Universal Syriac Union Party expresses support for Lebanese Forces parliamentary candidate Melhem Riachi in Matn

MATN, Lebanon — In preparations for the upcoming May 15 Lebanese parliamentary elections, the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) on Thursday met with Lebanese Forces candidate Melhem Riachi for the North Matn district. Former Information Minister Riachi and several  other party officials were received by USUP President Ibrahim Mrad and USUP Vice President and mayor of Sad El Baouchriye Leila Latte.

Mrad noted the agreement in strategic positions of the two parties. He also emphasized their common goal of establishing a new system in Lebanon that preserves the identity and privacy of Christians; “For us, the Lebanese Forces are the main defenders of Lebanon’s entity. Without the Lebanese Forces, Lebanon will be further occupied and looted,” Mrad stated. 

Mrad expressed his full support for all candidates of the Lebanese Forces, and Melhem Riachi’s track record clearly reflects a history of struggle for human dignity and working for human interest.

Melhem Riachi, in turn, saluted the comrades in the Syriac language, because the Lebanese resistance, like the Syriac resistance, is deeply rooted in Eastern and Christian history. He declared that the battle on May 15, is greater than providing basic services, although they are essential.

He stated that the battle on May 15 is greater than the providing of basic services, although they are very important. “Rather, it is a battle of our existence in this country,” said Riachi. “It is a crucial battle but not final. And we have decided to fight this battle to the end.”

Riachi thanked the Universal Syriac Union Party for supporting his candidacy. USUP’s support is an encouragement to the Lebanese Forces, and he pledged to always fight for the truth of the people, homeland and ancestors and against hatred.

The Lebanese Forces Party currently holds 12 seats in Lebanese Parliament making it the second largest Syriac Christian party in parliament.

حزب الاتحاد #السرياني(حزب الوجود #المسيحي الحر) أعلن خلال لقاء عن دعمه ملحم #الرياشي في المتن ومرشحي #القوات_اللبنانية في سائر المناطق:
مراد"قضيتنا الحفاظ على وجودنا المسيحي الحر"
رياشي: "حياد لبنان البطريركي هو العلاج الطبيعي للبنان" ووقفتكم مع القوات وقفة بطولة ووقفة فدائي . pic.twitter.com/STuDyxJNo1

— SyriacUnionParty (@ittihadseryeni) March 11, 2022