"Syria strongly condemns the decision of the UK government to include Hezbollah in the list of ‘terrorist organizations’ […] This decision confirms the UK historical hostility against the Arab world", the ministry said, as quoted by the Syrian state television.
The ministry noted that London itself, meanwhile, harbored a number of groups with radical views.
READ MORE: UK Diplomats to Be Affected by Move to Ban Hezbollah Most — War Correspondent
On Monday, UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced that he was submitting to parliament a government bill completely banning Hezbollah's political and military wings and criminalizing the membership of the movement with a punishment of up to 10 years in prison.
Meanwhile, the US Department of State welcomed Friday the UK bill on criminalizing the movement.
The UK officially banned entirety of Iran-sponsored terrorist group Hizballah. We applaud this important step. As UK’s Home Sec said, there is no distinction between Hizballah’s military & political wing. We call on other countries to follow the UK lead.
— Department of State (@StateDept) 1 марта 2019 г.
https://t.co/q70vLJX3vH
The Iran-backed Hezbollah, established in the 1980s, is a paramilitary and political organization originating in Lebanon's Shiite population. The group initially aimed to end Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon. Hezbollah's military wing is also currently active in Syria, where it is fighting on behalf of the government of President Bashar Assad.
The movement’s political wing, meanwhile, is actively involved in the political process in Lebanon, with its representatives having secured a few seats in the newly-established cabinet, which was formed in January.
READ MORE: IDF Combat Readiness Questioned by Alleged Hezbollah Propaganda Signs
