Introduction to the evening news 30-05-2012

Did anything new come up with the detainees’ case so PM Najib Mikati went to Turkey? There were no statements issued by any party before the Mikati’s departure, whether it was from Mikati himself, Hezbollah, Amal Movement, the detainees’ relatives, the Turkish authorities, or the abductors. Thus, Mikati could be hiding a secret that he refuses to reveal before ending this case, or he could be trying to deploy efforts closely.         

Waiting what the upcoming hours will bring regarding this case, the Syrian crisis is facing more complications and escalation. While it has been reported that the military operations killed 39 people including 15 soldiers, political developments related to the crisis quickly appeared:               

First, the UN Security Council held a session this evening where Annan’s deputy presented a report on the situation in Syria after Houla massacre.        

Second, a meeting will be held on Friday between French President Francois Hollande and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, in an attempt to alter Russia’s stance, according to AFP. Moscow has confirmed that it is too soon to discuss any action against Syria in the Security Council; While France has declared that it will take into consideration every step aiming at ending repression in Syria, including the establishment of safe zones secured by “international force”.           

Third, the head of the US House Intelligence Committee warned against the armament of the Syrian opposition, saying: “I do not think that arming the opposition is the right reply”.        

The start will be with the detainees’ case and LBCI’s exclusive scoop entitled “the truth behind the picture said to be that of a detained”.