Mustaqbal Promises 'Decisive' Measures to Return Abdul Wahed Case on 'Right Path'

The Mustaqbal bloc condemned on Tuesday the release of the three officers linked to the death of Sheikh Ahmed Abdul Wahed in al-Kweikhat in May, vowing that it, along with the March 14 forces, will not remain silent over the issue.

It said in a statement after its weekly meeting: “We will announce decisive measures in this issue after Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Lebanon in order to return the case back on the right course.”

It noted the “suspicious” timing of the release of the officers, which took place on Friday.

Abdul Wahed and his companion Sheikh Mohammed Merheb were killed at an army checkpoint in the northern town of al-Kweikhat in May, sparking outrage in the northern region of Akkar.

More outrage was created after the release of the officers last week, with the March 14 camp announcing that it too will announce measures in the matter after the Pope's three-day visit that begins on Friday.

The Mustaqbal bloc also praised the army's recent efforts to apprehend security violators, including raids on areas in Beirut's southern suburbs where Syrian nationals were being held captives.

The army succeeded in releasing the abductees.

The bloc hoped that the army would maintain its efforts in order to allow the state to impose its authority throughout Lebanon.

Addressing the Pope's visit, it said: “The trip will help emphasize Lebanon as a message of diversity and mutual coexistence among religions.”

“It will emphasize this message against all attempts to target its diversity by totalitarian forces,” it noted.