The Daily Star
BEIRUT: The ambassadors of the United Nations and the European Union issued an extraordinary joint plea Monday for release of the seven Estonian tourists kidnapped in Lebanon in March, warning that their detention could ruin Lebanon’s international reputation.
The head of the Delegation of the EU, Angelina Eichhorst, and U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Michael Williams, made the combined appeal to mark exactly two months since the men were abducted at gunpoint by unknown assailants in the Bekaa Valley.
“These bicyclists came to Lebanon as tourists, with no ill intent. No purpose whatsoever is served by their continued detention,” the diplomats said. “This criminal act is a reminder of a dark part of Lebanon’s history, which could threaten Lebanon’s standing in the international community.”
A statement released by the envoys’ offices said that the EU and the U.N. had been “closely” following the search by Lebanese authorities for the seven men, “whose abduction and continued detention is a violation of the most basic human rights.”
While Lebanese authorities say they have no information on where the seven tourists are being held, Friday saw the release of a second video, purportedly filmed by the kidnappers, in which the men appealed for their safe release and accused the Estonian government of giving up on the search.
Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said last week that Tallinn’s efforts to free its nationals were extensive and ongoing.
Security forces were initially confident that the kidnappers could be apprehended, following a spate of arrests and the uncovering of the vehicle believed to have been used in the abduction, but sources say that it is not known whether the men are being held in Lebanon or Syria. Estonia has said it is in contact with Damascus and a host of other Arab administrations concerning the men’s detention.
Kidnappings of foreigners remain rare in Lebanon and March’s attack was one of the most serious of its kind since the Civil War, in which dozens of foreign officials and journalists were abducted by a variety of groups.
Williams and Eichhorst paid tribute to the efforts already made by the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces in their ongoing campaign to free the seven Estonians.
“We commend the Lebanese authorities for the steps they have undertaken but emphasize that no effort must be spared to bring these men safely back to their country and to their families. We hope this issue will be resolved very soon,” they said.
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