Rabih Azouki assumes leadership of USUP’s Zahle Coordination Office

ZAHLE, Lebanon — As part of the periodic structural changes implemented for its members and coordinators in various regions of Lebanon, a handover ceremony was held at the Zahle Coordination Office of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) in Lebanon. The event marked the official transition of leadership from outgoing coordinator Joseph Hamzo to incoming coordinator Rabih Azouki, in the presence of USUP President Ibrahim Mrad, Vice President Leila Latti, Secretary of Internal Affairs Joseph Hajjar, and a number of Central Council and Zahle Executive Committee members. 

The ceremony began with the Lebanese national anthem followed by the party anthem. Executive Committee member Rita Kouchounian Amsieh delivered a welcoming speech, stating that the struggle will continue regardless of the circumstances—especially in Zahle—by renewing the party’s commitment to defending the rights of the Syriac people, in all its denominations, and preserving a free and active Christian presence. 

Following her speech, Amsieh invited both the former and new coordinators of Zahle to proceed with the handover. 

In his remarks, Joseph Hamzo expressed his sincere wishes for Rabih Azouki and his team, hoping for success in leading the Coordination Office. He emphasized the importance of continued coordination and service to both the party and the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. 

Rabih Azouki, in turn, expressed his gratitude to Party President Ibrahim Mrad for his trust in appointing him as the new Zahle coordinator. He saluted the party members for their years of effort in defending the Syriac cause and thanked former coordinator Hamzo for his sacrifices and contributions. Azouki affirmed his commitment to continue working with utmost dedication to serve the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. 

The event also included a speech by USUP President Ibrahim Mrad, following the formal delivery of Azouki’s appointment decree. In his address, Mrad stated that this marks a transition from one phase to another. He praised Hamzo and the Zahle coordination team for their victorious and honorable efforts for the party and the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, the latest of which was the victory in the municipal elections. There, the USUP stood as the sole ally of the Lebanese Forces Party, which emerged victorious in Zahle. Mrad also highlighted the sacrifices and martyrs of the Syriac people in defending their sacred land and keeping the cross raised high over it. Mrad emphasized that the struggle goes through many phases, but the commitment to the cause must remain constant, as it is the foundation of continued resistance, regardless of changes in leadership. 

He offered the new coordinator, Azouki, a set of recommendations regarding his new mission, which he described as filled with challenges, difficulties, and ongoing attempts at marginalization and exclusion. Mrad stressed that unity among party and coordination members, along with reliance on Jesus Christ, are the keys to overcoming such obstacles. 

The event concluded with the cutting of a celebratory cake and an honorary dinner for party and coordination members.