Universal Syriac Union Party responds to article by journalist Sarah Baaklini, requests correction of inaccuracies in the article

METN/TUR LEVNON, Lebanon — The Metn Coordination Committee of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) issued a formal response to journalist Sarah Baaklini’s article published on “Kalima Online,” which discussed the balance of representation in the electoral list of lawyer August Bakhos, a candidate for mayor of the municipality of Jdeideh-Bouchrieh-Sed. 

In its statement, the Metn Coordination Committee clarified that the Party has been holding meetings and consultations with Bakhos for over three months. According to the statement, shared by USUP President Ibrahim Mrad on his official Facebook page, Mrad reviewed Bakhos’s developmental project for the region and subsequently held discussions with allies from the Kataeb and Lebanese Forces parties in the area. These meetings included a session at the central headquarters of the Kataeb Party in Saifi and another with Lebanese Forces leader Dr. Samir Geagea. The statement emphasized the natural alliance with candidates supported by both allied parties.

The statement also noted that an agreement was reached regarding the distribution of seats among allied parties. However, the Metn Coordination Committee expressed surprise at the omission of USUP’s name in Baaklini’s article. It criticized the journalist’s portrayal of the Syriac community as a mere token or as an attempt to diminish its role, pointing out that the Syriac community is entitled to three municipal seats based on voter demographics in the Jdeideh-Bouchrieh-Sed municipality.

USUP reiterated its longstanding commitment to facilitating municipal efforts rather than obstructing them. The statement firmly rejected claims made in the article, particularly regarding alleged dissatisfaction within the Kataeb Party over the selection of a Syriac representative within the Lebanese Forces’ share. The statement underscored that the party is a key partner in the forming of the electoral list, a fact repeatedly affirmed by Bakhos in media appearances. 

The Party emphasized that it has never engaged in any form of quota-based politics that would undermine its history. It asserted its rightful place in the democratic process, with representatives on the electoral list chosen by the Coordination Committee to reflect the aspirations of the Party’s supportive base. 

The statement concluded by reaffirming the USUP’s equal alliance with both the Kataeb Party and Lebanese Forces Party, rejecting any claims to the contrary. It called for the correction of inaccuracies in the article and the publication of this clarification in an appropriate manner.