In pictures: Gemayel funeral

Up to half a million Lebanese people attended the funeral of murdered anti-Syrian politician Pierre Gemayel in Beirut.

Crowds carrying flags and posters converged near the site of the service at the St George Cathedral.

The service was attended by many dignitaries, including French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy (pictured centre, seated).

His father, former President Amin Gemayel, addressed the crowd afterwards saying: "The second independence uprising was launched today for change and it will not stop."

Many Lebanese accuse Syria of involvement in Mr Gemayel's death, but Damascus rejects the claims.

The industry minister and Maronite Christian politician was shot in his car in a Christian area of Beirut on Tuesday.

He is the fifth anti-Syrian Lebanese politician to be killed in two years. His murder has intensified an acute political crisis.

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