Mustaqbal Slams 'Scandalous' Release of Suspects Linked to Turkish Pilots' Abduction

The Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc slammed on Tuesday the release of suspects linked to the case of the abduction of two Turkish pilots, saying that this “scandal” helps enforce lawlessness in Lebanon.

It said in a statement after its weekly meeting: “The state, starting with President Michel Suleiman and the government, should take a position that would put a stop to the collapse of laws in Lebanon.”

It accused the March 8 forces of pressuring authorities to release the three suspects, noting: “It is a message that encourages lawlessness in Lebanon, which will transform the country into a failed state.”

The bloc therefore asked caretaker Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi to list what measures he took to confront this violation and what role the judiciary plays in monitoring investigations.

Moreover, it wondered how the released pilots were transferred out of Lebanon and through what state authority.

“Who transported them from where they were being held captive? Is it true that some political powers in government were behind their abduction?” it asked.

“This scandal is reminiscent of the kidnapping of foreigners in Lebanon that had taken place in the past,” it continued.

“It is also reminiscent of the scandal that surrounded the death of pilot Samer Hanna” in 2008, said the Mustaqbal bloc.

Addressing the renewal of clashes between the rival neighborhoods of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen in the northern city of Tripoli, the bloc urged the residents to exercise restraint and avoid falling victim to the Syrian regime's trap of creating strife in Lebanon.

It also condemned Syrian President Bashar Assad's remarks on Monday that Jabal Mohsen is part of Syria.

“Th neighborhood is part of Tripoli and its security. The Syrian regime should stop inciting its residents, arming them, and sending them explosives that are being used against fellow residents of Tripoli,” it demanded.

It also hailed President Michel Suleiman's recent remarks on the Baabda Declaration and his affirmation that it helps keep Lebanon away from regional developments.

It therefore demanded that the political and security authorities take tangible steps that protect Tripoli and not just make due with statements on security plans in the city.

Commenting on the release of the nine Lebanese pilgrims that were held in Syria's Aazaz region for over a year, the Mustaqbal bloc congratulated the people on their release, hoping that it will pave the way for efforts to be exerted to ensure the release of all prisoners, especially Lebanese held in Syrian jails.

It condemned however General Security chief Abbas Ibrahim, who played a major role in releasing the Aazaz pilgrims, for holding talks, as part of these efforts, with Syrian security chief Ali Mamlouk, who is wanted by Lebanon for plotting to carry out terrorist attacks in the country.

Three suspects held over their connection to the August abduction of two Turkish pilots were released on bail on Monday.

The two Turkish Airlines pilots – Murat Akpinar and Murat Agca – were freed Saturday as part of a swap deal involving the release of the nine pilgrims and a number of Syrian women prisoners.