Peace award for murdered politician

LEBANON’S former prime minister, the late Rafik Hariri, was yesterday named the 2005 Tipperary International Peace Award winner.

Mr Hariri was assassinated in February.

The Tipperary Peace Convention, which has awarded the prize since 1984, said Mr Hariri’s career touched many aspects of Lebanese life as he was a courageous man of peace.

Spokesman Martin Quinn said: “The Tipperary Peace Convention is pleased to announce on World Day of Peace that Rafic Hariri is the recipient of the 2005 Award and in doing so, recognises the close relationship that Ireland has had with the Lebanon through the many years of peacekeeping duties there by members of the Irish Defence Forces.

“A leader who showed love and commitment for the wellbeing of all his people, Hariri made many sacrifices in order to promote a culture of peace and prosperity for all and to bring a torn society together again following the devastation of war.”

Mr Hariri was instrumental in the implementation of a road map towards peace in Lebanon, culminating in the Taef Peace Accord.

The accord and the ratification of a new constitution brought an end to years of war and division.

The Convention said the reconstruction of Lebanon following the 1975-1990 war has been compared to Europe’s reconstruction after World War II and is a tribute to Hariri’s visionary leadership.

During his career Mr Hariri received decorations from kings, princes and heads of state and was the recipient of the UN-HABITAT Scroll of Honour.

The Tipperary International Peace Award will be presented at a ceremony in April.