Universal Syriac Union Party reaffirms support for Lebanese Armed Forces, stresses need for exclusive state control over arms

BEIRUT — On the occasion of Internal Security Forces Day in Lebanon, the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) issued a statement underscoring its unwavering support for the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) and the Lebanese Army. The party hailed these institutions as the “pillars of legitimate state authority” and “true guardians of national unity and civil peace.”

The statement, released Sunday afternoon, commended the ISF for its commitment to safeguarding public safety, upholding the rule of law, and maintaining stability amid Lebanon’s protracted political and economic turmoil. The USUP emphasized the critical need to provide these institutions with both material and moral support to enable them to carry out their duties effectively in increasingly challenging circumstances.

The statement stressed that true legitimacy in Lebanon hinges on the state’s exclusive control over arms. It warned that the unchecked proliferation of weapons outside state authority poses a severe threat to national sovereignty and social cohesion.

“There can be no legitimacy without the exclusivity of arms in the hands of the Lebanese state,” the USUP stated. It urged the disarmament of Hezbollah and armed Palestinian factions, in line with the Lebanese Constitution and international resolutions. The party argued that such measures would end cycles of instability, prevent foreign interference, and curb the spread of lawlessness.

The statement further cautioned that the existence of multiple sources of military power undermines the unity of the state and erodes Lebanon’s credibility on the global stage. “A strong nation cannot emerge if decisions on peace and security are made by more than one authority,” it asserted.

The USUP called on the Lebanese government to reaffirm its role as the sole protector of all its citizens, transcending sectarian and political divides. Achieving this vision, the party said, necessitates a renewed commitment to strengthening state institutions and fully activating their constitutional roles.

In closing, the USUP reiterated its full support for the ISF and the Lebanese Army. It emphasized that Lebanon can only reclaim its image as a sovereign and respected nation by adhering to the principle of “one state, one institution, one weapon.”

The statement comes amid growing domestic and international concerns over Lebanon’s fragmented security landscape, characterized by the unchecked activities of armed non-state actors. Known for its steadfast advocacy of sovereignty and constitutional order, the USUP seized the occasion to reaffirm its position on the centrality of state institutions in guiding Lebanon toward recovery and stability.