BEIRUT, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's leaders gathered Wednesday to celebrate the country's 74th Independence Day, meeting for the first time since Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation earlier in the month.
President Michel Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri and Hariri assembled at Shafiq Wazzan Avenue in Beirut's Central District, where military parade maneuvers were held.
Berri and Hariri arrived separately and were received by Defense Minister Yaacoub Sarraf, Lebanese Army chief Gen. Joseph Aoun and Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Hatem Mallak.
Before processing through the assembled military forces in the back of an open military jeep, Aoun placed wreaths on a memorial statue.
The president then headed towards the podium prepared for the three leaders, joining Berri and Hariri.
A reception for the occasion was held at Baabda Palace following the parade.
Berri and Hariri traveled to the Presidential Palace together after attending the Independence Day parade.
Hariri read a statement announcing that he is putting his resignation on hold upon the request of Aoun.
