Universal Syriac Union Party President Mrad criticizes newly announced Lebanese government

BEIRUT — Following the announcement of the names of the 24 ministers selected by Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati to form a new government, voices emerged rejecting the cabinet from inside and outside Lebanon. Critics has stated that most of the ministers announced are dependent on or aligned with Iran and Hezbollah.

President of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) Ibrahim Mrad posted on message to his Facebook page which he titled “Either resistance or humiliation, subservience, and immigration” explaining the reasons for his rejection of the announced government.

Mrad said that those who represent Lebanese national sovereignty must tackle the influence of Hezbollah and Iran over government bodies. Parliamentary elections without first sidelining Hezbollah and Iran would be existential suicide and will only strengthen the military, political, and economic power of Hezbollah. The only way to change the course of Lebanon is through legitimate resistance and the removal of Hezbollah from the halls of power, said Mrad.

Mrad’s remarks come as Mikati announced his government program, reforms it will implement inside and outside Lebanon, and the steps it will take to stop Lebanon’s collapse.