BEIRUT, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Former Lebanese President Amin Gemayel, father of assassinated Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel, Tuesday called for calm despite his great grief for losing his son.

    Terming the assassination as a "great disaster," Gemayel called in a statement to the press for a restraint among the Lebanese factions to avert revenges.

    He also called on Lebanese to pursue the Lebanese cause for which Minister Pierre died.

    Despite his call, the headquarters of the Phalange party, spearheaded by Amin Gemayel, was surrounded by his supporters who were irritated by the killing of Pierre Gemayel.

    Out of the security consideration, the Lebanese army announced cancellation of independence day celebrations, originally scheduled for tomorrow.

    The army attributed the cancellation decision to the "urgent conditions and the vicious crime" against Pierre Gemayel, who was shot dead by unknown gunmen in northeastern Beirut on Tuesday afternoon.