March 14 to Announce Measures in Abdul Wahed Case after Pope's Visit

The March 14 General Secretariat held an extraordinary meeting on Saturday to condemn the “unjust” release of three officers linked to the death of Sheikh Ahmed Abdul Wahed in May.

It said in a statement: “The timing of their release is suspicious and we will respond to it after Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Lebanon.”

The meeting was attended by a number of March 14 MPs and officials from Akkar, including relatives of the late cleric who was killed, along with his companion Sheikh Mohammed Merheb, at an army checkpoint in the northern region of Kweikhat.

The statement noted that the decision is aimed at destabilizing Lebanon “in an attempt to spread strife to it” from Syria.

“The March 14 forces have exerted all efforts possible to contain the repercussions of the release of the officers and they will maintain them at an unwavering pace,” it said.

It therefore announced that it will take the “appropriate political and popular measures” to confront the decision after the Pope's visit.

The Pope is set to arrive in Lebanon on September 14 on a three-day visit.

The March 14 forces revealed that it will hold another extraordinary meeting on September 20.

The gatherers vowed to follow up on the case and hold all political, military, and judicial powers involved accountable for their action.

Three Lebanese army officers, who were arrested over the shooting of Abdul Wahed and his companion in May, were released on bail.

The National News Agency said Friday the Military Court of Cassation's head, Judge Elias Nayfeh, ordered the release of the officers on LL300,000 bail each.

Military examining magistrate Judge Riyad Abu Ghida issued arrest warrants against the three officers in July almost a week after their release along with eight soldiers.