Thousands Gather at Martyrs’ Square Amid Traffic Chaos for Hariri Commemoration

Beirut: The National News Agency correspondent reported heavy traffic congestion on the roads and in the tunnels leading to Martyrs' Square due to the large influx of participants attending the rally. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, traffic from Khaldeh toward Beirut is moving slowly as crowds continue to head to the square. Similar congestion has been reported along the Charles Helou Highway toward Saifi. Despite the rain and stormy weather, the number of participants at the February 14 commemoration in Martyrs' Square continues to grow, reaching into the thousands. Hundreds of buses, vans, and private vehicles are crowding the northern, southern, and eastern entrances to the capital, making their way with difficulty to the square to take part in the event. Among those who arrived at Martyrs' Square to mark the 21st anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri were MP Nadim Gemayel, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Rudak ov, former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, as well as delegations from the Progressive Socialist Party and the Lebanese Forces.