Jumblat Lauds Release of Maalula Nuns, Urges Security Agencies to Put an End to Abductions

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Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat praised on Monday the release of the Maalula nuns, hoping that security agencies will put an end to abductions in Lebanon.

He said in his weekly editorial in the PSP-affiliated al-Anbaa website: “All security agencies should be on alert to end the phenomenon of kidnappings in Lebanon.”

“They should arrest the kidnapping gangs that are growing in numbers given the lax security measures in various regions,” he remarked, while hailing the release over the weekend of Michel al-Saqr, 10, who was kidnapped in the Bekaa.

Moreover, the MP said that abductions hamper freedom in Lebanon and tarnish the state's credibility.

“They widen the deep gap between the state and the people who are seeking stability,” continued Jumblat.

“Numerous instances have proven that the state can achieve several political, economic, and security accomplishments if it takes a decisive stand to do so,” he noted.

A group of nuns abducted from the Syrian town of Maalula in December were released on Sunday evening.

Jumblat wondered why “so few prisoners in Syrian jails were released in exchange for the nuns, knowing that thousands of political prisoners are being detained in Syria.”

The nuns, from both Syria and Lebanon, were kidnapped from a convent in Maalula in Syria in December, as regime and rebel forces battled for control in the surrounding Qalamoun region.

They were moved to Yabrud, a rebel stronghold that has become the last opposition holdout in the Qalamun region and now at the center of a fierce regime campaign.

They were released in exchange for 152 prisoners held in Syria.

Comments 15
Thumb -phoenix1 10 March 2014, 14:58

Jombie needed this to have his voice heard. Actually it as quite a while we haven't heard of him, but thanks all the same Jombie for saying things correctly,...when you can.

Default-user-icon hanoun (Guest) 10 March 2014, 15:02

its time mr joumblat to apologies from jins el 3atel

Thumb bashir 10 March 2014, 15:59

It's nice that when something happens in the world, a reporter goes to visit Walid on his couch and ask what he thinks about it.

Missing helicopter 10 March 2014, 17:06

I hope you are not showing admiration for that. I would rather support someone with Principles over someone who shifts with the wind aiming for narrow privileges over the well being of the State. This is one reason why Suleiman is my man.

Missing helicopter 10 March 2014, 17:38

Your counter argument has a negative concavity (it does not hold water)

Thumb Bandoul 10 March 2014, 17:35

It makes perfect sense to me that those who support terrorism and blindly praise and sympathize with those who killed 241 peace keeping US service men in their barracks, would also say that someone like Jumblat, a civil war era warlord an ruthless kingpin with blood on his hands is 100 times a better man than the much respected and 100% clean president Suleiman. Ya 3aieb el shoum, ma ba2a fi 7aya w'2akhle2, disgusting indoctrinated sectarian haters.

Missing helicopter 10 March 2014, 17:41

Bandoul, you said it very well. Lebanon is in the mess it is in because the popular support is for those who yell from the podium, wagging their fingers in the air, foxy and shifty (called "Shater" in our dictionary).
Anyways, your post captured it all.

Thumb Bandoul 10 March 2014, 17:48

@helicopter, we should make a pact to completely ignore and never engage with certain people on this forum who post their hate non-stop for the sake of being hurtful and crass, day in and day out. Let them talk to themselves from no on.

Missing helicopter 10 March 2014, 19:01

Deal. Focus on thoughtful posts with meaningful content.

Thumb Bandoul 10 March 2014, 17:44

It seems I touched a nerve...I feel sorry for people who are so indoctrinated they cannot deal with reality but rather prefer to spend their time attacking the character of a man who has never done anything to harm them one way or another...sectarian haters will hate for the sake of hating. I pity those folks, a mind is a terrible thing to waste but time should never be wasted on indoctrinated minds.

Thumb Bandoul 10 March 2014, 17:52

Incorrect, those who support terrorism and those who do not denounce it are indoctrinated minds. Those who disagree with you and your like are called by you and your like, takfiris, traitors and zionists.

Thumb Lebanon4life 10 March 2014, 19:07

Hey guys how are you? I am quite new on this site but signed in order to really undestand what's going on in Lebanon !! I am only half lebanese but still very affected by what is going on in Lebanon I hope you don't mind me beeing here !! so here is my first question to you guys do you think that longterm peace it Lebanon will be possible one day ?

Missing helicopter 10 March 2014, 21:06

While I appreciate and understand keepr's comment, I would like to say to you (L4L) that you might be one of the truly neutral minds that could contribute positively to this forum. While some of us have subconscious leanings, you are not weighed down with any baggage and will be able to see things from a unique perspective. Welcome to the forum and do not despair, Lebanon needs all its sons and daughters..... I look forward to your opinions.

Missing cedars 11 March 2014, 05:15

Welcome but you posted under the wrong picture as a first timer because it took this man 30 yrs to declare the true killers of his dad. Which is the Syrian regime. That would be lesson #1 as his dad was a true Lebanese that earned the respect of all religions and politicians.
Now in terms of peace, it is a long American movie and we are still in the first episode. So hang tight.

Thumb Lebanon4life 11 March 2014, 15:39

I am sorry but I took the photo of a landscape this isn't related to the Jumblatt family at all !!