1.
GV: Phalangists outside scene of ceremony.
0.03

2.
SV: Sign on building.
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3.
SV: Flags
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4.
SV: Children marching with flags.
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5.
SV: Bashir Gemayel walks past phalangist guard of honour.
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6.
SV: Bashir Gamayel and Camille Chamoun walking side by side flanked by militiamen.
0.30

7.
SV: Pierre Gemayel turning to salute.
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8.
SV: Pierre Gemayel shaking hands with Camille Chamoun.
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9.
SV: Bashir Gamayel giving speech from rostrum. (2 shots)
0.48

10.
GV: Chamoun among other spectators. (2 shots)
0.54

11.
TGV: Ceremony in progress.
1.02
During July, 1976 Arab League mediators made several unsuccessful attempts to establish a cease fire in Lebanon. However Christian National Liberal Party militia were determined to capture Tel Al-Zataar, a Palestinian refugee camp. The siege of this camp continued for 52 days during which 1,600 people were killed, including William Haoui; and 4,000 were injured. The camp was finally over-run by Christian Militia on 12 August of that year. Following the fall, Christian and Syrian forces took the offensive in several parts of the country in an effort to contain Palestinian and leftist forces in certain defined areas.
SYNOPSIS: In Beirut, almost a year after the battle, the Phalangists assembled to pay homage to the memory of their hero. Flag-carrying school-children marched through the crowds, while Phalangist troops formed a guard of honour.
Bashir Gamayel, a leader of the Right-Wing Phalangist Movement presided over the ceremonies.
Camille Chamoun, Lebanon's former president and founder and leader of the Liberal Reformist Party, also attended, along with Pierre Gemayel, father of Bashir. Right-wing factions put aside their past differences to come together on this occasion.
In a speech, Bashir Gemayel called on those responsible for Lebanon's problems to help put the country back on the international political map. He said some countries, including the Arab world considered Lebanon out of the mainstream and "like a piece of cake to be shared." He said this attitude reinforced the desire of the Lebanese people to be masters of their own destiny.



Initials YT/2048



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In Lebanon, leaders of the Christian Phalangist movement have been commemorating the first anniversary of the death of William Haoui, their former military commander. Haoui was shot and killed during the 52-day siege of Palestinian Refugee camp at Tel Al-Zataar.