Lebanon’s leaders make joint appearance at Independence Day parade

But no signs of unity over dealing with country's economic and political crisis amid protests

A special forces officer salutes the Lebanese flag during a military parade to mark the 76th anniversary of the country's independence from France at the Lebanese Defense Ministry, in Yarzeh near Beirut, Lebanon. AP Photo

President Michel Aoun and caretaker Defense Minister Elias Bou Saab attend a military parade. Reuters

Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri arrives to attend a military parade. Reuters

Resigned Prime Minister Saad Hariri, right, shakes hands with Mr. Berri. AP Photo

Mr. Hariri chats with Mr. Aoun during a military parade. Reuters

Soldiers from military police take part in a military parade. Reuters

From right: Mr. Hariri, Mr. Aoun, Mr. Berri, Defense Minister Elias Bou Saab and Interior Minister Raya El Hassan attend a military parade. AP Photo

Mr. Hariri, Mr. Aoun, Mr. Berri, Mr. Saab and Ms. Hassan attend a military parade. AP Photo

Government officials attend a military parade. AFP

Army soldiers march before the president, prime minister, and parliament speaker during a military parade. AFP

Lebanon’s top politicians made their first joint appearance since massive anti-government protests erupted last month, attending a military parade for the country’s 76th Independence Day.

This year’s parade could not be held in its traditional location in central Beirut because a protest camp still occupies the area. A parallel civilian celebration, organised by the protesters, is planned for later in the day.

The limited Independence Day display reflects the nation's sombre mood. Lebanon faces its most serious political and economic crises in years, as anti-government protests have gripped the country since mid-October.

A deadlock among the top leaders has failed to produce a government, three weeks after Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned. Most of those leaders have refused to answer the protesters’ demand for forming a government of experts, outside of the traditional sectarian-based power sharing agreement.

Mr Hariri, who now heads a caretaker government, maintained a stern expression during the military parade, while President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri exchanged smiles. The leaders exchanged a few words during the 30-minute parade of marching soldiers. There was no display of tanks or helicopters and no foreign dignitaries were in attendance.

Mr Berri and Mr Aoun left immediately after the parade ended, while Mr Hariri stayed for a little longer and spoke to the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

In a speech to mark the occasion on Thursday, Mr Aoun had said a consensus on forming a government remained far off because of “contradictions that control Lebanese politics”. He did not elaborate. He also told protesters "only dialogue is the right path to resolve crises".

In an ominous sign, unknown vandals set fire to a large cardboard fist in Beirut’s protest camp, which had become a symbol of the uprising. The fist had been painted with the word "Revolution”.

Videos and photos circulating on social media showed the fist catching fire at dawn Friday. Protesters who were camped in the could not manage to put out the blaze. A single protester defiantly raised his fist in the air beside the charred fist. Local media said the protesters were preparing to set up a new one during the Independence Day parade they are organising.

Nationwide demonstrations began on October 17 against new taxes on WhatsApp calls amid a plunging economy. The protesters now are calling for the downfall of the political elite who have run the country since the 1975-90 civil war.