New political movement gives voters an alternative
‘Hayyabina’ aims to put an end to sectarianism
By Raed El Rafei , Special to The Daily Star
BEIRUT: A new political movement announced here Monday is aiming to offer voters an original alternative when casting their ballots during parliamentary elections slated for later this month. For voters who wish to make a statement this election, instead of abstaining from voting or submitting a blank ballot they will now be able to cast a ballot detailing a political program rather than a list of candidates.
Behind the initiative is Hayyabina, a small group of independent individuals rallied under the slogan “Let’s go for a secular republic.”
During a press conference held Monday at Zico House in central Beirut, the members of Hayyabina expressed their belief in the right of all citizens to participate in the public arena outside the boundaries imposed by current political parties.
BEIRUT: One day after his historic return from exile, former Lebanese Army General Michel Aoun called on his former political foes to “look ahead to the future, but keep an eye on the past.” After meeting on Sunday with Strida Geagea, the wife of jailed Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea who fought a bloody battle with Aoun toward the end of Lebanon’s civil war, Aoun said: “We hope Geagea will be free with us soon, and I will try to meet with him as soon as possible, even if that means I visit him in his jail.”
will have a final master plan by the end of May, according to company CEO Tony Abi Rached. Notwithstanding any future political earthquakes, this means crews will get to work on the 50 million square meter phase one of the project in a matter of weeks or months.
on that country’s control of Lebanon and opens a new one as Lebanon faces the daunting challenges left by Syria’s withdrawal.
after years of exile in France. Members of his party, the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), worked relentlessly this week to plan a huge celebration on Martyrs’ Square, in the heart of the city. 
minister, lost a “war of liberation” against Syrian forces in 1989-90. He was sent into exile in France, but an arrest warrant against him was dropped earlier in the week, clearing the way for his return.
JOUNIEH, Lebanon May 6, 2005 
