Naharnet - Army Carries Out Raids in Western Bekaa as Estonian FM Says Little Info on Kidnapped Men - March 29, 2011

The Lebanese army has raided two farms in al-Rawdah and an area close to Jeb Jennine in the Western Bekaa as part of efforts to unveil the fate of seven Estonians kidnapped in the Bekaa valley last week, An Nahar daily said Tuesday.
The newspaper expressed fear that the abduction could be aimed at making a "political blackmail."

Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, who met with top Lebanese officials on Monday, reiterated in remarks published by An Nahar that there was no major information that would unveil the fate of the seven men.

Asked about the alleged involvement of Libya or Palestinian groups in the kidnapping, Paet said: "That's the problem. There are a lot of rumors and unconfirmed reports."

The minister made his comment after attending a meeting with European Union ambassadors and the representatives of NATO countries.

When asked by An Nahar that the Estonian consul in Lebanon had claimed the seven men were still on Lebanese territories, Paet said: "I can't confirm this information and there are no signs if they are here or there."