express their emotions.
Amin Jumail, former president of Lebanon
“We should not quote the deceased according to what we want; we can not do this in the political field. Unfortunately, sometimes emotional influence leads to disasters and problems.”
Imad Fawzi al-Shuaibi, head of Strategic Studies Centre in Syria
“I advised him [the pro-Syrian president] not to come. I advise all members of this regime not to come because eggs, if not stones, will be hurled at them.”
Druze opposition leader Walid Jumblatt advising President Emile Lahoud not to attend
“O people, O people, O people, please move away. We wish to pray for his soul.”
Bahaa al-Hariri, Rafiq al-Hariri’s son
“It is ironic that the mosque al-Hariri financed is becoming his mausoleum even before it is finished.”
Ralph Bodenstein, architectural historian based in Beirut
“Loudspeakers of mosques have continued reading the holy Quran and bells of churches have continued ringing. This indicates united sadness.”
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Ghassan Bin Jiddo, director of Aljazeera’s office in Lebanon |