Albert Kostanian Says Petition Shows Foundations of Alternative to Amal-Hezbollah Alliance Exist

What happened

L’Orient-Le Jour reports on an interview with Albert Kostanian, a journalist, economist, and signatory of a recent petition titled the 'Call to Save Lebanon,' which asserts the existence of a serious political alternative to the established Amal-Hezbollah alliance. Kostanian emphasizes that the petition calls on all Lebanese citizens, including Shiites, to stand behind the state and its government decisions, particularly regarding the monopoly on arms.

Kostanian clarifies that the petition does not call for an immediate or forcible disarmament of Hezbollah, a position he underlines by stating such changes must be determined by the Lebanese government and implemented without violence. He also remarks on the importance of maintaining national constants and discourse to avoid rekindling the narratives that previously fueled decades of conflict.

Addressing the presence of Hezbollah's armed militia, Kostanian notes that many of the petition’s signatories are independent Shiite activists, intellectuals, and elected officials, illustrating the vibrancy of civil society within this community. He qualifies that while the petition is not itself a political alternative to Amal-Hezbollah, it demonstrates that foundations for one do exist, targeting the broader Lebanese public and Shiite base rather than Hezbollah leadership specifically.

Known from the source

• Albert Kostanian is a journalist, economist, and signatory of the 'Call to Save Lebanon' petition.
• The petition calls for support of Lebanese state sovereignty and government monopoly on arms.
• The petition was signed by independent activists including Shiite figures, members of parliament, intellectuals, and university professors.
• Kostanian states Hezbollah disarmament is not proposed to happen by force but must be government-led and non-violent.
• The petition calls for implementing and modernizing the Taif Agreement with reference to Article 95 of the Lebanese Constitution.

What remains unclear

Regarding Lebanon’s political reform, Kostanian highlights the petition’s call for implementing and modernizing the Taif Agreement through mechanisms such as Article 95 of the Constitution aimed at abolishing sectarianism. He insists this must be pursued through state-building, not through national dialogue formats which he suggests can be used to delay progress.

What remains unclear: The exact breadth and composition of the Shiite signatories and independent activists supporting the petition. Official responses or statements from Hezbollah, Amal Movement, Lebanese government, and Shiite community leaders regarding the petition and its claims. Any recent developments in Lebanese government policy or negotiations related to Hezbollah’s arms and state sovereignty issues. Further verification of Kostanian’s statements concerning the petition’s support and intended political impact.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: L Orient Today. Open the source.