Tens of thousands of people gathered in the centre of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, today to mark the second anniversary of the assassination of the former Prime Minister, Rafik al-Hariri.
The crowds were also showing their support for the country's anti-Syrian government.
Many carried candles and balloons in the blue colour of the political party now headed by Mr Hariri's son, Saad.
Barricades were erected to prevent clashes with opposition supporters who have maintained a presence in the city centre since a campaign to topple the government began late last year.
Tension rose further after yesterday's deaths of three people in separate bus bombings in a mountainous area northeast of the capital.
Saad Hariri described the bombings as a 'cowardly terrorist attack' designed to disrupt the ceremonies in memory of his father.
Damascus has always denied involvement in the assassination, but a UN inquiry implicated senior Syrian officials.
