BEIRUT: The “Beirut Spring” will continue and supporters of the Cedar Revolution will stand united in the face of challenges, Kataeb (Phalange) leader Amin Gemayel said Sunday during a requiem Mass celebrated on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the assassination of his son, former minister Pierre Gemayel.

“The sacrifices made by Pierre Gemayel, Samir Shartouni, Antoine Ghanem, Samir Kassir, Rafik Hariri, Gebran Tueni, Walid Eido and all martyrs who survived assassination attempts have brought liberation and they will definitely produce justice,” said Gemayel.

Speaking to dozens of family members, friends and politicians who knew Pierre, Gemayel said that this year’s developments in the Arab world are the continuation of the popular rallies in Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square in 2005.

“When we see all the events happening around us, we realize that they are an exact copy of the Cedar Revolution ... congratulations to Pierre and all the other martyrs who paved the way for the ‘Arab Spring,’” said Gemayel, describing this year’s popular protests which have toppled three Arab regimes.

The Mass, which was held meters away from where Pierre was killed at Jdeideh’s Saint Antonio Church, was attended by high-level state officials and politicians from most of the country’s political spectrum and Washington’s ambassador to Beirut, Maura Connelly.

On the eve of Lebanon’s 63rd anniversary of its independence, Pierre along with his personal bodyguard, Samir Shartouni, were shot to death by unknown assailants in a broad daylight in the Metn town of Jdeideh in 2006.

In a brief but emotional speech, Gemayel called on all parties that supported the so-called Cedar Revolution to be united in confronting what he described as “storms and plots” against the country.

“We shall all remain united in the Cedar Revolution ... and give our children a nation thriving with freedom and humanity,” Gemayel added.

Addressing his younger son Sami, Gemayel said that responsibilities on him would not be an easy task. “Let God’s hand be with yours ... your duty is very difficult but you are responsible and you will make our wishes come true,” said Gemayel.

On the fifth anniversary of his assassination, Lebanese politicians and Parliament members praised Pierre for his extensive work as a minister and his commitment to the country’s independence and freedom.

“Pierre’s dreams are renewed each day in us ... and as people used to place hope in Pierre’s thoughts, enthusiasm and will, today they place their hopes on a generation of Lebanese who believe in Pierre,” said former Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

In a statement Sunday, Hariri described Pierre as a “brother and a partner.” He noted: “Not only was Pierre a brother and a partner in the day-to-day work of the movement toward March 14, 2005, but he also became a point of intersection for a group of hopes and dreams of creating a new future for Lebanon.”

Former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said Sunday that Pierre died for his country’s freedom and independence. “I’ve had the opportunity to head the government that Pierre was a figure in, he always participated in the discussions and the issues that were challenging the country at that time,” said Siniora in an interview with Voice of Lebanon radio station.

Siniora also said Pierre had been assassinated because of his dreams for the Lebanese state.