Article: President's visit prompts impromptu rally in Lebanon Lahoud visits southern city two days after Israeli-backed militia leaves

Hundreds of residents ran into the streets of Jezzine in a spontaneous celebration Saturday as President Emile Lahoud entered the southern Lebanon town two days after Israeli-backed militiamen evacuated.

Lahoud arrived in the early morning unannounced in a small motorcade. But word spread quickly through this Christian town, church bells tolled and hundreds gathered at the town square outside the stone-walled Government House, where the president met with local officials.

Men, women, the elderly and children mobbed Lahoud. A woman hugged the smiling president. Others wept with joy or showered him with rice and flowers in the traditional Arab welcome. "With blood we redeem you Lahoud," ...

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