Universal Syriac Union Party leader calls for Hezbollah’s exclusion from new Lebanese government

BEIRUT — Ibrahim Mrad, President of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP), has called for the exclusion of Hezbollah from Lebanon’s new government, set to be led by Nawaf Salam. Mrad attributed much of the country’s destruction and stagnation to Hezbollah’s role in Lebanese politics.

Hezbollah’s Influence and State’s Decline

Speaking in an interview with the Lebanese platform Al-Siyasa, Murad condemned Hezbollah’s continued presence in government, describing it as a disgrace that has crippled Lebanon’s institutions and obstructed progress. He emphasized the party’s detrimental impact on national security, administration, and governance, warning that sectarian politics continue to undermine the state’s integrity.

Preserving Lebanon’s Religious Balance

Mrad acknowledged the historical coexistence between Christians and Muslims as a cornerstone of Lebanon’s stability but warned against political forces exploiting this balance for their own agendas. He argued that no sect should monopolize key government positions and that true reform requires dismantling entrenched corruption and favoritism.

US Stance and Regional Dynamics

On the international front, Mrad highlighted US opposition to Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon, pointing to Washington’s broader concerns over the group’s influence in state affairs. He also addressed the regional implications of Iran’s increasing sway, particularly with the recent appointment of Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, as an envoy of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, an appointment Mrad sees as a direct threat to Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Mrad concluded by reaffirming the Lebanese people’s right to live in peace, rejecting the notion of Lebanon as a battleground for external conflicts. He urged political leaders to take decisive action against foreign interference and chart a course toward a stable and prosperous future for the nation.