Hezbollah has been often accused of imposing a forceful monopoly over its Shiite followers. On Saturday, thousands attended the launching of an anti-Hezbollah (and anti-Amal) democratic Shiite movement called the "Lebanese Choice". More than 5,000 people took part in the inauguration of Lebanese Choice. The crowds came from the Hezbollah stronghold of Baalbek, as well as from Hermel, Zahle and the Western Bekaa Valley to attend the launching of the Lebanese Choice, a movement that finally gives people from outside the Shiite Hizbullah and Amal parties a voice.
Personalities and tribes from renowned families like al-Masri, Jaafar, Hamiyeh, Nassereddine, Laqqis and Meqdad were also present at the opening ceremony which took place at a restaurant in Baalbek late Friday. "The Lebanese Choice is a reflection of our firm belief in Lebanon's unity," said a statement by the group. "The Lebanese Choice does not declare that it can change the Lebanese equation Â… But it hopes to be able to propose a Lebanese viewpoint," the statement added. |