Universal Syriac Union Party in Lebanon contradicts recent statements by Gebran Bassil and Michel Aoun denying Iranian occupation of the country

BEIRUT – Head of the Free Patriotic Movement Gebran Bassil, a Syriac Maronite, has denied that Iran occupies and holds control over Lebanon, as some parties claim. “If there is any Iranian occupation, we will confront it,” Bassil added to his statement.

In response to Bassil’s statement, Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) official Nura Jerjes commented to our news desk that Bassil’s contradicting statements have nothing to do with reality. The Iranian occupation is clearly visible, said Jerjes. It is represented by Hezbollah’s control over the governance, judiciary, economy, and the internal and external policies of the Lebanese state.

“Iranian culture prevails in the areas under the control of Hezbollah.” Jerjes further indicated that Bassil’s confrontation to the Iranian occupation requires him to break his alliance with Hezbollah, recognize international resolutions to disarm the Hezbollah militia, limit weapons to the state and army, and prevent foreign and proxy interference in Lebanon’s affairs.

نامو مرتاحين وبالكون مطمن ومستقبلكون بأمان! باسيل طمنا انو ما في احتلال ايراني واذا في رح يقاومو متل ما قاوم الاسرائيلي والسوري 😏😌#جبران_باسيل

— Noura J. Jerjes ܢܘܪܐ ܓܪܓܣ (@nouge) November 28, 2021

On the other hand, Lebanese President Michel Aoun (88), a Syriac Maronite and father in law of Gebran Bassil, announced his intention to leave office after his tenure expires. He will only remain available for a new term in office in the event the Parliament wants him to. 

Jerjes commented on the announcement saying that next year’s parliamentary elections will determine the fate of Aoun and the parliamentary bloc of Hezbollah in Parliament. “People are fed up with Aoun’s failed policies. They have neither presented any reforms to the Lebanese people, nor implemented any of their pledges,” she said. “This is evident from the failure of successive governments during Aoun’s time in power.”

She pointed out that during Aoun’s rule, Lebanon has only suffered political and international isolation, so it is unlikely that Parliament would take a decision to extend his term. This will only happen under transparent and fair elections in accordance with the people’s decision. In free and fair elections, the opposition will win a majority of parliamentary seats and remove Michel Aoun from power.