BEIRUT: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry Thursday praised the achievements of the Cedar Revolution as March 14 figures marked the anniversary of their movement by visiting graves of politicians, journalists and officers who fell victim to a string of assassinations.

“The Lebanese people continue to face challenges as they work to ensure a stable, sovereign and independent state that unifies all Lebanese. As Lebanon prepares for its parliamentary elections, we call on all parties to reject the use of violence and to resolve their differences peacefully and at the ballot box, consistent with the Lebanese constitution,” Kerry said in a statement.

Representatives of March 14, including Future Movement MP Ammar Houri and former MP Samir Franjieh, laid wreaths on the grave of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in Downtown Beirut. Wreathes were also laid on the graves of Beirut MP Gibran Tueni and fellow journalist Samir Kassir in Ashrafieh, as well as other officials who were assassinated.

The March 14 coalition will celebrate the eighth anniversary of its founding during a rally at BIEL Sunday.

Separately, several figures in the alliance stressed that their movement remained united and pledged to maintain their “battle for peace.”

Kataeb leader Amin Gemayel said March 14 had realized “unimaginable achievements” and saved Lebanon from the three decades of hegemony by Syria. The former president said the movement would “maintain its course to consolidate what it has achieved and reach its remaining objectives and carry on its battle for peace.”

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said that the alliance had emerged as a “result of the belief in Lebanon’s coexistence, which the forces of hegemony and darkness will not be able to target.”

“Lebanon’s second independence came after both Muslim and Christian [figures] were martyred,” he added.