Many of the mourners chanted slogans against Syria, which is blamed by many Lebanese for the assassination of Hariri in a massive bomb explosion on 13 February. Hariri had protested Syrian influence in Lebanon and resigned in October.
Syria has condemned the killing, but Hariri's death has resulted in renewed international pressure -- led by the United States and France -- for Damascus to pull its troops out of Lebanon.
French President Jacques Chirac flew into Beirut today to present his condolences to Hariri's family.
Several European and Arab ministers were at Beirut's towering Mohammed al-Amin Mosque for the burial. But the family made it clear that Lebanon's president and other pro-Syrian officials were unwelcome.
(DPA/AFP/AP/Reuters)
Syria has condemned the killing, but Hariri's death has resulted in renewed international pressure -- led by the United States and France -- for Damascus to pull its troops out of Lebanon.
French President Jacques Chirac flew into Beirut today to present his condolences to Hariri's family.
Several European and Arab ministers were at Beirut's towering Mohammed al-Amin Mosque for the burial. But the family made it clear that Lebanon's president and other pro-Syrian officials were unwelcome.
(DPA/AFP/AP/Reuters)