The Daily Star - Sleiman calls for release of kidnapped Lebanese, June 1 2012

BEIRUT: President Michel Sleiman urged the Syrian authorities Thursday to release two men kidnapped near the border in Akkar the day before, expressing his worry about the rise in kidnappings and border “violations.”

He said that an investigation should be carried out by both sides to clarify the circumstances surrounding the abduction of Mohammad Merhebi and Mahdi Hamdan, and prevent such incidents in the future.

But only hours after Sleiman’s appeal, a Lebanese shepherd was kidnapped by Syrian forces from the border village of Khirbet Daoud near Arsal, in the Bekaa, and was released late Thursday. Sources said the Syrian Army, which regularly patrols the area near Khirbet Daoud, crossed seven kilometers into Lebanese territory at 1 p.m. and kidnapped the man, who was identified as Yahya Mohammad Fliti, 32. According to locals and Fliti’s relatives, Fliti is a shepherd who often herds his goats in the area where he was kidnapped.

Arsal mayor Ali Hujeiri said the kidnapping was an acts of revenge against the area’s residents, who have hosted scores of Syrian refugees fleeing unrest in their country. “This will cause an increase in tension and things to spiral out of control. We are working on calming the situation to preserve stability on both sides of the border,” Hujeiri said.

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