Suleiman Thanks Qatar for its Role in Release of Syria Nuns
President Michel Suleiman thanked on Monday Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, for Doha's role in the release in Syria of more than a dozen Greek Orthodox nuns.
A Baabda Palace statement said that during phone conversations, Suleiman also thanked the Syrian government and other parties involved in the release of the nuns in exchange for Syrian authorities setting free dozens of female prisoners.
The release of the nuns and their helpers, 16 women in all, is a rare successful prisoner exchange deal between Syrian government authorities and the rebels seeking to overthrow the rule of President Bashar Assad.
Syrian rebels, including members of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, seized them from the Mar Takla convent when fighters overran the Christian village of Maalula, north of Damascus, in December.
The presidential statement said Suleiman rejected kidnappings under any excuse and stressed during meetings with army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji, General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim and Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Basbous the importance of following up the cases of two bishops and a journalist kidnapped in Syria.
Bishops Youhanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi were kidnapped in April 2013 in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo while they were on a humanitarian work.
Sky News Arabia cameraman Samir Kassab went missing in Syria in October last year.
On the recent abductions carried out in Lebanon, Suleiman said it was important for security and military agencies to coordinate the arrest of the gangs involved in kidnappings.
Approximately 150 female prisoners are to be released in exchange for the nuns' freedom, Abbas Ibrahim, who oversaw the deal, said Monday.
Suleiman lauded his role in reaching a happy ending in the case of the nuns.
Their release also drew widespread attention by political and religious leaders in the country.
Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Tammam Salam, Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi and Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani were among the officials who congratulate the nuns on their release.
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